Dumb question - how to check brake pad life

Hakaze · 09-18-2007

Dan,

I have a dumb question - only thing I've done so far on a car by myself is oil change...

I would like to check the how much life is remaining on my brake pads. How do I do it? How do I know when to change to pads?

I have 2006 SLK55.

**etyu** · 09-18-2007

Normally, when you go in for regular service, they're supposed to check the wear on the brake pads, front and back and give you the information, either in mm left (then you need to know what the minimum specs are in mm) or in percent left.

You can also ask for a brake inspection and this is usually without cost. You can say that the car "seems" to be pulling to one side when you brake.

The brake pad warning light will come on also when you've reached a certain wear limit. The multi-function display on the instrument cluster will also give you a warning display stating "Brake Wear, Visit Workshop".

**SLKman** · 09-18-2007

Good question.

Without going to the dealer...

Is there a way to measure the thickness of the pad and know an estimated amount of ware and life left on it?

SLKman

**DansSlk** · 09-18-2007

We have a little gauge nothing fancy really and I'm sure many places stock them and we place them against the pads.

Then you compare the thickness when fresh and Mercedes recommended minimum to work out the % remaining.

To be honest its a pointless exercise when you have a brake warning but a vital one without it because once you reach the squeal level of the pad just before metal on metal contact the performance is really reduced.

As for knowing when you change them the combi will warn you like Etyu said then you should change them all at the same time.

**SLKman** · 09-18-2007

Just hate that unexpected light.

Would be nice to know I have approx 3000 miles of driving before I am going to have to replace my brake pads.

(based on my percentage used thus far.)

thanks
SLKman

**DansSlk** · 09-18-2007

I see your point mate but you cant really work out an average of the miles remaining because the wear rate depends on so many things.

VitaminT · 09-19-2007

Dan on the same topic is it usually required to change the rotors at the same time on the 55 or do they just check the thickness and keep rocking them out with new pads until they meet the minimum? I suppose you can't "turn" them like you can solid rotors?

Just wondered because I cannot imagine what that is going to cost on my 55 and I would like to be somewhat prepared. On the fronts do they just replace the disk since they are 2pc?

**DansSlk** · 09-19-2007

Well if you where doing the no expense spared option then yeah ideally you would swap the disks also but your not going to have any drama's just swapping pads until the disks wear thin.

The pad's don't cost too much but the disks cost a small fortune.

Could you try the question about the fronts again please mate cheers.

VitaminT · 09-19-2007

Since the front rotors are 2 pieces, outter disk and hat can you just buy the outter "surface" part and not have to purchase the rotor hat?

Basically buy something like this

Otsego · 09-19-2007

My CLS got the squeal sound which i bring it to MB, told them about the squeal and next day they replace the Front Brake pads. Does changing Brake pads on 1 side only is the right thing to do? (FRONT only)

Will this new Front brake pads and the old rear brake pads work together make me CLS not so CLSish?

**DansSlk** · 09-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

Since the front rotors are 2 pieces, outter disk and hat can you just buy the outter "surface" part and not have to purchase the rotor hat?

Basically buy something like this

Ah OK sorry mate.

MB sell as one piece.

**DansSlk** · 09-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otsego

My CLS got the squeal sound which i bring it to MB, told them about the squeal and next day they replace the Front Brake pads. Does changing Brake pads on 1 side only is the right thing to do? (FRONT only)

Will this new Front brake pads and the old rear brake pads work together make me CLS not so CLSish?

No harm in changing the fronts separately from the rear as far as driving dynamics go.

You should really change both sides of the car at the same time however so if they change the off-side's they should also change the near-side's, unless you only have a small amount of miles on the car.

Hakaze · 09-20-2007

Thanks for the info!

For my education, is there way to measure how much brake is remaining if I was just looking at a car to buy (of course with disk brakes)?

Otsego · 09-20-2007

Thanks you Dan

**DansSlk** · 09-21-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hakaze

Thanks for the info!

For my education, is there way to measure how much brake is remaining if I was just looking at a car to buy (of course with disk brakes)?

No not really because the calipers have to come off

09-18-2007	#1 (permalink)
Hakaze SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Vehicle: 2006 SLK55 Posts: 40 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dumb question - how to check brake pad life Dan, I have a dumb question - only thing I've done so far on a car by myself is oil change... I would like to check the how much life is remaining on my brake pads. How do I do it? How do I know when to change to pads? I have 2006 SLK55.

