(There's many threads on this already, but I figured I'd another for those who like to do extensive research).

First off, would it kill them to add a little anti-seize on the hubs and rotors at the assembly plant?!?!

Banged and banged for hours and went through almost an entire can of PB blaster and couldn't get it to budge. Had to have a friend come over with a 3 lb sledge and I had to cringe as I saw him give it a huge wack. Scary sight on your 60k sticker AMG. I'll let you know when I have to replace the front wheel bearings .

It was 77k miles on the clock with no brake jobs done (as far as I know), that's pretty impressive I would think. Stock pads were low but didn't reach the sensor yet and probably had another 5k (at least) on them. Rotors were at 29mm (min. 28), but I figured might as well replace them since they're the original ones from 5.5 years ago.

Went with Genuine MB rotors (extra $20 vs. Zimmermann) because I like how long the anti-rust coating lasts on their rotors (except that RMEuropean shipped me the rotors plain without original boxes, so they were rubbing together most of the way and some of the coating wore off anyway ). Went with the popular Akebono Euro pads that many on here recommend.

Initial impressions are that the Akebono pads are definitely much softer and more linear than the stock Jurid pads. Being more linear may be the reason that they feel softer. But there's something about the Jurid pads that if you really got on it, seemed like there was a little bit of a dead zone until you got to a certain point and then it really gripped. Akebonos you just keep pushing the pedal and you don't feel much feedback, but the car still "seems" to stop. As with anything, I hope this change was for the better, as I've also bought Akebono's for the rear. Until then, hopefully these will wear in some and "feel better" or I'll just get used to it.

One thing that was definitely unacceptable is the amount of dust the Jurid's gave off - they make my wheels look absolutely terrible after a few days. The grip was alright though and for the price new you can't go wrong either. I also needed a pad that would be 100% squeak free and wasn't terribly expensive (both con's of the Porterfield R4-S).





And for those who are following my other rear swap thread, here's both calipers next to each other (I finished the clear coat today, definitely makes them look better with the clear). Hopefully I'll do this next weekend since I'll have a long weekend (it's going to be an interesting swap....)

 

Totally agree that the Akebono's have slightly less initial bite than the stock jurids. You'll be shocked how much less they dust though.

 

cost & supplier for front rotors please.
thanks

 

I have stock front and rear rotors with Akebono pads all around on my C32... I have vibration when slowing down, my rotors are most likely warped... can the OEM rotors be turned (fronts are drilled)? or should I just replace all the rotors?... If I do replace all the rotors, do I need new pads again?

 

Viper thanks for yet another informative post on a topic that C55 DIYourselfers can turn to for advice on maintenance items. Just to be clear, with the new rotors and new pads you haven't had any squeaking (beyond initial break in squeaking) in either reverse or forward?

 

I have no squeaking and no "pad shifting" as some have stated on here (at least not yet). I did use the stock shims with MB paste on both sides of the shim. I only heard one faint squeak after driving around for a little bit, I'm figuring it was a piece of something that was stuck in the pad.

The pads still feel soft, but I did do a quick gas-to-brake pedal change when coming to a yellow light and it gripped harder than I expected, caught me by surprise. So I might just need to get used to it. I'll let you guys know my continuing impressions (if you're interested) as the pads wear a little bit.

 

I have the akebono euro pads and OE rotors and it felt the same as my OEM set up, except with zero dust and no squeeking. If you're not seeking track duty and are just doing mildly spirited driving and a few autox's, they should suffice.

 

Can I get a link posted for the pads you bought [since i assume you did the research and found them for a good price]. Mine are coming due and it seems like these are the way to go.

Thanks!

 

All of my brake parts I bought from RMEuropean. Free shipping (as with many other sites) and for the most part always had the best prices on everything, even the little stuff.

Put 80 miles on the pads today and they felt better, but then again I was very easy on the brakes today since there was a lot of ice on the roads. So for now, no REAL high performance feedback....

 

Glad to hear they are working for you so far. I just grabbed a set of these tonight as I realized after my 1400 mile ride from Texas there was almost no meat on the front pads. (Though the sensor hasn't set off?)

Careful on that ice there is nasty weather out there right now.

I"ll be installing the Akebono's Friday when they arrive and will post back as well on how they work out

 

I guess a small update is due...I did a full fluid change and I may have got out an additional bubble. They seem to grip just fine, and Ive gotten used to it enough where I dont even know the difference anymore. Im pleased with the purchase, as a street pad.

 

Thought I'd follow up along with you Viper. I installed the pads a couple of days ago. Working great. The break dust is noticeably less also.