SL 55 AMG - Awful Brakes - any ideas ?

[TimNaughton]

I have a 2004 SL 55 AMG and the brakes are spongy and frightening at speed. The pedal travels a long way before anything happens and i am told this normal ?
Has anyone found some upgrade brakes that can solve this problem or any ideas greatly appreciated ?

 

[Chris Murray]

What are you used to driving and comparing it to?

 

[Swozza]

I would have thought the first thing you need to do is go get them checked out and fast before you have an accident.

 

[Will]

Not a usual criticism that I'm aware of (brakes on an SL55!)

I'd get them inspected ASAP by a competent MB specialist or MB themselves if not.

Will

 

[GordonTarling]

I honestly don't think what you're describing can be 'normal'! Might be worth getting an indy to replace the flex hoses with the braided type and bleeding the system - ought to offer some improvement. Otherwise, there's maybe a fault somewhere that's causing the spongyness that needs proper investigation.

 

[Will]

Could be a number of things - eg runout in the discs or loose wheel bearings pushing the pads away from contact but it clearly needs looking at!

Will

 

[petermansell]

Long break travel doesn't sound normal - in fact the brakes on AMGs are one of their stongest points so yes - do get them checked eg it could just need new brake fluid,

 

[TimNaughton]

Last car M3 , amazing brakes - and even my GT golf has much sharper & better brakes than this . Had them checked at main dealer last week, he says they are worn but operating normally. Obvously I need to change them so just thought I would try and get some advice about upgrades before doing so ? I am told by a performance dealer that this spongy feel on the SL 55's is a problem - thus the HUGE disk upgrade in 2002.

 

[TimNaughton]

Thanks - I have heard that Stainless steel hoses can help so I am thinking about changing those too.

 

[petermansell]

Wow - thats interesting Tim. I know your engine is supercharged and mine isn't but am still surpirsied as the only time I have experienced brake fade (ie long brake travel) is on track days.

Do you know hen the brake fluid was last changed? (It should be changed at least every two years to my recollection).

 

[TimNaughton]

yes - done the brake fluid - thinking it was that. Going to get new discs and pads but the discs are so big that only seems Mercedes make them. Thought about buying Yello Stuff pads seem to have good reviews?

 

[petermansell]

I've never tried different pads so can't comment. Good luck though

 

[nigel cross]

Change of fluid, should clear that, as it will bleed it as well, just make sure that all the old fluid is pumped out.

 

[Will]

yes - done the brake fluid - thinking it was that. Going to get new discs and pads but the discs are so big that only seems Mercedes make them. Thought about buying Yello Stuff pads seem to have good reviews?

Can't see how the discs or pads (even if worn?) would cause spongy brakes, unless they're running well out of true.

As you've already replaced the fluid (assuming it was done properly ) I'd check the hoses, wheel bearings and what the runout on the discs is to start with.

My guess is loose wheel bearings or discs that are out of true (it's a blind guess though )

Will

 

[Sp!ke]

The SL55 has brake assist does in not?

If so, then my experience of vehicles with brake assist is that the brake pedal does seem to have a longer than normal travel (unless you stamp on it). It takes a bit of getting used to but the brakes do work well.

 

[TimNaughton]

Thanks to Will and everyone for their thoughts - Will investigate Brake Assist - as not sure what that is? Also will ask the garage to check to check bearings when changing the discs.

 

[Will]

Have you priced up front discs yet? For an SL55 I would recommend sitting down first

If they're not worn, you might consider looking at this thread :-

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres/84372-brake-disc-skimming.html?

Will

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Have you priced up front discs yet? For an SL55 I would recommend sitting down first

I hear that SL55 and ML55 discs were one of the reasons that Service Plus was withdrawn for AMG models. The whole scheme was withdrawn shortly after.

 

[stats007]

Who changed the fluid? It's not as simple as on other cars.

Wouldn't go near EBC pads personally - try Porterhouse, Pagid Orange (Grey if you want ceramics) or Mintex C-Tech.

 

[C240Sport97]

SL 55 has SBC (sensonic brake control) which means that brake fluid changes are complex and unlike brake fluid changes on other cars