New EBC Red Stuff Brake Pads Installed - Impressions
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
New EBC Red Stuff Brake Pads Installed - Impressions
OK, I had DynoComp in Scottsdale install 4 new EBC 'Red Stuff" pads all around, with new sensors, new Motobul brake fluid and used the brake pad paste as instructed. I kept the stock rotors as after having them measured 3 different times by three different shops (just to be sure), they are well within spec and the front rotors especially look brand new.
V.s. stock the EBC's have WAY more bite, they grab much more quickly now, so very happy with that. However as they have more metal in them, they're still sqeaking a bit despite me bedding them twice now via a members recommended approach. I'm cool with a little sqeaking here or there, and will just continue to bed them until it goes away.
In sum then, very happy with the new pads, dust is way down on the wheels and they grab like crazy now. It's funny but with my brakes new now, I feel much more confident getting up to speed knowing I can stop just as quickly.
So two thumbs up for EBC Red Stuff pads, very glad I didn't go with stock pads and thanks for all of your guidance with this upgrade.
My $.02.
Alex
V.s. stock the EBC's have WAY more bite, they grab much more quickly now, so very happy with that. However as they have more metal in them, they're still sqeaking a bit despite me bedding them twice now via a members recommended approach. I'm cool with a little sqeaking here or there, and will just continue to bed them until it goes away.
In sum then, very happy with the new pads, dust is way down on the wheels and they grab like crazy now. It's funny but with my brakes new now, I feel much more confident getting up to speed knowing I can stop just as quickly.
So two thumbs up for EBC Red Stuff pads, very glad I didn't go with stock pads and thanks for all of your guidance with this upgrade.
My $.02.
Alex
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
please report back after a few hundred miles, would be nice to know how you get on, My pads have a few thousand miles left on them yet, after that im thinking of redstuff and new disks.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
Will do! I drive 100 miles daily to and from work in traffic, so this will be a good "test" for you. I'm hoping the tiny bit of squeaking the do goes away completely in a few weeks.
But again, they're much better than stock, no regrets with going with them.
Alex
But again, they're much better than stock, no regrets with going with them.
Alex
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 32
From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
OK, I had DynoComp in Scottsdale install 4 new EBC 'Red Stuff" pads all around, with new sensors, new Motobul brake fluid and used the brake pad paste as instructed. I kept the stock rotors as after having them measured 3 different times by three different shops (just to be sure), they are well within spec and the front rotors especially look brand new.
V.s. stock the EBC's have WAY more bite, they grab much more quickly now, so very happy with that. However as they have more metal in them, they're still sqeaking a bit despite me bedding them twice now via a members recommended approach. I'm cool with a little sqeaking here or there, and will just continue to bed them until it goes away.
In sum then, very happy with the new pads, dust is way down on the wheels and they grab like crazy now. It's funny but with my brakes new now, I feel much more confident getting up to speed knowing I can stop just as quickly.
So two thumbs up for EBC Red Stuff pads, very glad I didn't go with stock pads and thanks for all of your guidance with this upgrade.
My $.02.
Alex
V.s. stock the EBC's have WAY more bite, they grab much more quickly now, so very happy with that. However as they have more metal in them, they're still sqeaking a bit despite me bedding them twice now via a members recommended approach. I'm cool with a little sqeaking here or there, and will just continue to bed them until it goes away.
In sum then, very happy with the new pads, dust is way down on the wheels and they grab like crazy now. It's funny but with my brakes new now, I feel much more confident getting up to speed knowing I can stop just as quickly.
So two thumbs up for EBC Red Stuff pads, very glad I didn't go with stock pads and thanks for all of your guidance with this upgrade.
My $.02.
