deeperblue

Hi,

My GL450's front break pads are about to wear out, and need to be replaced soon. Dealer quotes the cost is around $730-750 (parts & labor, and they said they will replace the rotors, too, the quoted price includes the rotor part).

My GL is at a 23K miles, two years old.

My questions are:

Thank you very much!

Robbl621

Akebono are the brake pads I'm told create less brake dust. I've not used them but through reading this forum also know some say stopping distances might be a slightly longer while others say they've noticed no difference. I can tell you that MB dealers will only use/install MB pads and not the aftermarket pads. My Indy guy suggested them for me and I hesitated and went with the dealer. In retrospect, I wish I had tried them.

Hope that helps.

nachilus

I had a X5 BMW and used Akebono and centric rotors from tire rack. just to test the dust theory i drove the X5 for a month without washing and the wheels looks clean.

The stopping power was the same to me, I Paid less that $300 for the rotors and pads.

ddruker

I also am running Akebono ceramic pads - I bought them from Amazon, it was around $100 for both front wheels. Same stopping power as stock pads, and no more dirty front wheels. I tow a 6000 pound Airstream with my GL, and have been totally happy with the Akebono pads.

To your question about needing to replace the rotors - very likely you do not. To be sure, measure the thickness of your rotors with a caliper and see if they are still in spec. But after only 20,000 miles, I would be very surprised if you've already eaten your rotors. Your mechanic or your dealer or some kind soul here can tell you spec is.

The dealer will always replace the rotors with the pads - it's just more margin for them - if you are having the service done there, ask them to measure the rotors first and tell them you don't want the rotors replaced if they are still in spec.

If you have vibration in your steering wheel under hard braking - this would be another thing to make you consider replacing your front rotors (it means they are likely warped.

There are a bunch of brake pad replacement DIY's on this forum - it's probably a 90 minute job if you've never done it before. It's quite easy and you will save yourself about $600.

You can also replace your brake fluid at the same time, since you will have your wheels off anyway, and save yourself another $200... Again search for the DIY on the forum.

amthatiam

Akebono, no dust that can be seen, no difference in performance. As mentioned above I highly doubt the rotors need replacing. Oh and Rockauto is a great place to get the pads.

Dan

EWT

IMO, there isn't any difference in ultimate braking capability, but the initial "bite" with the akebonos is definitely less, so you have to use a little more pedal pressure. Well worth the dramatic difference in dust though. They really don't dust at all - huge difference from the OEM pads. They seem to wear pretty well too. I have ~15K miles on mine, and the pad thickness still looks like new.

BlownV8

+1

bselph

I have 80K miles on centric rotors and Rotax gold pads. NO DUST at all and I can not feel any difference in performance.

2010GL550

I've been using the Akebono pads on the wife's 2010 GL550 for many, many months. They are awesome! No dust, no noise and equal/or better performance.


I did replace the rotors too. Since I did the work myself, the pads and rotors were about the same price I would have paid the Dealer to do just the pads. I used drilled/slotted rotors for the extra performance (not the looks). The brakes have always been "a little weak" in the GL anyway, so any improvement was a big plus.


Synthetic brake fluid, Akebono pads and drilled/slotted rotors is now our set up.

BlownV8

Drilled rotors won't improve your braking. They do look nice though.

2010GL550

LOL, there's already WAY too much posted on the Internet on the "stock vs slotted/drilled rotors" debate.


Our brakes work better than stock/OEM, but is it specifically because of the new rotors? Who knows (I did the pads and brake fluid at the same time). It works very well and the wife is happy.

N_Jay

All DOT 4 brake fluid is "Synthetic".


If the bottle touts it, it is marketing.


We do need low viscosity fluid when many DOT4 fluids are not.

deeperblue

Thank you for all the replies.

I am still in the process of doing some research. If I want to go with the OEM/stock break pad, where can I buy it (other than from dealer)? I searched and couldn't find answer.

Thank you again.

N_Jay

Any of the many online MB pars sellers, including some of the site sponsors, like Pelican.


Google Mercedes Parts.

deeperblue

So for example, on this page, http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ke%20Pad%20Set, part 1644201820 (where it says "Genuine Mercedes", it means it is the same original break pad that dealer will use?

Thank you again.

N_Jay

I would guess so. Call them if you have any doubts.

deeperblue

Hi, 2010GL550:

What drilled/slotted pad did you use?
Thanks.

jstnxchn23

Yes after about 25k miles i would find it best to change the rotors along with the breakpads. If the rotors are not replaced they might start squeaking. About the dust issue, try Jurid or Genuine pads. i highly recommend these brands.

2010GL550

I think it was eBay, but don't remember specifically. The pads were from Amazon, so more than likely is WAS eBay.

2010GL550

This looks more like the ones I purchased, but I don't think my rotors were 373mm


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-GL320-GL350-GL450-GL550-373mm-Front-Disc-08-10-Brake-Rotors-F-R-/311212281011?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4875b28cb3&vxp=mtr