I also noticed the grinding noise and it is a nuisance. I have 48k on my 2002 and the pads are not even worn halfway. However, i have had a full size cargo van in Ford and 1 ton chevy and talk about soft brakes on the chevy. This Mercedes blows them away. What great confidence i have now when braking (no hang problems).....Got to love this van!

Ps. I wish i could post picture of my modifications but it seems nobody knows how to on this site

@ 32,000 miles my front brakes where shot - had to drive 2.5 hrs to get brake pads for it - $115.00 for the pads and $7+ each for the sensors - had to take the old pad with me to match up - they used more than 1 style of calipers....rotors where $56.00 each

Mr.WVFDX

Where did you get your brake parts from and can you order them?

Is there a good parts supplier for Sprinter?....Anyone?

Pad life is totally dependent on the braking charecteristics of the individual driver. I have seen sprinter brakes last as long as 70,000 miles and as little as 20,000. The average being somewhere around 45-50k. As far as the rotors go, dont worry about letting them get grooved or the pads grinding them down. The rotors must be replaced along with the pads, they are not machineable. And as far as the grinding noises from the brakes - the Germans wont drive a vehicle if the brakes aren't noisey. If they cant hear them, they dont think they are working.

Brakes on the sprinter suck. They usually have a very soft pedal feel and its not uncommone to have to reaplce pads at 20,000 miles. And yes the rotors are very soft. And its a pain in the ass to find the correct parts. They used so many different brake systems and if you look the car up by vin it doesnt tell you. You pretty much have to match shit up.

My 2003 140 SHC 2500 got 50,000 miles at the first brake job. The pads were replaced on both ends, and the front rotors were worn out, with chunks gone from one rotor. In addiion, one of the rear brakes was missing a pad hold-down spring. I now have 100,000 + on that Freightliner and it is time to have another brake job done. I again will order my parts from Upscale Automotive in 503.691.2763 or sprinterstore.com. I had John and his crew replace my rear shock and install the larger sway bar in the rear. Improved the handling immensly. My 2005 158 2500 SHC will also get the suspension upgrade. They have also done other work for me.

fireguy
2003 2500 SHC 140
2005 2500 SHC 158

When buying the brakes for sprinters their are usually 2 basics choices for the pads and 4 for the rotors. Any decent dodge/sprinter dealer should be able to get it correct. The way I can usually tell for the pads is the 2500 vans have the arc shaped ones in the front and the smaller ones in the rear with the ears on both sides. On a 3500 the pads are the same front and rear. The rotors will depend on if its 15 inch wheels or 16 in wheels. If you have any questions you can always contact me with a vin number and i can tell you exactly what you need. As far as brake wear all the ones we see here that have been going in 10-20k miles it had to do with how much weight was loaded in the back.
eric
Jeff Dambrosio dodge
Downingtown, PA
1-800-272-5333

mastachew@verizon.net


Parts available for shipping ups daily
10 % off on parts if you mention you saw it here.

I have a 2004 dodge sprinter 2500 that is just turning 200,000 miles with the original pads and rotors. They are ready to replace any time now but, I cant imagine needing them at 20K. 90 % of my driving is on the highway though. I carry anywhere from 300 to 3500 pounds.