Rumbling Brakes

[Waratah]

Hi,
Just picked up my CLK W209 a couple o days ago and I am experiencing brake rumble as the car comes to a halt, dealer suggests its where the car has been standing for a few weeks, i'm not so sure, they have told me it will get better between 500-1000 miles!

Any on e had the same experience or knows of any problem?

 

[mattc]

No experience of that with a 209 but do register the complaint in writing with them whilst noting their advice aout the 500-1000 miles. if things have not improved you can go back to them and say fix it nicely having already covered your asre.

 

[wemorgan]

When I've had surface rust on my brakes they tended to make more of the squeal noise than a rubble.

If you see some rust on the brake discs, try some heavy braking to remove it. (checking rear mirror first)

With a rubble, I'd associate that more with warped discs or the pads not seated in the calipers correctly.

 

[GordonTarling]

Unless it's very bad, it won't be rust causing the problem. I suspect it's warped discs and I very much doubt you'll get the dealer to pay for it, as brakes are a 'consumable' item.

 

[whitenemesis]

If the car has cross-drilled vented discs these can tend to rumble a bit.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Must remember this post....

Very informative!

 

[prc]

Sort of agree, but a warped disc would also transmit some vibration to steering wheel which was not mentioned.

Paulo

 

[Waratah]

If the car has cross-drilled vented discs these can tend to rumble a bit.

The fronts certainly have vented discs, similar to my Bike. There is no vibration through the steering wheel and the car does not pull to one side or the other!

It's just a rumble when slowing from medium - high speed that increases as the car slows.

I've driven a manual for the last 6 years and i am used to a bit more engine braking than an Auto gives, maybe its just me getting used to the difference!

W

 

[whitenemesis]

My car has the cross-drilled Sports Pack brakes and they do rumble a bit.

If you aren't experiencing any of the other symptoms posted here then I would say it's just characteristic of the disc

 

[Dodge]

You can get some surface rust build up on discs if left standing a while, however i would expect this to be cleared within 20mins / half hour or so of driving.

I fitted drilled / grooved discs on a previous car which I wouldnt say rumbled at all, even after heavy use.

The most likely cause is a slight warp to the disc, this would cause rumbling and if more severe vibration of the steering wheel.

 

[lynall]

Check your front wheel bearings as they are adjustable old style, when corect they have just a knatts tadgers worth of play.



Lynall

 

[Waratah]

Front Brake discs and pads replaced today - all cured.
Thanks to the guys at TEC Automotive - Gravesend

Turns out to be a common problem when vehicles have been left to stand for a little while. The discs corrode slightly, usually wears off in time but mine didnt.

 

[Waratah]

Well,


1,000 miles later with new front discs and pads fitted and WHAT.


Same problem

Any ideas

 

[Dieselman]

It's probably the rears...

 

[bolide]

Did you fit MB parts or aftermarket?

Nick Froome

 

[ingin]

I have a '06 W209 CLK and have the same noise. I put it down to the drilled/ventilated front disks. My car has done 49k kms

 

[Waratah]

Update; Car has gone back to TEC who have put it on two rolling roads - looks like the front discs only replaced 4 weeks ago have warped.
Ive now got to take it to my main MB dealer who will investigate the problem as the discs and pads are covered under warranty.

A little worrying seeing that they were only replaced 4 weeks ago!!!

 

[lynall]

Mb will say discs fitted incorrectly, either dirt left on the hub mating surface or copaslip used on surfaces or surfaces not clean enough.



Lynall

 

[sspeed]

My boss has a Skoda Octavia and he has had three sets of Pads and discs in a very short space of time due to the discs warping..
My previous car was a VW Golf Mk V and I never had any trouble with the discs warping.. I mention this because VW and Skoda are supposed to be the same on Parts..
I have fitted non original parts for brakes in the past but I always use high quality stuff and NOT the "economy" brands..
Pads... I rate EBC very highly and they definately make less dust.

 

[Dieselman]

Update; Car has gone back to TEC who have put it on two rolling roads - looks like the front discs only replaced 4 weeks ago have warped.

My boss has a Skoda Octavia and he has had three sets of Pads and discs in a very short space of time due to the discs warping..

I'll bet none of these disks are actually warped, more likely they have uneven friction material deposits which can be scrubbed off.

There are only two ways to warp disks.
1. Cane the nuts off the brakes then sit with the brake on hard, or
2. get the disks very hot then douse with water.

Warped disks will be felt through the pedal as opposed to making noise, due to the disk pushing the pads back.