by Chris Limantour | Aug 19, 2024 | Mercedes Repair
Ever had that moment when the brakes in your Mercedes were not as responsive as you anticipated? You’re not alone. As a Mercedes owner, it is okay to be worried when your brake system is not working well. Your brakes are your safety on the road and even a minor problem with this car component can result in a major accident if not corrected immediately. Let’s look at how to know that your Mercedes has a faulty brake system and what you should do about it.
Warning Indications of a Bad Brake System
- Noises: If you feel vibrations and hear a squeaking noise when you apply the brakes, then it is high time you replace your brake pads. Brake pads produce a squeaking sound when they are worn, so if you hear this sound, you know that they are wearing out. If you decide to ignore this sound, it develops into a grinding sound which is a sign that the brake pads are worn out and the metal of the brakes are touching each other.
- Warning Light: The brake warning light is one of the lights that appear on the dashboard and this simply tells you that there is something wrong with the brakes. This light may turn on due to low brake fluid, worn-out brake pads, or due to an issue with the brake system sensors.
- Soft Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal feels spongy when pressed, this can be a sign that there is an issue with the brake fluid or air in the brake lines. A soft brake pedal is not good because you will not be able to stop your Mercedes as quickly as you would have wished.
Steps to Repair a Defective Brake System
- Check Brake Fluid: The first thing that needs to be done in order to rectify a faulty brake system is to inspect the brake fluid. When the brake fluid gets low, the brake pedal becomes soft and compromises the car’s braking system. To check the brake fluid, you will need to look for the brake fluid container which is usually located under the hood of the car. The reservoir is normally positioned at the rear part of the engine compartment and is usually labeled. Twist off the cap and look at the fluid condition to determine the level. If the fluid is low then you should add the brake fluid that you are supposed to use on your Mercedes. It is important to use the right brake fluid, if one uses the wrong type then the brake system will be negatively affected.
- Inspect Brake Rotors and Pads: Secondly, check the brake pads and the rotors for signs of wear or any form of damage. Brake pads should be replaced when they get to about 3mm or below. If your Mercedes brake pad is below this thickness you have to replace it with a new one. It is also wise to look at the rotors while replacing the brake pads as they may be worn or warped as well. If the rotors are bent or cracked they should be changed or turned to provide the necessary friction between the rotor and brake pad.
- Bleed Brake Lines: If you have a complaint that your brake pedal is spongy, then you could be having air in your brake lines. To get rid of the air, you have to bleed the brake lines. This is done by unscrewing the brake bleeder valves to let out the air.
- Replace Faulty Components: If the brake system has a defect on the brake caliper or brake master cylinder, then it is necessary to remove the defective component and replace it with a new one. Defective brake parts can lead to numerous problems such as poor and inconsistent braking and low braking force. Replacing these components will help to ensure that your brake system is working as it should.
Trust The Professional Mechanics At JCL Automotive With Your Mercedes’ Safety
If you have any issues with the brakes in your Mercedes, then you should not hesitate to visit us at JCL Automotive for brake repair services. Our garage is based in Hellertown, PA and our mechanics have been serving Audi, BMW, and Mercedes drivers in the area since 2005. We can assess your Mercedes’ brakes and repair any problem with your car for maximum safety on the road. Visit us today to book an appointment!
by Chris Limantour | Aug 2, 2024 | Mercedes Repair
Air suspension is an important aspect of the Mercedes S Class that makes it give owners a smooth ride. In contrast to the traditional coil spring suspension system, air suspension makes use of air bellows that are filled with compressed air to provide support and cushion the impact of unstable road surfaces on the vehicle. These airbags are operated by an onboard compressor, sensors, and valves that regulate the air pressure to give the right height.
This advanced system is intended to give you better handling and riding comfort through adjustment of the suspension height and stiffness based on the driving conditions. However, the air suspension system in your Mercedes S-Class can develop some problems over time. It is therefore advisable that you know how to identify signs of a failing air suspension so that you can fix the issues before they get out of hand or become too expensive and to ensure that you are getting the comfort and performance that you need from the car. Here are some symptoms to look at.
What Signs Should You Look For?
- Low or Unbalanced Height: Air suspension failure is characterized by a low or uneven car height, and this is one of the easiest to notice. When the air suspension system is functional, it maintains the car’s height at the right level. If a part of your S-Class seems to be resting lower than the other, or if the front or rear of the car is lower than the rest of it – this is a sign of a faulty air suspension. This may be attributed to a leakage in one of the air springs or a faulty air compressor.
- Air Compressor Running Constantly: The work of the air compressor system is to supply pressurized air to the air below to keep the appropriate ride height. If you find that the air compressor operates more often, or non-stop, then this may indicate that there is leakage in the system. The compressor is working so hard to try and replace the lost air within the system. This not only points to an issue but can also cause the compressor to burn out, which will mean a more expensive fix.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Most contemporary cars, such as the Mercedes S-Class, have sophisticated diagnostic tools that notify you of problems through the symbols on the instrument cluster. If there is an issue with the air suspension, you could get a warning light that resembles an automobile with an arrow pointing up or down. It is advisable to observe the above-mentioned warning lights and get them remedied before they worsen the situation of the suspension system.
- Rough or Uncomfortable Ride: The next advantage of the air suspension system is that it gives a smooth ride to the passengers of the car. If you begin to feel that your Mercedes S-Class is less smooth to drive than it used to be or that you get bounced around more than you used to by bumps and potholes, then it could be that your air suspension is failing.
- Strange Noises: Other signs are audible, and include noises that are considered to be out of the ordinary. If you hear hissing sounds then it could be that there is a leakage of air. On the other hand, when the sound produced is a knocking or a clunking then it might be a sign that the suspension components are worn out. These noises are sometimes more audible especially when driving over a bumpy road or when crossing over a speed hump.
Do not leave all these signs to linger — take your car to a mechanic for repairs.
JCL Automotive Can Be Trusted With Mercedes S-Class Repairs
If you are in search of a reliable auto workshop that would provide you with responsive repair and maintenance services for your Mercedes, then JCL Automotive is the place to be. We operate from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, and we also cater to the neighboring towns as well. If you come across any of the above-mentioned air suspension failure signs in your Mercedes, do not drive on with the faults. Take it to our experts for the best care it deserves. For a continually smooth Mercedes driving experience, please contact us now at 484-851-3390.
