sanjeevh

hi guys, just got the front rotors and brakes installed on my 2013 c300. Has 46k miles.
I replaced them because there was too much dust from the brakes I had before. They worked very well with a good bite.

After replacing the brakes, I have no byte and it takes too long to stop.

Will this improve after I drive 100 miles as my mechanic is saying?

sanjeevh

Any feedback is appreciated.
I would like to return the pads if this is not a usual problem.

Adi-Benz

I think they have a 300 mile break in period

sanjeevh

OK. Thanks Adi-Benz.
I will continue to check

sanjeevh

This is what I found on TireRack.com
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=85

"AKEBONO - 400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period."

edgalang

Odd...my Akebonos work great. Are you saying that you do not have enough braking force to break the front tires loose? You should always be able to trigger the ABS on command.

superangrypenguin

And here I am continuing to urge people to buy OEM parts.

sanjeevh

This morning when I am driving, I see two issues. First, the response time has gotten a tiny bit better after about 100 miles
However, I am now hearing squeaking noise. It stops when I apply brakes but the noise is very noticeable.

I really want to keep these Akebono pads for low dust.
Are there any alternatives?

dol4er

I replaced my OEM rotors and pads 1-2 weeks ago and I had the same issues. I got Bosch rotors and ATE pads. Things got better and better day after day so I think you shouldn't worry too much, it just takes some time.

sanjeevh

Thanks dol4er. I will keep you guys posted.

Adi-Benz

You sound like the dealership LOL

Every time I go aftermarket for something, my goal is to improve performance or some factor, and in this case it's the same, and I get that you have the whole ceramic experience but we've always done ceramics on our jeeps and the brakes take a harder toll on those in general use (ignoring extracurricular enthusiastic activities)

Hence not running on a budget/reducing quality. Zimm/Ake are seen as upgrades in my book...and, that being said, I'll be putting the front ones on in a few hours :] I'll let you guys know my experience as well then.

sanjeevh

OLI77

As others have said, it takes a while to get that initial bite you are used to when you change rotors and pads.
Did you do a proper brake in protocol?

OLI77

As others have said, it takes a while to get that initial bite you are used to when you change rotors and pads.
Did you do a proper brake in protocol?

superangrypenguin

Funny. Brake in.

Adi-Benz

'11W204

While "ceramic" pads produce little to no brake dust, they certainly have a different co-efficient of friction compared to more traditional formulations. Personally, I've removed the OE ceramic pads from all our vehicles. I dis-like them that much when it comes to braking in a normal driving environment.

OLI77

I believe the word I should have used is bed in.

sanjeevh

so after 2 days of horror - flooring the pedal with no stopping and noise, here is what happened
I took it back to the mechanic and he said he just switch the rotors from left to right
Alas!! now everything works. Feels like everything is bedded-in and no noise

I was not around when he was fixing this. Not sure if I should believe that just switching the sides made the difference.

Alfadude

Hmmmmmm......that sounds pretty sketchy to me. Not sure how that could make a difference. Did you have the brake fluid changed as well? If so, maybe the system wasn't bled properly and now he bled it correctly. Whatver it was, you are bad in business.

Adi-Benz

Yea I agree with this statement ^ seems a bit sketch, I don't see how swapping pads would be different. Kidney bean brake pads but I don't think they're directional...

But if it's fixed, that's all that matters. Don't do him anymore business lol.

edgalang

Definitely plausible...since front rotors are most likely directional.

OLI77

Rotors are directional on these cars?

Well, I'll be....http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...rectional.html

Does not mention the W204 though.

edgalang

Depends on the rotors. The OP got Zimmermans (I'm not too familiar with those...yet). Here is an example of what I was looking at.

StopTech CRYO-TREATED Rotors

Adi-Benz

Just put mine on and they feel great, and stopping is great too!

- Of course, only like 5 miles with mild stopping, coating is still on lol.