The Archman

I am not sure if it is the way that I brake or not, but it seems that my front brake pads are always needing replacement. Have used OEM brake pads and OEM rotors from day one. I seem to go thru a set of front brakes every 10-12Kmi. It seems like every service, they tell me that my brakes are running low. I go home, jack up the front, replace the pads, hand-sand down the glaze on the rotors ( replace rotors every other time). Is this common with OEM pads? you know, the kind that put black dust all over the rims, 2 days after you clean the rims)?????

RichardM98

MB's have great braking performance but at the expensive of faster brake wear such as softer pads.

If you're not doing so, you might want to begin checking the thickness of the pads and rotors and changing based on the MB spec. That might save some money. Post if you need those.

Generally, aftermarket pads give less brake dust but poorer braking except when hot (ie track conditions).

It's pretty hard to change your driving habits especially if you're experienced. Unless you have excessive wear on one side which might mean a caliper problem your driving style is probably an important factor.

waybomb

If you want to just about eliminate the dust, use Akebono pads. I notice no reduction in braking friction, but do notice I don't have to clean the wheels every couple of days.
I get about 40k out of a set of fronts and about 80k out of rears, but I am mostly highway driving, at least 600 miles a week on the highway.

nelbur

If you use your left foot to brake, you could be riding the brakes and not realize it. If you only brake with your right foot, that is not the problem.

You have wear sensors on your front pads that will tell you when the pads need replacing. The service guys will want you to change them out early. If you have only about 3/16" left on any one pad, it is getting near time to change them. It seems to me that you should be getting about twice the miles you mentioned, even with an E 430.

blacked210

+1

ejsheltra

A good quality ceramic pad with Brembo replacement rotors should kill your dust problem and give greater balance to your breaking.

nrgup517

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for trying to resolve a serious brake squeaking issue I have. Here are the details...

99 E430 sport, 106k, brembo cross drilled rotors on all 4 in very nice condition still.

newly installed ceramic pads now squeak. Mainly the rear ones going in reverse. Will not stop until they heat up. I have to ride the brake in reverse for 50 - 100 feet to get it to stop. Once they cool off it comes back. The fronts squeak just a little in the morning while moving forward. Not nearly like the OEM pads did. So the main problem is with the rears.

Any suggestions? tia

RichardM98

Did you use MB brake grease on all the appropriate surfaces? Mainly the contact surface between the caliper piston and pad and the surfaces where the pads slide as they adjust/wear.

nrgup517

I will check with my mechanic who did these brakes for me and see if he used the mb brake grease. He works for MB and has always owned them so I am almost positive he used it and installed the brakes correctly. I will check just to be sure and post what I find out soon. Thanks

dsmith

It's all in how you clean and lube the calipers and pads. I use a small wire brush and a can of brake cleaner on the calipers. Then I coat any surface that the backing plate of the pad touches with anti-seize paste. Don't get any on the pad surface or rotor. I have Wagner Thermoquiets on the rear that squealed badly (had to do a quick pad slap in the winter). Once I properly cleaned and reinstalled, no squeal.

Also make sure no unnecessary shims are used. Were the rotors turned or replaced? If not at least resurfaced, the pads might not have seated properly on the rotors.

The Archman

Same problem with my E430 2001. I only use OEM pads and rotors. Last pad change was done by dealer and still only get 15-20Kmi on my front. Considering changing out to Akebono pads. At least if they don't last too long, I won't be cleaning them every 3 days. I will order two sets and have one as a spare.

ejsheltra

EBC Red Stuff is another option. They are ceramic and have little to no dust issues and no fade. Bite is very good even cold.