heffneil

Our GL450 has just over 1200 miles on it. The front wheels were black within 1000 miles. I know it was less but my gosh they were just covered. I whipped them down with a paper towel the other day and they cleaned right off. Its pretty ugly and I can't say how hard my wife (it's her car) is on the brake. Is this typical for these brakes in general or is it a bum set of pads or does it take time to "break in the brakes" (forgive the pun)?

Thanks!

Neil

lkchris

This is typical for all German cars.

You'll note that your owners manual contains the following statement:

If you drove 1000 miles in a week, it must have been fun. Otherwise, you're overdue.

If you wax them with car wax, the dust won't stick as much and that that does stay around comes off easier.

You can find aftermarket pads that don't dust as much, but their quality and performance is not up to Mercedes standards.

nantucketsleigh

I usually clean my wheels every 100 miles or so -its become an obsession.

sack5000

Don't use regular wax as it will not stand up to the heat. Use wheelwax specially made to work to repel brake dust.

GL Troll

Sack’s right. You can also use car paint sealant. It will also stand the heat.

stonecliff

Others on this forum have not had much luck with wheelwax for brake dust. See Danno4x4's post from last fall in this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/194314-squeaky-brakes-brake-dust.html. In my own experience, using a sealant like Rejex or Klasse has only had a marginal impact.

I have been very pleased with the performance of aftermarket brake pads from Centric. I now have over 10K miles on the pads with almost no dust and never a squeak. And their stopping power is equivalent to that of OEM brakes.

Anyone who is mechanically inclined and tired of the dust may want to give it a try, as it is a pretty simple task. Here is an earlier thread on the subject: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/216931-goodbye-brake-dust-almost.html

Quicks

Can check 'em out at: www.centricparts.com

From the Web Site:
Centric Parts is constantly striving to set the standard in the automotive aftermarket. In addition to our extensive application research and friction component development, Centric is committed to revolutionizing the automotive brake market through cutting edge technology and O.E. level manufacturing processes not used by other aftermarket brake component suppliers.

All Posi Quiet brake pads are manufactured using the same positive molding process utilized by Original Equipment suppliers. Positive molding uses extreme pressure to compress the friction material and bond it to the backing plate. This process assures consistent friction material density throughout the pad, resulting in even wear and performance characteristics throughout the life of the brake pad.

The number one causes for customer returns are noise and vibration. Centric Parts has recognized these issues and is constantly improving its products to eliminate these issues. Posi Quiet brake friction features either precision cut or shaved backing plates and mechanically attached shims; these small details ensure proper fitment in the caliper and virtually eliminate noise associated with pad vibration. In addition to these features Centric Parts has added a scorching process to all of its Posi Quiet brake pads. This additional process forces any impurities out of the friction material and pre-burnishes the pads to greatly accelerate the break-in process.

Posi Quiet pads are the only full-line of aftermarket pads that are scorched. This OEM process enhances key friction performance levels. Scorching raises initial cold effectiveness, stabilizes friction levels right out of the box, and provides consistent performance across the entire operating range.

During the scorching phase; each brake pad surface is super-heated to simulate the initial break-in process performed by installation technicians. This additional step removes any uncured bonding agents eliminating the need for initial break-in and reducing noise
caused by pad glazing. Scorching thermally conditions the pad material which yields a more consistent and higher friction level right out of the box.

Scorching benefits the vehicle owner by promoting a more complete bed-in of new pads, increasing the effective stopping power from the first stop.

N'AWLINS

Been cleaning M-B brake dust for many many years....and cleaning them every 100 miles or so.
Recently bought one of those dash sized california dusters and use it keep them clean whenever I don't feel like getting out the hose.

Stumblefoot

Please tell me you're joking... or, at least you have a teenager and this is their punishment.

lkchris

Have never had a problem with regular car wax.

Bought some "wheel wax" recently and just threw it away as it was water.

Danno4x4

At this point I just blast mine with the power washer every weekend until I need a new set of brake pads... I will probably go with the aftermarket versions that don't dust as much...

While we would all like to think that MBZ uses the best of the best on all parts our GLs including the brake pads, I would be willing to bet that like other areas, they compromise between cost and efficiency and that there are probably slightly more expensive, but less dusty pad materials out in the aftermarket that would do a fine job of stopping the GL... MBZ bean counters probably stick with the old dusty ones because they got a helluva deal for a 30 year contract or something.

HoustonRider

every 100 miles? lol...some days i would have to pull over and clean my wheels 5-6 times..

StevethePilot

Huh, funny. I just snort the stuff.

ohlord

and polish them and toss on two coats of menzerna FMJ.
Want less dust and good braking?Bed in some sets of Akebono pads
ohlord