OEM Pad Glazing--Observation
02-28-2016, 02:33 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
OEM Pad Glazing--Observation
For a while now I was convinced that steering wheel shake during braking was rotor warp. When the shake returned less than 10K after a rotor and pad change (dealer did it for free) it was time to try and understand what was really going on. I bought a kit to measure rotor runout if necessary, but did not use it.
I have seen others assert the OEM ceramic pads are prone to glazing, shaking during early/light braking, but stopping with a harder petal. My symptoms exactly. More prevalent with 'spirited' driving habits.
Great opportunity to try out the new QuickJack before yesterday's TrackX event at the Corvette Museum (which is a great road course). Taking a really close look, the rotors and pads were glazed. Sanded pads and rotors to remove roughly 90% and seated them over two road tests. No more shake, so the pads are suspect. At the track, by the second run I could feel the shake coming back. Glazing was quite visible on the rotors. Street/track pads are on order, which I expect will solve the problem for good.
What a blast to finally track the Hulk in a Tuxedo, even running all season tires/stock brakes. The 4MATIC surprised me. The roll you feel cornering on secondary roads nearly vanishes at track speeds; the Hulk rewards you when exploring the limits. The Corvette would have at best been on the rumble strips where the 4MATIC catches itself (provided the tires aren't cooked).
I have seen others assert the OEM ceramic pads are prone to glazing, shaking during early/light braking, but stopping with a harder petal. My symptoms exactly. More prevalent with 'spirited' driving habits.
Great opportunity to try out the new QuickJack before yesterday's TrackX event at the Corvette Museum (which is a great road course). Taking a really close look, the rotors and pads were glazed. Sanded pads and rotors to remove roughly 90% and seated them over two road tests. No more shake, so the pads are suspect. At the track, by the second run I could feel the shake coming back. Glazing was quite visible on the rotors. Street/track pads are on order, which I expect will solve the problem for good.
What a blast to finally track the Hulk in a Tuxedo, even running all season tires/stock brakes. The 4MATIC surprised me. The roll you feel cornering on secondary roads nearly vanishes at track speeds; the Hulk rewards you when exploring the limits. The Corvette would have at best been on the rumble strips where the 4MATIC catches itself (provided the tires aren't cooked).
03-01-2016, 11:57 PM
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I ordered a set of Porterfield R4S pads that should do the job. Carbon kevlar compound. Overheated pads glaze and these should stay cooler--more heat transferred to the rotor.
03-02-2016, 01:09 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Had Porterfield pads on my last Mercedes. Put them on because couldn't stand the outrageous amount of dust coming off the OEM pads. Less "bite" than the OEM pads and must be warmed up to work properly. If you live on a hill make sure you ride them a little before stopping at the bottom when you first drive off or you'll be in for a surprise. They heat up quickly so it's not like you won't stop but extra pressure is required.....even when warm. If you don't want the "shudder" follow the break in procedure that comes with the pads.
03-02-2016, 02:56 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Yes sir, that seems to a consistent comment with these pads, at least on a BMW or Merc. I was looking for the Hawk equivalent street/AutoX pads used on the Corvette. Never had this compound before, but if they are anything like the Hawks I will be very pleased.
