503C43 ////AMG

I have installed the Akebono Euro ceramic brake pads on my C43 and thought I would post a review.

First I will start with the bedding in procedure.

Akebono suggests that you do not do the "standard" bedding in process, rather they suggest driving normally for 400-500 miles avoiding any "hard braking" until the break in period is complete. I contacted Akebono to confirm if this was true (I read this on tirerack.com) and Akebono confirmed indeed it was.

At first I was disappointed with the performance as the brakes seemed MUCH softer than stock but after the break in period they feel very much like the stock brakes. I am not sure if this was due to me "taking it easy" during the break in period or if the pads just got broke in but either way I feel that the "bite" is almost the same as stock.

as far as performance IMO you will not notice a major difference.

Now as far as the main reason the majority of people choose the Akebonos, brake dust.

I have had them on for over 2 weeks now and there is NO brake dust on my rims and as an added bonus ZERO squeaking.

Overall I am very happy with the Akebono pads and will definitely use them again in the future.

danlnyc

thanks for your review! my brake pads need replacing very soon and I was considering the Akebono's over the OEM pads.

Question: I went to my local pep boys to see how much they were (just for comparison) and they told me that the Akebono's had lifetime warranty on it. I asked them what they meant and they pretty much said to bring the pad in just before the pad is finished and they would replace it completely free of charge. Is there any truth to this?

503C43 ////AMG

I have never heard anything about a lifetime warranty nor does the manufacturers packaging state anything about it (I just checked it). It might be something pep boys is offering themselves and if it is I would get it in writing as it sounds like a great deal

KJI3jflarryfe93

Bud.
How much is 500 miles in KM?
Seems to be a ( 500 miles) long time bedding in process?

No hard braking is allowed at all?
Should I only gently press the brakes?
Daem!

Bedding in process, does it mean, the pads will adjust and sit perfect in the caliper to avoid squeeling noise and dust?

I bought them Akebonos for my new C32 setup

503C43 ////AMG

1.) 500 miles = about 805 KM, it was a long time especially compared to the standard bedding in process which you could complete in 30 minutes or less. It took me about 2 weeks but depending on how much you drive it could be done in a couple days.

2.) Akebono stated that you should "avoid" hard braking which I took as don't lock up the brakes or activate ABS. I used my brakes pretty much as normal but made sure I didn't do any aggressive or short stop braking which in turn meant I wasn't doing much aggressive driving

the bed-in is the process of depositing an even layer of brake pad material, or transfer layer, on the rubbing surface of the rotor disc

Here is a great description of what the bedding process is from Stoptech:
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_bedintheory.shtml

hoontastic

glad you finally got the new stoppers going on..

503C43 ////AMG

You and me both

KJI3jflarryfe93

thanxs for the input, there was some interesting reading from Stoptech link