Very basic advice please, brakes squeaking, W124 200E

[Cleggmeister]

Apologies, I guess this is primary school stuff but brakes are not really my thing.

Braking at slow speeds, for example when manouevering, causes quite a squeal from my brakes. Can't tell which wheel, it may be one or all of them.

How do I sort this out please, with common DIY tools if possible.

Sincere thanks in advance.

Cleggy.

 

[markjay]

The standard reply would be applying a thin layer of brake paste (or copper grease) over the back of the pads (the side that is pushed by the brake cylinder, not the side that comes into contact with the brake discs, obviously...).

And while you are at it also clean the calipper sliders and apply a thin coat of copper grease there as well.

It is important to ensure that no grease comes into contact with the brake discs on the friction-material side of the pads.

Additionaly, a small 45 degrees edge on the front of the pads using a grinder will also help, however it is best to buy good quality pads in the first place that won't need this done.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

^ + 1

As markjay says.
The squealing is actually caused by the pads vibrating against the caliper piston and by applying brake paste or copper grease it acts as a damper and stops the vibrating. Only use the brake specific grease or copper grease though, as normal grease does not stand up to the high temperatures the pads are likely to reach and could melt and get between the friction surfaces.

 

[grober]

Brakes are not my thing-------Mmmmm----If you haven't worked on brakes before I would leave the job to the professionals. Job well within the capability of a small reliable local garage. Chances are a new set of pads and sensors might be a good idea since the labour costs of a grease and clean up are going to be similar to renewing pads - use good OEM stuff textar, ate, pagid or MB if you are feeling flush.

 

[Cleggmeister]

Thanks again all.

I should clarify the "brakes are not my thing" thing. I'm confident with most things, including things I've not done before (e.g. brakes). Having watched a few videos on YouTube of folks doing theirs it seems well within my capabilities and toolset. I'm just wary of the more "critical" facets of the car.

If I mess up a job on the engine it'll not start. If I mess up a job on the brakes it might not stop!

And I think I'll get new sensors and pads while I'm at it, once I've checked that the discs are OK of course.

Will post my results next week.

 

[grober]

If you want to DIY your brakes its often a good idea to have a knowledgeable mate looking over your shoulder the first time just in case. Do wear a good face mask and some disposable gloves- asbestos has gone but inhaling that fine dust should be avoided.
Make sure the car is well supported- that wheel changing jack is not really good enough- a good trolley jack and/ or extra blocks are a good idea.

 

[roastbeef]

I also had this problem on my 190e bought a front set of pads from eurocar parts and they squealed like any thing stripped them out re greased and cleaned still the same replaced the pads with a set from mercedes problem instantly cleared and they were a couple of quid cheaper as well