Goodbye Brake Dust (almost)
11-04-2007, 09:44 PM
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2007 GL 320 CDI, 2005 M3, 2006 A3
Goodbye Brake Dust -- New Brake Pads
Like many others, I tired of cleaning my wheels every couple of days to keep them shiny and silver. Not the first time I've had this problem with a German car.
Finally, an aftermarket brake pad fitment for the GL is available. Got them from the best brake guy around: Dave Zeckhausen (www.zeckhausen.com). They are the Posi-Quiet pad from Centric (http://store.zeckhausen.com/catalog/...th=146_276_277). Total cost is $135 for the pads.
Very pleased with the initial results. Have had them on for about ~350 miles of stop and go, and the wheels have only a thin film of dust--very acceptable. Feel is very close to OEM, especially once they have been bedded properly (see http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm).
Couldn't find a DIY for GL brakes, but once the wheel off noticed they are mechanically similar to BMW brakes. A good DIY can be found at http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_front_brake_pads.shtml for the front pads, and at http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rear_brake_pads.shtml for the rears.
It's a pretty easy installation. A couple of notes for the GL:
Finally, an aftermarket brake pad fitment for the GL is available. Got them from the best brake guy around: Dave Zeckhausen (www.zeckhausen.com). They are the Posi-Quiet pad from Centric (http://store.zeckhausen.com/catalog/...th=146_276_277). Total cost is $135 for the pads.
Very pleased with the initial results. Have had them on for about ~350 miles of stop and go, and the wheels have only a thin film of dust--very acceptable. Feel is very close to OEM, especially once they have been bedded properly (see http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm).
Couldn't find a DIY for GL brakes, but once the wheel off noticed they are mechanically similar to BMW brakes. A good DIY can be found at http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_front_brake_pads.shtml for the front pads, and at http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rear_brake_pads.shtml for the rears.
It's a pretty easy installation. A couple of notes for the GL:
(1) according to my MB dealer, the torque setting for the caliper guide bolts is 20 ft-lb, both front and rear (even though the front has larger bolts).
(2) no need for anti-squeak paste; mine have not made a sound at all
(3) the ABS indicators are both on the passenger side. Unscrew the guide from the caliper to make removal easier. And take your time so as not to break the indicator.
You can use the MB-supplied jack and do this safely one wheel at a time. But do NOT ever get under a car not supported by jack stands. If you are not inclined to do it yourself, one of the chains like NTB or STS will do it for ~$100 per axle.
(2) no need for anti-squeak paste; mine have not made a sound at all
(3) the ABS indicators are both on the passenger side. Unscrew the guide from the caliper to make removal easier. And take your time so as not to break the indicator.
Last edited by stonecliff; 11-05-2007 at 07:30 AM.
11-05-2007, 09:37 AM
#2
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It' VERY easy to find a DIY for GL brakes.
Just buy the W164 service DVD from your dealer or at 800.for.merc
Or, subscribe for a day at http://www.startekinfo.com and download to your heart's delight.
You should assume you've traded braking efficiency and performance for cosmetics.
Just buy the W164 service DVD from your dealer or at 800.for.merc
Or, subscribe for a day at http://www.startekinfo.com and download to your heart's delight.
You should assume you've traded braking efficiency and performance for cosmetics.
11-06-2007, 11:20 AM
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2007 GL 320 CDI, 2005 M3, 2006 A3
In my experience with OEM versus aftermarket pads, and it is possible to find similar favorable tradeoffs. For passenger cars, for example, the Axxis Deluxe pad has been an outstanding performer for small and mid-sized sedans (like my M3). Nearly as good braking performance, with no dust at all. If there had been an Axxis pad for the GL, I would have tried it first given my past positive experience.
There are tradeoffs that don't work so well (I've had those too). But in this case, the tradeoff is a winner. I would be interested in the experiences others have had with changing pads on the GL.
