It's not a dramatic as that. Ive been having troubles lately with my front driver side brake. It is seeming to be locking up. I took the pads out and they seem to be wearing unevenly. I changed that pads and that seemed to remedy that for a couple of days. Until yesterday when my front driver side brake locked up on me, started to smoke and all that. Any insight? Any advice is appreciated. I got advice from a coworker saying the caliper wasnt machined correctly. Please reply asap. I need my car for school.

 

What model and year are you talking about?

 

1986 190e 2.3l

 

Did you examine the rotor? Is it also wearing unevenly? When was the last time you either replaced the rotors or 'turned' them? MB rotors can usually be turned once then need to be replaced. In other words, for every two sets of front pads, 1 set new rotors.

Bob

 

The rotors are brand new. They do not seem to be wearing too bad. They are less than 5 months old. The whole entire brake system is new. From lines to calipers, all new.

 

Age/model?

I would suggest you have a seized caliper piston.
Likely you need a new caliper.

To check this out (if youy consider yourself competent) you need to push the pads back (taking all normal precautions). I bet you will find that the one pad can't be pushed back.

DO NOT try to repair brakes unless you ARE competent and then recognise the RISKS.

I am concerned since you should never change one pad at a time due to different coefficients of friction etc. Change pads only as a set.

Stuart

 

Thank you, that was my guess too. I just happen to have a couple spare calipers. Long story behind that. I about to go change the calipers. Than you again for your advise. It was very helpful. Hopefully you will be there next time i have troubles.


~David~

 

Take care when working on Brakes and in particular remember to pump the pedal until you have a hard pedal before driving. Falling off a ramp or failing to stop at the first junction after a brake job is a common accident scenario.

Stuart

 

Good advice, I have a 190e myself (1993) and the brakes on
it are getting soft. I found out recently that they are not only
soft, but also "thuding" when making harder stops (ie. down hills).

I know my pads are in need or replacing but apparently my rotors
are in fair condition.

I was thinking about just going all out and getting all 4 replaced
with new pads, rotors and fluids. How much this might cost for
this type of overhaul (or any overhaul to the braking system)?