81' 300SD Brake Pads/abnormal wear & alternative pads? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Elliott Fager · #1 03-12-2003, 11:59 AM

Greetings,

I had a complete set of calibers and pads installed on my 81' 300SD 14,000 miles ago by my mechanic, who installed factory Mercedes pads. The wear indicator light just flashed on and I am surprised that 14,000 miles was all I got out of the pads. I have had several mercedes, all 123's and am surprised at the wear on my 126. I don't abuse my brakes. Was wondering if there is a better alternative to using mercedes pads that will wear longer preferably through a national chain auto parts store (Pep Boys NAPA etc).

Thanks in advance for your help

samiam4 · #2 03-12-2003, 01:20 PM

Try european Textar's.

They are a good comprise between mileage and braking. Refered to as "Yellow box textars" because they come in a yellow box. Some cars like PBR's-some hate them. Do you have a sticking caliper because 14k is sounds short for factory pads. On a note, my W123 I drove for a good 5-10k more before replacement. They were thin, but not into the metal.

Brakes are about the easiest thing next to changing oil you can do! Buy a packet of brake paste and pads. I'd order them with a few filters from Fastlane or thebenzbin- you get free shipping over $50. For me it's easier than going to the parts store.

Michael

The Warden · #3 03-12-2003, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samiam4
On a note, my W123 I drove for a good 5-10k more before replacement. They were thin, but not into the metal.

I can say the same with my 123...I think I got about 5K miles after the light started flickering. Turned out one piston on the right side caliper was sticking, so I had premature wear on one pad...I did a rebuild on that caliper, but the car still pulls to the right, so I think I"ll just replace both front calipers next time I do the brakes...

I don't know how long the pads lasted; I had the car about 5K miles before the light came on, but the previous owner couldn't find any recent service records.

Elliott Fager · #4 03-12-2003, 01:46 PM

Thanks for your reply...I don't think I have sticking calipers because the car drives very straight and the wheels are both just slightly warm to the touch after driving around town. I have always gotten about 30K+ miles on a set of pads for my 240D's and 300D's doing exacatly the same kind of driving. I just wonder if factory pads wear a lot faster. Seems I heard that they do but the positive side is that the discs are supposed to last longer. Wondering what the life expectancy of pads on a 300SD is.

samiam4 · #5 03-12-2003, 10:13 PM

Yep,

Factory pads are soft in the usa. Try the textars -I'm told they are still pretty easy on the rotors. They are the only pads I like in my 300d. They feel smooth and no squeeks + less dust on the wheels.

Michael