Alex
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,649
Likes: 207
'03 E55, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Ducati 748R
i'd personally never recommend ebc reds as several of us have ruined aftermarket rotors with those pads...but good luck and let us know how they work out for you long term.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 923
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
2006 E55 AMG --old cars -- E39 M5, 2.7tt Audi S4, E36 M3 **Ducati 996, 748
use a ton of brake paste and the noise will not be an issue --- they are great pads for the $$$ -- but they are hard on the rotors but I got stock rotors -- So, no worries... Someone should make some reasonable priced lighter rotors -- I cant afford those evosports
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
2006 E55 2004 Audi S4 (gone and missed)
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
My impressions of EBC reds are that they def have more bite than stock, but are much rougher on the rotors like everyone else states. After one set of EBCs, a fresh set of rotors are toast!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 17
From: Southern California
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
Incredible bite through the canyons with over 30 miles of hard driving that exhibited no fade. No noise after break-in. Destroyed the rotors though. This was the newer 'rotor friendly formula.'
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
OK, I've put on several hundred miles now (800+) and here's the report. When their ice cold there is a bit of sqeaking at the very beginning start up. As I park in an underground parking structure at work, it can be a little embarrasing as I'm leaving for the day, but after a few minutes, sqeaking is gone! They bite much harder than stock and as for rotor wear I can't comment on that yet. I still have plenty of room left on my stock rotors (had them measured 3 different times) with the front ones looking almost brand new at install, per Dyno Comp.
So I'm very happy and these brakes grab amazingly. With my car faster than stock now, it's really nice to know I can stop very quickly as well, given my daily commute in traffic.
So very happy with them and I don't mind the squeaking for the first few minutes. (You can't even hear it with your windows up.)
Tips here include using lots of brake paste on install and bedding them properly, both of which I did.
As soon as I get teh headers installed, I'm going to do a .5 mile all out blast on a private/closed road near me (should get her up to 150 MPH hopefully), and then during the same run I'm going to stomp on the brakes so you can see how fast she stops as well.
I'll film this all (again on a private/closed road), so you can see both the acceleration of the car and braking time, all in one shot.
Might have to put in a gallon or two of 109 octane gas just to treat her a bit.
Soon!
PS. I got the here: http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/sale...kes/Brake_Pads
Alex
So I'm very happy and these brakes grab amazingly. With my car faster than stock now, it's really nice to know I can stop very quickly as well, given my daily commute in traffic.
So very happy with them and I don't mind the squeaking for the first few minutes. (You can't even hear it with your windows up.)
Tips here include using lots of brake paste on install and bedding them properly, both of which I did.
As soon as I get teh headers installed, I'm going to do a .5 mile all out blast on a private/closed road near me (should get her up to 150 MPH hopefully), and then during the same run I'm going to stomp on the brakes so you can see how fast she stops as well.
I'll film this all (again on a private/closed road), so you can see both the acceleration of the car and braking time, all in one shot.
Might have to put in a gallon or two of 109 octane gas just to treat her a bit.
Soon!
PS. I got the here: http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/sale...kes/Brake_Pads
Alex
Last edited by alextaylor29; Mar 14, 2011 at 07:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
alex , how many miles you got on your car before the brake install? I just turned 57k and the rears def needs new pads. I will know more about the rotors once i take off the wheels and take a measurement. I did buy rear set rotors/pads OEM from parts.com $268 total shipped.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: oceanside
'06 E55 AMG
my experience with red stuff was on my GTO..they Destroyed my DBA 4000 series slotted rotors..I was told by the DBA rep it was the combination of carbon and metal in the pad material..the combination when heated could cause some kind of "carbide"?..in any case..I have hot spots alll over my damn rotors..theyre trash now...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,649
Likes: 207
'03 E55, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Ducati 748R
my experience with red stuff was on my GTO..they Destroyed my DBA 4000 series slotted rotors..I was told by the DBA rep it was the combination of carbon and metal in the pad material..the combination when heated could cause some kind of "carbide"?..in any case..I have hot spots alll over my damn rotors..theyre trash now...
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 923
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
2006 E55 AMG --old cars -- E39 M5, 2.7tt Audi S4, E36 M3 **Ducati 996, 748
mine have hot spots too -- and some slight cracking at the holes -- but those rotors are old and are still running straight and no performance problems
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
alex , how many miles you got on your car before the brake install? I just turned 57k and the rears def needs new pads. I will know more about the rotors once i take off the wheels and take a measurement. I did buy rear set rotors/pads OEM from parts.com $268 total shipped.
