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I have a 2007 C230 W203 V6 Sedan and the hub caps on the two front tires blacken, see screenshot below. Does anyone know why this happens and how to fix it ? It is a problem with the brakes ?
Brake dust. The OEM pads dust like crazy. Also the front wheels dust a lot more than the rears.
They say the aftermarket ones dust less. Personally I found they still dusted. If anyone knows a good brand that doesn't dust (or at least makes grey dust instead of black) please mention it here. Slowly trying different brands with each replacement.
So it is just dust. Well that is not good to hear. Yes, why does the front wheels dust more than the back ?
That is the first time I heard an aftermarket item is better than an OEM part. I'm not surprised they still dust too. Yes it will be great if someone knows a brand that hardly dusts, or brown and not black. What item do I look for, is it brake pads and is this a major problem ?
On every car the front brakes are larger than the rear brakes. Larger pads, more dust.
When shopping for pads, the colour of the pads on the websites are often not the same as what’s inside, since most pads have work sort of exterior coating.
Brake pads don’t age. A new set of pads with the same composition will dust just as much.
The only way to reduce is to try a pad with a different chemical composition. Personally I found the OEM dusted the most. I tried EBC brakes (red stuff) dusted a bit less but seemed to wear out faster. Trying a set of Bosch QuietCast for the next set.
Well that is good to know. I see, what composition do the OEM brake pads use then ?
Yes I have no clue what chemical composition the OEM brake pads use, but hope to find out. Yes it really looks that way so far. I'm not sure what brakes pads are used on it now as may not even be the OEM one too. Which mechanic has the Bosch QuietCast so I can ask for that ?
No idea what the OEM pads use, but they are known for dusting and turning wheels black.
Pads can be purchased either at your local auto parts shop/supplier, or online. I have no idea where you're located - you might want to put your location in your profile.
In USA, there are sites such as RM European, FCP Euro, or AutohausAZ.
I see it must be not be good anyways, so do I assume my brake pads are the OEMs as the hub caps are very black ?
Yes, plenty of local auto parts shop/supplier for me to look at, but do you recommend any ? I'm in USA, and in Southern California, or LA to be more exact.
Sure I will add that in my profile soon.
Sounds good, I will take a look at these websites and find what kind of brake pads they offer
Most likely the brake pads are OEM. Most laypeople don't shop around for parts. They go to the dealership by default.
The pads will have an MB logo on them if they haven't rubbed off. But you won't really be able to see unless they're not on the car.
FYI I have no idea if the Bosch pads are any good. I'm just trying random brands to see which ones dust less. Except I only get to try another set every few years.
Your best bet is to ask any enthusiast friends who regularly go through brakes, such as people who do track racing or autocross.
Yes that is my best guess as well. Brake pads are not easy to install. I go to a Benz mechanic very close to me.
Nice most OEM Benz parts have the 'MB' logo on them but it may be rubbed off. True and I do not have any that are off of a car.
That's fine, I'm sure you will try them soon enough. That is a good idea but I just go by whatever the mechanic does. It takes that long for brake pads to wear off
I do not know anyone that is into autocross or track racing, is any other way for me to find out more on this ?
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Slowly trying different brands with each replacement.
