My cars brakes are going kind of crazy and making some odd sounds. What could it be?

Question

Ok so I have a 2002 Mercedes C-230 Kompressor and I've replaced either the brakes or the brake pads (don't remember which ones) like 2 or 3 times already in the past 3 years. Now, when I hit the brakes they squeel obviously needing something, but when I'm going down hill it's almost like my car doesn't get traction. Like it kind of hops if I hit my brakes going to stop. And it makes this noise almost like it's shifting. It's hard to describe. Like rocks rattling around in a plastic box for a second. And i'm pretty sure it needs a front end alignment because it pulls to the right a lot. It's really strange. I'm wondering if the u-joints are going bad or if I just need an alignment or something... any ideas?

Thanks!

Answer 1

if you were turning it might be the diff and not the brakes

it could be the back plate behide the brakes i sugest the aliment maybe suspension also that could effect it

Answer 2

Who replaced these brake pads? If they tried to turn your rotors one of these times, they may have done it wrong and you now have a high spot on one or both of your rotors. This will cause that hopping feeling.

As for the rock sound and the traction problem some of this may due to poor installation of the pads. Also it sounds like your brake booster will need checking.

If the system has ABS it may need even more attention.

Answer 3

Sounds like a caliper wasn't properly installed, or possibly a front hub that's not properly adjusted on the bearing.  

When it comes to brakes, always get it into a shop as soon as possible.

Answer 4

Besides what the first answerer said - whether it's the brakes, tires, alignment -when you do take it to the shop - make them show you what they are fixing/replacing, etc., and what product they are using -you are paying good money to keep your vehicle properly maintained - for a Mrecedes you should have Mercedes manufactured products ONLY and they shouldn't be wearing out that fast. There was a consumer report on NBC's TODAY show a couple of weeks ago about this and how most consumer's get scammed at repair shops, etc.