Akebono ceramic pad install (nice!)
Thread Starter
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
Akebono ceramic pad install (nice!)
Sure this has been posted before but damn these pads are easy to change.. Just like taking toast out and put toast in a toaster..
You do not have to take calipers off either..
Here are a few pictures of the Akebono pads, calipers, and new pads with anti-squeak on the back..
Fronts took 35 minutes to do , start to finish and backs took about 30 minutes.. Used air wrench to remove tires, channel locks to take pads out, hammer and drill bit to knock pad pins out. Torque wrench to tighten lug nuts back up..
I had stock jurid pads and the new akebono are really nice.. Smooth, no vibration and they bite hard... I have seen others post a soft bite but these hit a little soft for a split second, then the heat makes them lock!! I did not do any special bedding of the pads.. Just drove easy and made long firm brake stops.. Also tried to keep car moving or put in park at lights to keep bads from heating up in one spot..
You do not have to take calipers off either.. Here are a few pictures of the Akebono pads, calipers, and new pads with anti-squeak on the back..
Fronts took 35 minutes to do , start to finish and backs took about 30 minutes.. Used air wrench to remove tires, channel locks to take pads out, hammer and drill bit to knock pad pins out. Torque wrench to tighten lug nuts back up..
I had stock jurid pads and the new akebono are really nice.. Smooth, no vibration and they bite hard... I have seen others post a soft bite but these hit a little soft for a split second, then the heat makes them lock!! I did not do any special bedding of the pads.. Just drove easy and made long firm brake stops.. Also tried to keep car moving or put in park at lights to keep bads from heating up in one spot..
__________________
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
Last edited by Exotic-metal55; Feb 3, 2010 at 09:28 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 9
From: Treasure Island, FL
GLE 63S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 9
From: Treasure Island, FL
GLE 63S
Thread Starter
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
I drove 600 miles on the front Akebono pads and there was some dust but much less than the stock back pads.. I would say 50% less than the rear stock pads.. So, not much dust at all..
Brake fade is gone, even from 130 mph hard stops!!
My back pads still had 50% left on them but after feeling how smooth the fronts were, the backs got on my nerves fast.. Had no idea how rough the stockers were..
Brake fade is gone, even from 130 mph hard stops!!
My back pads still had 50% left on them but after feeling how smooth the fronts were, the backs got on my nerves fast.. Had no idea how rough the stockers were..
__________________
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
2002 BMW M5, 1992 AWD DSM, 1988 Yamaha FZR1000
Since the caliper pistons were kept compressed, did you have to do any brake bleeding or anything with the SBC? That's what concerns me. Plus the dealer only wants $200 to change the pads + rotors (if I bring in the parts), which seems extremely reasonable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 9
From: NY
Sold - 05' E55
I did the Akebono's recently along with a set of new rotors and the pedel feels awsome no fade.
A BIG plus is the lack of brake dust ++++ In the past I would have to clean the car every few days just because of the damb brake dust now I can go at least a week.
A BIG plus is the lack of brake dust ++++ In the past I would have to clean the car every few days just because of the damb brake dust now I can go at least a week.
Thread Starter
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
There is NO brake bleeding needed with this pad change, it is that simple.. I did remove the brake cap and put a towel over and around the cap.. No fuid came out while compressing the calipers either but I am sure it helped relieve some pressure.. The pistons retracted very easy and I just applied light pressure..
****You guys with SBC need to follow all the precautions about keeping that mode in-active during brake change.. **** Disconnect battery or close all doors, hood trunk and lock all keys up to keep SBC in-active..
__________________
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 552
Likes: 11
From: Chicago suburbs
2004 E55 AMG
There is NO brake bleeding needed with this pad change, it is that simple.. I did remove the brake cap and put a towel over and around the cap.. No fuid came out while compressing the calipers either but I am sure it helped relieve some pressure.. The pistons retracted very easy and I just applied light pressure..
****You guys with SBC need to follow all the precautions about keeping that mode in-active during brake change.. **** Disconnect battery or close all doors, hood trunk and lock all keys up to keep SBC in-active..
****You guys with SBC need to follow all the precautions about keeping that mode in-active during brake change.. **** Disconnect battery or close all doors, hood trunk and lock all keys up to keep SBC in-active..
Also, it probably is best to crack the bleeders open instead of pushing the old fluid back into the system, just be sure you have some fresh DOT 4 fluid to top it off. However, I have simply pushed the old fluid back into the system on all of my previous cars and never had an issue.
Nait, believe it or not this is the easiest brake change i have ever done. I could do it in an hour if I had to do it again. Save your money and try it yourself, super easy. If you're replacing rotors then you'll have to remove the calipers, so spend a bit of the money you saved on the proper sockets and nice breaker bar if you don't have them already.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
2006 E55 AMG
I've been wanting to switch from my EBC red pads to the Akebono's for sometime now. James from ACG recommended the EBC red pads to go along with my Evosport rotors and this combination just sucks. Within 5,000 miles I have a ton of hot spots with slight cracks forming near the drilled holes. I made my complaints about this to both parties and I'm still waiting for a solution, which more than likely will not happen. My question is, do I need to switch to some type of cleaner pad before going to the Akebono's or could I just plug and play?
