1996 E 320 Brake Issue

Aug 17, 2005 8 Replies
R

I'm having a strange thing happen with the brakes on my E320. I back out of my garage and down my driveway. I ride the brakes lightly as I go down the drive. It's only mildly steep. After about 10 feet I always feel a catch or a bump from the brakes. It feels as if it's happening on the right front brake but it's hard to say.



Anyway, it only seems to occur when backing and braking lightly to control speed. Generally in those instances in which it occurs the vehicle has been sitting in the garage overnight.



Any thoughts? Is it something warped? Is a wear indicator catching when reversing? This is my first Mercedes and I am very ignorant about their particular issues.



RW


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T

It is possible you might have a slightly warped rotor... if it is badly warped, you will feel it under hard braking. I'd suggest a routine inspection to find out if you need any replacement.

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T

I own a '97 and it's ABS brakes always make a "fart" as I back out of the garage in the AM - it occurs after about two or three car lengths. It's "normal" and doesn't affect the brakes.

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C

That's great to know. It sounded like some sort of mechanical failure. Mine does it and I was ready to go get some replacement rotors. (These M-B units cost not much diff than Toyota or Honda units!)

Collin KC8TKA

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S

Speaking of possibly warped rotors, my car shakes at 45km/h (a little) and 90 km/h (noticeable in the steering wheel). I've had an alignment done so I'm thinking either:

1) the alignment shop did a poor job or 2) my rotors are warped.

Suggestions?

Also - if it's > It is possible you might have a slightly warped rotor... if it is

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T

I agree... the tire is not balanced or something is wrong with the tire internally...

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T

Worn bushings can also cause this problem. I had a place tell me ALL of my brakes and rotor/drums needed replacing when it was just worn bushings. As for the driving vibration, it is possible you have a questionable rim. Maybe you should try another set from a salvage yard. That way you only have to mount them once.

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