What causes the brake noise in C180L?
2 Answers
c180 brake noise is mainly caused by issues such as excessively hard brake pads, worn-out brake pads leaving only the backing plate, excessive wear on brake discs or drums, rusted brake calipers, stiff parking brake cables, or slow return of the master cylinder. Below are possible scenarios and solutions: 1. If it's a screeching sound, first check if the brake pads are nearly worn out (the wear indicator is making noise). 2. If the pads are new, inspect for any foreign objects caught between the brake disc and pads. 3. If it's a dull sound, it's often an issue with the brake caliper, such as worn sliding pins or detached spring plates. 4. If it's a hissing sound, multiple problems could exist—the caliper, brake disc, or pads may be at fault. If the noise is continuous, first check for brake drag, as poor caliper retraction can cause prolonged friction between the disc and pads, leading to noise under certain conditions. Also, inspect for debris between the pads and disc. If the pads are new, check if the brake disc has grooves, as localized friction can cause noise. If the disc is fine, consider whether the brake pads are too hard or if the noise-reducing shims were installed incorrectly.
I just talked to a friend about this issue, and brake noise in the C180L is actually quite common. The most frequent cause is brake pads that are too thin, where the metal backing plate starts rubbing and creates noise. Alternatively, the brake discs might have grooves or uneven wear, leading to squeaking sounds when moving. Environmental factors should also be considered—for example, driving in rainy or humid conditions can cause rust to form on the brake discs, resulting in some noise when you first apply the brakes, though it usually goes away after driving for a while. If you don’t get it checked promptly, braking performance may degrade, which could be dangerous in emergencies where the car fails to stop in time. I recommend first testing the braking force in a safe manner. If everything seems fine, it’s still best to take it to a specialized repair shop. For Mercedes models like this, the components are highly precise, and DIY attempts can easily lead to mistakes. Also, remember to check the brake pad thickness during regular maintenance—replacing them early can save a lot of trouble.
