Brake Pads

[bpossel]

Hi All!

 :?: What manufacturer brake pads are you using?  I am on my 2nd set, trying to find ones that don't squeak...[:0]  Currently running with "Pagid" and these puppies seem to squeak periodically.  Don't recall what the 1st set was...

Any recommendations on "quiet" pads?

  Thanks!
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Bob,
I used ATE pads when I replaced the front calipers.
Also used the brake paste 001 989 9451. Comes in a sachet enough to do 1 set.

naj

68 280SL

[bpossel]

Thanks Naj.

Doesnt the paste only prevent the pads from "chattering" against the rotor?  My brake squeal comes from metal in the pad material...  So I guess I am looking for pads with less metal?

B.

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by bpossel

Doesnt the paste only prevent the pads from "chattering" against the rotor?  My brake squeal comes from metal in the pad material...  So I guess I am looking for pads with less metal?

On my Gerling calipers, there is a thin metal plate that goes between the brake pad and the piston pushing it.  I coat both sides of this plate with the anti-sqeek, and I coat the pins that the pads and plates slide on.  I can't imagine putting anthing on the functional braking surface, where the pads meet the disk.  Is there such a thing?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[graphic66]

I have found it important to "fit" the pads to the caliper. The metal backing plate on the pads must move freely in the caliper. I have found many sets that need to be filed on the edges to fit smoothly and move freely. The edges are often very rough and don't allow the pads to relax when released because the pads are binding and can cause the squeel. When fitting new pads make sure to test fit them in your caliper and file the edges if you need.

[ja17]

Hello Bob,

Yes, be sure to coat the metal sides and backs of the pads with brake paste. I like graphic66's advice on fitting the pads also. The softer pads are usually quieter but dust more and will not last as long. Harder pads can be noisier, last longer and dust less.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[bpossel]

Thanks Everyone!

So, the pads must "float" in-between the calipers and the rotors.

I do know that when I installed them, they were a very tight fit.

I will remove them this weekend and file and refit so as to make them float.

Thanks again!  Look'n forward to a squeal free ride!

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[mdsalemi]

Bob,

My early memories of the 113 revolve around my uncle's 230SL (wrecked and nearly killed him) and the subsequent 280SL which replaced it (that is what I have and restored); as well as my neighbor's 230 and 280SL's as well.  My neighbor worked for Mercedes' advertising agency and thus had these cars regularly.

Now remember this is going back a long time--1964-1969.  The cars were original drivers.  If there is anything I remember about them, is that they all had brakes that squealed.  A very distinctive squeal and that's how one knew the SL was slowing down in your vicinity.

Embrace your originality!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[graphic66]

Mercedes models are known for brake squeel, and when I put new brake pads and rotors on my 230SL, sure enough, the squeel. I took them back apart fitted the pads by filing them and put a light coating of anti sieze compound on the edges that touch the caliper. After that the squeel was gone for good.

[Cees Klumper]

Reviving this old thread because it seems to apply to my situation - after enduring a couple of years of 'squeeling' I replaced my 4 front wheel bearings today, thinking that would cure the issue. Also I ran the brake pads metal backing against a wire wheel to clean then up as best as possible, and coated them with copper-based grease before re-fitting: no change, the (front) brakes still squeel exactly like before. So I got to thinking when this started during my 10+ years of ownership and I believe it is when I replaced my front brake pads with new ones. They seem to move freely in the calipers but they do squeel, so perhaps it's the friction material itself. Anyway, I will try one more time to make them a bit looser in the calipers but if that does not work, I will swap the pads themselves out.

[Benz Dr.]

I sometimes file the leading and trailing edges of the brake pad material at about a 45 degree angle. This will prevent brake noise in most cases.

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks for the tip Dan, I will try that as well and will report back here.

[stickandrudderman]

As a professional Mercedes technician for 31 years I have to disagree with some of the information here.
I have never had to modify any brake pads in any way, shape or form and would caution anyone against suggesting that others do so without knowing the competence or experience of that person. Brakes are critical to safety and should not be messed around with unless you are absolutely sure that you know what you are doing. Now, I accept that there is generally a high level of competence amongst posters here, but that does not mean that all readers should be encouraged to modify their brakes without ensuring that that advice clearly includes a strong element of caution lest someone goes plastering anti-squeal grease over the friction surface of the pad. Believe me, I've seen it done..
Obviously, if you are a professional or an experienced driver/engineer you are free to choose your own pads as you desire and indeed you may find some alternative set-up that is to your preferance.
I ALWAYS fit genuine Mercedes pads supplied by the dealer. I have tried using pads from the same manufacturer like Pagid or Textar but I can tell from the feel of the brakes if the vehicle is fitted with genuine pads or not and am not prepared to experiment with customers cars or indeed their safety and indeed the pads are not expensive anyway.
If the pad is a tight fit in the caliper it is more likely to be corrosion or contamination on the caliper that is the problem, not the pad itself.
Brake squeal is caused by high frequency vibration and the function of anti-squeal grease is to damp that vibration.
I do not work exclusively on old Mercedes, but have never had a problem with a 113 with sqealing brakes that wasn't cured by normal good practice. I have had a couple of later cars (202 chassis) where I've had to change apparently good discs in order to eliminate brake squeal and it's entirely possible that this may be required on a 113, never say never!
Incidentally, braking performance can be significantly improved on many occasions by replacing old but apparently good discs with new ones., even if there are no visible signs of defect. I learnt this in my race car driving days....

[ja17]

Hello Cees,

The harder pad materials tend to make more noise and wear longer. The softer pad materials tend to be more quite but make more dust and wear sooner. If everything else is  perfect, most  hard pad brands can run quite. The MB pads seem to be a bit on the softer side, dustier and run quiet.