The braking system is responsible for stopping the vehicle and is one of the most important components of your car. Its correct functioning is vital for you to drive safely, even in extreme situations such as emergency braking that can prevent an accident. For this reason it is important to check the brakes periodically and check the general condition of the system.
Whether it is a new Mercedes or any other used or 0 km vehicle, all cars must undergo a maintenance of the brake system. In this way, it is possible to detect the wear of these parts and if any component has some kind of damage. In Grupo Concesur we perform this type of periodic inspections coinciding with the maintenance work A and B of your Mercedes Benz.
Brake system maintenance: what to check?
The brake system of a modern automobile generally consists of discs, calipers and pads. Its operation is very simple. When the brake pedal is depressed, the pump sends pressure through the brake fluid to the calipers. Inside the calipers, one or more pistons exert force on the pads which, through friction with the discs themselves, allow the vehicle to be braked.
Thus, in a brake overhaul, the condition of these three components must be checked: discs, brake pads and brake fluid. Our technicians are in charge of checking the wear of the discs themselves, as well as their condition, to make sure there are no cracks or ripples. It is also important to check the brake pads. Thus, we can verify that their wear is regular and that they are not crystallizing due to temperature contrasts or lack of use.
The next point to check is the brake fluid. We will check that the level is as indicated by the manufacturer to rule out possible leaks. In addition, with the passage of time and the accumulation of kilometers, this hydraulic fluid loses its properties and the braking capacity of the car may be affected. It is advisable to replace it periodically.
As part of the preventive maintenance of the brake system, we will check that no fluid leaks are detected throughout the circuit. It is also necessary to check the brake hoses of the vehicle's braking system to verify their condition, that there are no cracks or signs of marked wear.
Maintenance of drum brakes
Drum brakes are also subject to maintenance. Although this braking system is becoming less and less common in new cars, many vehicles, especially in smaller segments, are still equipped with them. In this case, the operation is simple. The drum rotates with the wheel. Inside, two brake shoes come into contact with the inner surface of the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. This exerts braking force on the wheels and brings the vehicle to a stop.
The drum has a greater durability than the other components of the braking system, but it is important to check for deformations, cracks, grooves or rust. On the other hand, the brake shoes are the part that suffers the most wear, so they should be checked annually or every 20,000 kilometers to verify their condition. They also have brake fluid (in hydraulic drum brakes), so it is important to check its condition and level at each brake service.
How often do I have my brakes checked?
It is important that you never exhaust the useful life of any of the components that are part of the braking system of your Mercedes. In the brake overhaul we check its general condition and we will recommend the replacement of those parts that are worn or deteriorated. Safety at the wheel comes first, that's why we are especially meticulous with the brakes of a vehicle.
Disc brakes should be serviced every 15,000/20,000 kilometers or once a year, whichever comes first. It is advisable to change the brake pads every 40,000 kilometers, while the front discs should be replaced every 80,000 kilometers or at least every two pad changes.
The rear brake assembly is not subjected to as much stress and consequently wear as the front axle brakes. For this reason, the replacement of brake discs and pads is performed at longer intervals, and will be defined by the wear that our mechanics detect at each brake service.
Regarding the brake fluid, the brake fluid condition and level check is performed every year, coinciding with the Mercedes Benz A or B maintenance. However, it is recommended that the brake fluid be changed every two or 40,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
When it comes to drum brakes, the brake shoes are replaced approximately every 50,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, drums have a considerably longer service life, reaching up to 120,000 kilometers. As part of their maintenance, it is advisable to clean and remove dust and other debris at each brake shoe change.
Symptoms that alert that brakes need maintenance
There are a series of symptoms that warn you that the brake system of your Mercedes needs maintenance. If you detect any of these signs, it will be necessary to visit one of our Official Mercedes Benz Workshops of Grupo Concesur:
- The brake pedal has too much travel: if you find that you need to press the brake pedal too hard to stop the vehicle when braking, the brake pads could be very worn.
- Lack of braking force: step on the brake and the vehicle barely slows down. It is likely that the fluid level is low, there are leaks in the system or air in the circuit.
- Vibrations and tremors in the steering wheel when braking: when braking, you will notice marked vibrations and tremors in the steering wheel. The discs or pads may be deformed or show signs of irregular wear. It may also be because the brake fluid is too hot and air bubbles have been created. In both cases, it is important to have the brake system serviced by a workshop.
- Metal screeching during braking: this is the easiest symptom to detect. When braking you will hear a shrill metallic sound. The pads are worn and either the wear indicator or the brake pad itself is rubbing against the discs.
- When braking, the car swerves to one side: in this case, there may be an anomaly in the brake circuit. For example, there may be air in the system or the brake servo may not be working properly.
- The ABS warning light on the instrument panel comes on: if the light comes on while driving, the brake fluid level may be too low or the anti-lock braking system may be faulty. It is important to have it checked by a workshop.
Brake overhaul price
The price of the brake overhaul varies depending on the repair and/or replacement work to be carried out. It will not be the same to replace the discs as to change and bleed the brake fluid. The same applies if a fault is detected in the ABS or brake servo, or if it is a simple replacement of brake pads.
In Grupo Concesur, we carry out a revision of the brake system of your Mercedes Benz in each periodic maintenance, so it does not have an extra cost. In the case of detecting any anomaly, we inform you of all the details of the repair or replacement to leave the brakes of the car in perfect condition again.
