advice needed for GL450 front break pad replacement
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 6
2014 GL450
advice needed for GL450 front break pad replacement
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!
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!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GL 550
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.
Hope that helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
09' GL550, 05' S55 (sold), 04' Yukon Denali XL, 05' 745il (sold), 01' 740il (sold)
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.
Hope that helps.
The stopping power was the same to me, I Paid less that $300 for the rotors and pads.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 350
Likes: 106
From: Palo Alto, CA
2011 GL 350, P1 Package, HID headlamps, Blind spot assist, Parktronic, Wood steering wheel
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
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.
If the bottle touts it, it is marketing.
We do need low viscosity fluid when many DOT4 fluids are not.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 6
2014 GL450
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Any of the many online MB pars sellers, including some of the site sponsors, like Pelican.
Google Mercedes Parts.
Google Mercedes Parts.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 6
2014 GL450
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.
Thank you again.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 6
2014 GL450
Hi, 2010GL550:
What drilled/slotted pad did you use?
Thanks.
What drilled/slotted pad did you use?
Thanks.
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2005 Mercedes E55
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
I think it was eBay, but don't remember specifically. The pads were from Amazon, so more than likely is WAS eBay.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 251
Likes: 20
GL550
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
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