09-18-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,309 Country: Thanks: 384 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Normally, when you go in for regular service, they're supposed to check the wear on the brake pads, front and back and give you the information, either in mm left (then you need to know what the minimum specs are in mm) or in percent left. You can also ask for a brake inspection and this is usually without cost. You can say that the car "seems" to be pulling to one side when you brake. The brake pad warning light will come on also when you've reached a certain wear limit. The multi-function display on the instrument cluster will also give you a warning display stating "Brake Wear, Visit Workshop". __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-18-2007	#3 (permalink)
SLKman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Texas Vehicle: 2000 Copper Designo Sport Posts: 1,063 Country: Thanks: 261 Thanked 73 Times in 35 Posts	Good question. Without going to the dealer... Is there a way to measure the thickness of the pad and know an estimated amount of ware and life left on it? SLKman __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2000 SLK230 copper Designo Sport To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-18-2007	#4 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,799 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 235 Times in 180 Posts	We have a little gauge nothing fancy really and I'm sure many places stock them and we place them against the pads. Then you compare the thickness when fresh and Mercedes recommended minimum to work out the % remaining. To be honest its a pointless exercise when you have a brake warning but a vital one without it because once you reach the squeal level of the pad just before metal on metal contact the performance is really reduced. As for knowing when you change them the combi will warn you like Etyu said then you should change them all at the same time. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-18-2007	#5 (permalink)
SLKman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Texas Vehicle: 2000 Copper Designo Sport Posts: 1,063 Country: Thanks: 261 Thanked 73 Times in 35 Posts	Just hate that unexpected light. Would be nice to know I have approx 3000 miles of driving before I am going to have to replace my brake pads. (based on my percentage used thus far.) thanks SLKman __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2000 SLK230 copper Designo Sport To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-18-2007	#6 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,799 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 235 Times in 180 Posts	I see your point mate but you cant really work out an average of the miles remaining because the wear rate depends on so many things. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-19-2007	#7 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dan on the same topic is it usually required to change the rotors at the same time on the 55 or do they just check the thickness and keep rocking them out with new pads until they meet the minimum? I suppose you can't "turn" them like you can solid rotors? Just wondered because I cannot imagine what that is going to cost on my 55 and I would like to be somewhat prepared. On the fronts do they just replace the disk since they are 2pc?

09-19-2007	#8 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,799 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 235 Times in 180 Posts	Well if you where doing the no expense spared option then yeah ideally you would swap the disks also but your not going to have any drama's just swapping pads until the disks wear thin. The pad's don't cost too much but the disks cost a small fortune. Could you try the question about the fronts again please mate cheers. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-19-2007	#9 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Since the front rotors are 2 pieces, outter disk and hat can you just buy the outter "surface" part and not have to purchase the rotor hat? Basically buy something like this

09-19-2007	#10 (permalink)
Otsego Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Singapore Vehicle: Carlsson SLKRS Other Toys: CLS350, YAMAHA R1, SUBARU LEGACY 2.5GT(sold) Posts: 113 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 23 Times in 14 Posts	My CLS got the squeal sound which i bring it to MB, told them about the squeal and next day they replace the Front Brake pads. Does changing Brake pads on 1 side only is the right thing to do? (FRONT only) Will this new Front brake pads and the old rear brake pads work together make me CLS not so CLSish?

09-20-2007	#13 (permalink)
Hakaze SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Vehicle: 2006 SLK55 Posts: 40 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the info! For my education, is there way to measure how much brake is remaining if I was just looking at a car to buy (of course with disk brakes)?

09-20-2007	#14 (permalink)
Otsego Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Singapore Vehicle: Carlsson SLKRS Other Toys: CLS350, YAMAHA R1, SUBARU LEGACY 2.5GT(sold) Posts: 113 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 23 Times in 14 Posts	Thanks you Dan

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The next dumb question	xpcdoojk	SLK R171 General Discussion	1	08-14-2008 06:03 PM
Dumb SLK Question	KTownAMG	General Discussion	13	06-21-2008 03:03 PM
A dumb question?	gknight8	SLK R171 General Discussion	3	05-17-2008 12:53 AM
Something stuck in my brake pad	richard_leeds	Ask DansSLK	13	01-02-2008 02:08 AM
Do Brake Rotors Have a Short Life??	gmabli	General Discussion	9	10-29-2007 10:28 AM

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links