Need some Front BRAKE ROTOR and PAD advice
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Need some Front BRAKE ROTOR and PAD advice
Ok, don't hit me. I went the BrakePerformance.com route when replacing my front rotors and pads. Their best slotted/dimpled rotors with their performance semi-metallic pads. I know, I know...
All was great until about a thousand miles ago (with 2.5k miles on the setup) when they started squealing unlike anything I have ever heard. I went in, checked them and applied a little more of the anti-vibration grease like a good kid. The sound didn't sound like conventional brake squeal though, and sure enough it didn't stop the noise. I did some reading and found that some buyers had the same issue with BrakePerformance.com's Rotor and Pad combo.
Overall they perform like stock -everything is great with the exception of that god-awful shriek during any moderate braking.
Now, my question is- should I try a set of Akebono ceramic pads (well regarded and ceramics are usually quieter) and use them with these rotors? Or do I need to start at square one and go to fresh OEM rotors? I don't really want to waste $70 pads if the rotors are glazing them, but I'm not really feeling dropping $$$ on new rotors again.
What would you do?
Thanks!
All was great until about a thousand miles ago (with 2.5k miles on the setup) when they started squealing unlike anything I have ever heard. I went in, checked them and applied a little more of the anti-vibration grease like a good kid. The sound didn't sound like conventional brake squeal though, and sure enough it didn't stop the noise. I did some reading and found that some buyers had the same issue with BrakePerformance.com's Rotor and Pad combo.
Overall they perform like stock -everything is great with the exception of that god-awful shriek during any moderate braking.
Now, my question is- should I try a set of Akebono ceramic pads (well regarded and ceramics are usually quieter) and use them with these rotors? Or do I need to start at square one and go to fresh OEM rotors? I don't really want to waste $70 pads if the rotors are glazing them, but I'm not really feeling dropping $$$ on new rotors again.
What would you do?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
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From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
I went with OE everything for the front and paid $330 shipped to my house in moutain view.
How much are you in already?
Is it the rotors that aren't any good or the pads?
Sorry to hear man.. I'm a brake snob when it comes to part quality. Mainly because I had a 93 Rx7 and if you used the cheap stuff you'd warp your rotors quickly.. so I always used Brembo rotors and hawk or Akebono pads.
If I had the money I'd be upgrading my brakes and would sell you some slightly used OE stuff but I don't' have the cash ponied up for it yet so I'm sorry.
How much are you in already?
Is it the rotors that aren't any good or the pads?
Sorry to hear man.. I'm a brake snob when it comes to part quality. Mainly because I had a 93 Rx7 and if you used the cheap stuff you'd warp your rotors quickly.. so I always used Brembo rotors and hawk or Akebono pads.
If I had the money I'd be upgrading my brakes and would sell you some slightly used OE stuff but I don't' have the cash ponied up for it yet so I'm sorry.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
I say F' it and just order some pads if you think thats the problem.
brake pads W/O 4-MATIC, w/C55 AMG
MSRP Core ? Online Price
$70.00 $0.00 $52.50
Worst case you're out $60 and some dirty hands. But its an easy fix and you'll be in and out of there within 30 minutes.
brake pads W/O 4-MATIC, w/C55 AMG
MSRP Core ? Online Price
$70.00 $0.00 $52.50
Worst case you're out $60 and some dirty hands. But its an easy fix and you'll be in and out of there within 30 minutes.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
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From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Yeah, I'm thinking that's my best bet. Might as well start small and work up to the rotors if need be. I ended up dropping ~$250 on the rotors and pads shipped. That's mostly the reason I took the plunge, although for $330 you got an awesome deal on OEM.
If that doesn't solve it, or the brakes start playing Bach or something - ill post back up
Thanks & take care!
If that doesn't solve it, or the brakes start playing Bach or something - ill post back up
Thanks & take care!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
IDK why people think OE stuff is expensive... getmercedesparts.com.. it looks like a crap website but its actually from a dealership in NY. Just slightly above cost. That's where I get EVERYTHING. I wish you did the same.. simply because its what works no questions.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
Like I said.. its a crappy site.
What I do is under 2006 C55 type "brake pad"
You can also then click on the part diagram link to make sure its what you're looking for.
What I do is under 2006 C55 type "brake pad"
You can also then click on the part diagram link to make sure its what you're looking for.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 E63 Estate | 09 & 10 Rx8 R3
Plus when you submit your order always include your VIN.. they do a cross reference on the parts you ordered vs your car. If they see an issue they send you an email asking you about it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
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From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
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From: Seattle, Warshington
2005 C55, 2006 Ram 2500 MegaCab diesel, sold 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins, sold 87 190e-16v, sold 97 e420
Aekebono pads that the dealers sell now are crap when compared to the EBC greens or yellows. Use stock rotors, they aren't that expensive from the dealer.
I glazed my stock pads after 1 autox event and those aren't even hard on brakes. There is a reason for no dust = no bite.
Now I have Hawk HPS on my Porsche, that sounds like a garbage truck because they squeal so much, I am getting rid of them.
I glazed my stock pads after 1 autox event and those aren't even hard on brakes. There is a reason for no dust = no bite.
Now I have Hawk HPS on my Porsche, that sounds like a garbage truck because they squeal so much, I am getting rid of them.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
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From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
Haha, thanks for your curiousity. My squealing was immediately solved by installing the Akebono pads. These pads are well priced, low dust, and the braking performance is fantastic.
The only problem left is this incessant noise akin to a baseball card in bike spokes that emanates constantly from my front wheels. It is really really annoying and I have vowed never to get slotted rotors again. I had drilled and slotted rotors on my Miata, and they would make a similar noise when under braking. The AMG sounds like the circus is coming to town all the damn time!
The only problem left is this incessant noise akin to a baseball card in bike spokes that emanates constantly from my front wheels. It is really really annoying and I have vowed never to get slotted rotors again. I had drilled and slotted rotors on my Miata, and they would make a similar noise when under braking. The AMG sounds like the circus is coming to town all the damn time!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,155
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From: SF Bay Area
C55 AMG, 300D-T & Karmann Ghia
The rotors will get changed to oem or equivalent design as soon as I have extra coin. That noise confuses all of the local Prius and Camry drivers. When they look over, they inadvertently steer into me.
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