I will keep an eye on rotor wear but the way I figure it as I'm on the orginal rotors now anyway, I'll need to change them once anyway so if they wear a bit faster but I brake much more quickly, I'm cool with that tradeoff.
I was unaware that Hawks didn't wear on the rotors as badly but I am happy with the EBC's, 800 miles in.
Alex
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: London
E55 AMG
I'm running Yellow stuff, they seem to perform well, I've used them hard couple times coming down from silly speeds and the only think I can complain of is the horrible smell (almost like clutch smell). With that said, I have found a few hot spots, should I go back to stock? I have the expensive two piece aftermarket rotors btw..
Paul
Paul
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,649
Likes: 207
'03 E55, Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Ducati 748R
I'm running Yellow stuff, they seem to perform well, I've used them hard couple times coming down from silly speeds and the only think I can complain of is the horrible smell (almost like clutch smell). With that said, I have found a few hot spots, should I go back to stock? I have the expensive two piece aftermarket rotors btw..
Paul
Paul
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Queen Creek AZ
2004 E55 AMG
Guys I'm getting the impression that Adebono's are better than EBC's? If I'm cool with the reported rotor wear are they somehow better than EBC?
I'm not having buyers remorse, just wondering.
I had to do a quick brake in traffic yesterday, going from 60MPH on the freeway then everyone decided to stop....at once. (I'm sure you'v been there.) My brakes brought me down so quickly I thought I was going to be rear-ended but not to worry all was well.
I know our motors get all the press...but there is something to be said for superb brakes when you need them most. (8 piston calipers baby!)
Yeah I know I'm wierd....
I'm not having buyers remorse, just wondering.
I had to do a quick brake in traffic yesterday, going from 60MPH on the freeway then everyone decided to stop....at once.
(I'm sure you'v been there.) My brakes brought me down so quickly I thought I was going to be rear-ended but not to worry all was well.I know our motors get all the press...but there is something to be said for superb brakes when you need them most. (8 piston calipers baby!)
Yeah I know I'm wierd....
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
Ok guys, ive bitten the bullet too, gone for the reds on oem disks, the rears were pretty easy and slotted in like oem, but the front ones were a pig and needed a filing on the squeel plate before they went in! had the fronts done at the shop as every bolt was rusted on, took the shop 4 hours to do just the fronts because of everything seizing.
oem pads were rusted and cracked and the disks had cracks near the drilled holes and very grooved, so all needed replacing.
just drove 60 miles back from the shop and the squeeling has started!, the misses thought it was a truck pulling up!
got a few long drives coming up so should bed in nicely, will do the 80-20 stop thing later this week after driving a few hundred miles, i`ll let you know how i get on.
oem pads were rusted and cracked and the disks had cracks near the drilled holes and very grooved, so all needed replacing.
just drove 60 miles back from the shop and the squeeling has started!, the misses thought it was a truck pulling up!
got a few long drives coming up so should bed in nicely, will do the 80-20 stop thing later this week after driving a few hundred miles, i`ll let you know how i get on.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
update on this thread, Squeeling goes away after about 1000 miles, totally silent now, bite is good and best of all the wheels stay clean!
no issues at all. done about 2000 miles on them now with no hotspots and even wear on new oem rotors.
Cant seem to get Akebonos in the UK but no probs with redstuff so far.
no issues at all. done about 2000 miles on them now with no hotspots and even wear on new oem rotors.
Cant seem to get Akebonos in the UK but no probs with redstuff so far.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 32
From: Florida-Germany-New York
2004 E55,1969 300SEL6.3,2011 ML350 BlueTec Diesel,2005 ML400 CDI
update on this thread, Squeeling goes away after about 1000 miles, totally silent now, bite is good and best of all the wheels stay clean!
no issues at all. done about 2000 miles on them now with no hotspots and even wear on new oem rotors.
Cant seem to get Akebonos in the UK but no probs with redstuff so far.
no issues at all. done about 2000 miles on them now with no hotspots and even wear on new oem rotors.
Cant seem to get Akebonos in the UK but no probs with redstuff so far.
I have Evosport 2 piece light weight rotors and while Evo does not recommend EBC with their rotors, I have had absolutely no problems with no unusual wear or scoring.