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,461
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From: Treasure Island, FL
GLE 63S
Yep these are the E55 part numbers.
Oh and try www.parts.com for your rorots that's where I got mine. $92.00each for the fronts and $74.75 for the rear.
Oh and try www.parts.com for your rorots that's where I got mine. $92.00each for the fronts and $74.75 for the rear.
Last edited by grantwoodtx; Feb 6, 2010 at 09:26 AM. Reason: Added Rotor pricing
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 336
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
2002 BMW M5, 1992 AWD DSM, 1988 Yamaha FZR1000
I had the dealer do it as I needed rotors as well (meaning calipers need to come off).
Results are great though, these Akebonos bite extremely well. Dust difference is n/a in my case, as I never noticed much dust with the stockers...
Results are great though, these Akebonos bite extremely well. Dust difference is n/a in my case, as I never noticed much dust with the stockers...
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, Tx
Chevy Camaro
I've been wanting to switch from my EBC red pads to the Akebono's for sometime now. James from ACG recommended the EBC red pads to go along with my Evosport rotors and this combination just sucks. Within 5,000 miles I have a ton of hot spots with slight cracks forming near the drilled holes. I made my complaints about this to both parties and I'm still waiting for a solution, which more than likely will not happen. My question is, do I need to switch to some type of cleaner pad before going to the Akebono's or could I just plug and play?
I was going to tried the dimpled rotors to see how they compare but only got a few 180mph stops on them before my motor let loose in my camaro out at the Texas mile. Was testing to see if they would crack in that extreme situation. Because my drilled brembo rotors had stress cracks after doing the Texas mile the year before.
But for the Akebono pads. Their great, low dust, no brake fad, never had to heat them up for them to grip. But I have not tried them on a road course yet to see how they hold up, for that application I will probably got to the Hawk pads.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
2006 E55 AMG
Any drilled rotor is going to crack near the holes. Very high stress riser in the rotor along the holes edge.
I was going to tried the dimpled rotors to see how they compare but only got a few 180mph stops on them before my motor let loose in my camaro out at the Texas mile. Was testing to see if they would crack in that extreme situation. Because my drilled brembo rotors had stress cracks after doing the Texas mile the year before.
But for the Akebono pads. Their great, low dust, no brake fad, never had to heat them up for them to grip. But I have not tried them on a road course yet to see how they hold up, for that application I will probably got to the Hawk pads.
I was going to tried the dimpled rotors to see how they compare but only got a few 180mph stops on them before my motor let loose in my camaro out at the Texas mile. Was testing to see if they would crack in that extreme situation. Because my drilled brembo rotors had stress cracks after doing the Texas mile the year before.
But for the Akebono pads. Their great, low dust, no brake fad, never had to heat them up for them to grip. But I have not tried them on a road course yet to see how they hold up, for that application I will probably got to the Hawk pads.
Do you guys use a cleaner pad at all when just switching the pad? I was told this by James from ACG and I'm wondering if any of you guys do the same.
Is there a bedding in process on the Akebono's like the EBC reds?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Dago, CA
2003 cl55 (sold)
Just put on the Akebonos on the front and luv 'em. No squeak and this is not on new rotors. Just used MB grease on the pads and all is good. No special bedding process other than normal break in. Seem to bite down better than stockers also. Am happy and will now put on rears when they are ready. $155 not too bad either.
Thread Starter
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
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From: Texas
2003 CL55
Just put on the Akebonos on the front and luv 'em. No squeak and this is not on new rotors. Just used MB grease on the pads and all is good. No special bedding process other than normal break in. Seem to bite down better than stockers also. Am happy and will now put on rears when they are ready. $155 not too bad either.
Just do them now and you will be happy with the full pacakge.. I still had 50% left on my rears but who cares.
__________________
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 3
From: Philly
997TT, C192 GT63, W464 G550, MS Plaid
I have been enjoying my Akebonos since summer and they really are awesome. I never hear squeeks. They stop much better then stockers.
The dust situation is vastly improved. Akebonos do have some dust but it is much easier to wipe off and is a much lighter gery color which is more dificult to see vs the black dust from stock pads.
The price point is great.
Pads are actually really easy to do on this car even if you have never done brakes yourself, thanks to the design of the AMG brake calipers. Going slow front and rear should take less then 1.5 hrs in a driveway.
The dust situation is vastly improved. Akebonos do have some dust but it is much easier to wipe off and is a much lighter gery color which is more dificult to see vs the black dust from stock pads.
The price point is great.
Pads are actually really easy to do on this car even if you have never done brakes yourself, thanks to the design of the AMG brake calipers. Going slow front and rear should take less then 1.5 hrs in a driveway.
