I have a 2005 CLK 500 Cab and the front brakes are going to need to be done soon. I'm not down to the sensors yet, the dealer says 2-3000 miles away from them. The brakes are smooth and the car stops on a dime, absolutely no pulse or shimmy from the brakes. Dealer says $650.00 for pads and rotors and that the rotors must be replaced. My questions, has anyone not replaced the rotors with similar mileage and if so, what were the results? Also, what experience have members had with Akebono pads on a Benz and is there a better pad you can recomend? Finally, do the sensors need to be replaced or can you leave the existing ones in there?
Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Akebono is the only way to go. hardly any dust with them, and the performance is great as well. I would replace the rotors but use the ceramic pads. The problem is the dealership may not, or won't install if it's not OEM. Your rotors are going to live a lot longer with the Akebono or a comparable pad. I run them front and rear. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

Thanks, do you think its possible to avoid the rotors with just new Akebono's?

 

I have used both akebono and portefield. IMO they are about equal in amount of break dust! I recommend either one

 

Not knowing how many miles is on your CLK that is hard to answer. I would say if the car has 35-40k on it I personally would replace them.

 

EBC Red Stuff is good as well .

Andy

 

You should replace the sensors when you replace the brake pads. They only cost about seven bucks each anyway.
You may be able to postpone replacing the rotors until th next time you need pads but it depends on how many miles the rotors have and how they look. An independent mechanic could give you a second opinion on the rotors and could install aftermarket brake pads.

 

I would replace the rotors anywayz....JIC!

 

Hi Barry - you don't say how many miles on the clock.

Are you thinking of doing the work yourself? If so, it is not too difficult to check the existing wear on your pads & rotors, but you need to know the specifications for the replacement. I can post them here.

I have to say that I have never had to change the rotors on any car I have owned!

 

Thanks for all the replies folks, the car has 50K EASY miles on it. Mostly highway and there is not even a hint of a shimmy and the car stops on a dime. I'm leaning towards not changing the rotors and putting the Akebonos on it.

 

How about stock rotor with non-OEM pad (like Akebono) ?

I just changed the rear pads/rotors (all OEM) of my 2004 CLK320 a few months ago and I will have to change the front pads in the next 1-2 months. I am actually impressed with the performance and durability of stock pads but the brake dusts really bother me......

 

That's exactly what I did and it works perfectly. Take note that my rotors only had 17k on them.

 

Sorry, I was not clear. I plan to replace my front brake with OE rotor and non-OE pads (Rockauto AKEBONO Part # EUR872 Ceramic; Front).

So, end result is all OE parts for 4 corners except front pads.

Also, are these AKEBONO pads direct bolt-on like OE pads?

 

Yes.

 

My recommendation: be cheap.

I went to an independent mechanic, and they replaced my rear pads for $30 plus parts. Put on ceramic pads. I picked up the sensor personally from the dealership.

I don't think you'll get a discount to do pads and rotors together or rotors later if you find you need to.

So just replace the pads. If things don't seem right, THEN get the rotors changed.