Brakes and Aerial

[Lowdonvfr]

Hi,

I have recently bought a Roadster and I have a few questions

1, Brakes
Are the brakes generally a bit squishy, I've just had EBC disks and pads fitted along with braided lines and hi spec fluid and although they are better there still Not what I would call good.
The technician who did the work on the brakes mentioned something about having to take it to SMART to have the ABS pump bled, not sure what he meant by this does anyone know?
Also can anyone recommend a good supplier for a pair of new front callipers, mine work but look really roppey so a change is in order.

2, Aerial
Can anyone tell me either, how to raiser the electric aerial with out the feed from the stereo unit - as the one I have just installed does not have that facility - Doh
or how to remove the aerial from the wing to replace it - I've had a look and short of a lot of stripping down there does not seem to be an easy way to get it out

Thanks

Col

[Mr T]

Hi &to Maniacs.

I personally find the brakes very good with a little bit of spongyness, Maybe you need to let your new brakes bed in a bit. Yes you do have to have the ABS pump bled if renewing the fluid. Somewhere with a Star machine should be able to perform this task. Depending where you are located, there are a few Smart specialists around, which normally cost less than the main dealer. If you're near London, I'd personally recommend Rob at S2Smarts in Watford.

Your second question about the aerial, I didn't think Roadsters had electric aerials? I thought all Smarts had the rubber stubby aerial which just screws onto the base, but I don't have a Roadster so really can't be sure.

[Big Performance]

As you are on the toon, I would suggest using Mercedes to bleed your brakes or a GOOD brake specialist near you
You can buy new calipers from EBC on an exchange basis

[Lowdonvfr]

Thanks Guys

Will contact my SMART / Merc dealer to get the ABS pump bled.

Re the aerial I'd appreciate any advice on removal as what ever type is in is definitely banjo'd

Col

[Kapt. Q]

Ariel simply screws in, however they also frequently snap leaving the threaded part in the mount. The mount is cheap from the dealer.

Cheers!

[madDan]

Are they spongy or are you mistaking the long travel on soft braking, find somewhere safe and hit the brakes as if you were doing an emergency stop, are they still spongy?

[Lowdonvfr]

They will stop it but the pedal is about a inch off the carpet before I get any real retardation.

its booked in with a local independant Merc specialist, to get them checked out, peace of mind and all that before I do any long journeys in it

[Rodzter]

As MadDan has said, when you quickly stamp on the brakes (don't progressively apply them) & the pedal should firm up; Long pedal travel was a (supposed safety) "feature" of Mercs (& thus Smarts) of the time. Although my Roadie had an even longer travel pedal when I bought it (stored for 1-3yrs) & after a proper brake fluid (incl ABS pump) bleed/refresh + new discs & pads things got better. Strangely, mis-adjusting the brake (light) switch had the biggest effect on (shortening) pedal pedal travel.