Organic pads or semi metallic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JCSC2 · #1 04-24-2008, 01:17 PM

Hey everybody,
I want to replace the rear brake pads on my 85 300SD. I was wondering if there was a way to tell(haven't pulled wheel) if the pads on there are semi metallic or organic? Also I've been on Fastlane and see some with shims. Do I need shims? I've never attempted this before but been looking on here and found some instructions. Didn't seem to hard.
Does anyone have a preference on brake pad material or brand. Cost is also a major issue. I need some decent pads at good price basically. Not sure if I will need new rotors or not but will see when I check them out soon.
Thanks for all of your help.

winmutt · #2 04-24-2008, 01:24 PM

If you see bits of metal in the bad on the disc face side they are semi metalic. I just put on some HH Green pads. They stop like a champ.

JimmyL · #3 04-24-2008, 02:09 PM

Get ceramic pads!!! Best brake advise I know to give........

bustedbenz · #4 04-24-2008, 02:15 PM

I am running and am delighted with semi-metallic pads from NAPA.

pawoSD · #5 04-24-2008, 02:24 PM

I have semi-metallic Autozone Duralast (made in usa) pads in front....and textar in back, and it stops like heck.

The autozone pads stop better than the OEM pads I had in the front before.

Bens lover · #6 04-24-2008, 02:36 PM

Semi metallic is probably your best bet.Organic pads are softer and the braking distance is longer.On the other hand metallic pads are a harder compound and they will stop your car much faster,but the down side of these pads (metallic) are that they wear out the rotors a bit faster.
Ceramic pads are good but to have a better performance from these you would be better off to replace your rotors with the ventilated type...Cost?Allot higher...
Good luck
Regards
Dan
Vancouver
Canada hey!

bustedbenz · #7 04-24-2008, 02:38 PM

Reducing the squeaking is a goal too. The softer the pad, the less likely you are to get that screeching noise when you stop.

Yes, I know, the Germans don't care if they make noise as long as the car stops... but when you can't pull up to a drive through window without sounding like a wreck, it's a little irksome.

JimmyL · #8 04-24-2008, 02:49 PM

Ceramic also don't throw out all that black dust! They work fine with the stock rotors also. All pads would probably work better with slotted rotors.....

JCSC2 · #9 04-24-2008, 02:55 PM

Thanks for all of your help peeps! I don't think I'll go with the ceramics b/c of cost. But I will probably go with some semi metallics. I think I will order from Fastlane or through a friend at Advance Auto. Any opinions on the PBR(I think) or the textar semi metallics? Thanks

pawoSD · #10 04-24-2008, 03:20 PM

The autozone semi metallic pads are also black, but make virtually no dust at all! WAAAY better than the OEM pads, my wheels were completely black in 2-3 days with those.

bustedbenz · #11 04-24-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCSC2

Thanks for all of your help peeps! I don't think I'll go with the ceramics b/c of cost. But I will probably go with some semi metallics. I think I will order from Fastlane or through a friend at Advance Auto. Any opinions on the PBR(I think) or the textar semi metallics? Thanks

The last set I bought from Advance squeaked too much to be kept. Ran them all of 500 miles, put them on the shelf as spares, and put on the current set from Napa. Your experience may be different.

winmutt · #12 04-24-2008, 06:44 PM

PBR's brake well but heat up fast. I had them on 15k or so before I pulled off calipers/rotors for the 560SEL upgrade for 123.

tyl604 · #13 04-24-2008, 11:29 PM

I cannot remember whether shims come with the new brake pads. In any event use them or reuse the ones on your brake pads - and spray the backs of the pads with the sticky non squeak spray before installing. Very easy job.