Brake Pad Suggestions for '95 E420
 

About 3 months the car got new rotors and pads in the front - all Mercedes OEM. The new pads squeak like nothing I've ever heard before - the kind of resonating that makes heads turn about 1/2 mile before you arrive!

I've been back to the shop countless times - blue stuff on the backs, silicone on the pads, groves cut on pads... About 10 days later the squeaking is back.

I am at my wits end and just want quiet brakes! So, I'm looking for recommendations. Thank you.

Try EBC greens for front...I like so far , +/- 5000 miles on them. Low dust, no noise, great feel, decent price at $70:)

I'm using EBC rotors and green stuff pads.Like Jim said,low dust
noiseless.Fadeless!(after warm up).

If you get EBC you must get new rotors or they will warp, belive me I know from expierence.
On my car I have Axiss metal master pads all around and the grooved front ATE rotors, this is a very very very low dust set up (I hate brake dust).

Subman

Hi Guys

Has anyone used Brembo cross drilled rotors with Axiss pads combo on their MB???

My buddy loves his above mentioned setup on his Jaguar. I was curious as his price was very reasonable.

Keith

I agree Subman, when I change my rotors, I installed Axiss, no problems at all, also a very good performance pad, and no noise.

John, there is no reason if the correct MB pads were installed that they should squeak, tell the shop to correct the problem.
timreid

Subman, On my car I have Axiss metal master pads all around and the grooved front ATE rotors, this is a very very very low dust set up (I hate brake dust).

Six months of driving on cross-drilled rotors
 

I recently installed front and rear cross-drilled rotors on the '91 300E. The winter rains have started and I was very curious about their resistance to water while braking. I have been very pleased with the results. Brakes are effective quickly, even in a lot of water. None of that terrifying second or two while the water is swepted away.

I noticed that on first application (dry) the brakes takes maybe a half second to react, but after heating up, they really do well.

This past summer we drove all over the Sierras with four people and luggage. Down steep grades, several severe braking events and never any hint of brake problem.

One funny little difference, I can hear the rotors when the window is open while braking ... I hear a little swooshing sound that wasn't there before, a cool kind of sound.

OK, and it is also cool to look through the wheels and see cross-drilled rotors, front and back.

My observations,

Haasman

hassman

What kind of pads are you running? So you would give a big thumbs up on the cross drilled rotors?

Keith

Keith

Yes the cross-drilled rotors are excellent. Do at least the fronts, the rears only handle 20-30% of the total braking.

I am using us Axiss pads. They seem to get along well together.

Be sure to look for ones where the drilling at the surface has been chamfered, this reduces the chance of heat cracks.

Haasman

If you live in a 'roadsalt zone' or spend any time on dirt roads, I would advise against cross-drilleds.
They have a tendency to accumulate debris in the holes that would otherwise be swept away.
Once a hole is filled, the abrasive debris digs a gouge in the pad, and your swept area at that diameter is gone.

Never again for me...

Best of luck.

No salt down on the bayou and no dirt roads can you beleive.
Thanks for the heads up though never would have given that one a thought.

K

Hi Guys,

I'm resurrecting this old thread as my '95 E420 is now due for new pads and likely new rotors as well. I'd really like a lower dust set up (without using dust shields) and understand that harder rotors are needed for that. The ATE Superdiscs look very nice.

Question is, I'm assuming these aftermaket pads don't have the receptor holes for the wear sensors? I'd hate to go without pad wear sensors as it's one of those great MB features that lets you know in advance when the car needs some crucial TLC.

Have you all simply done away with the wear-sensor indicators?

Thanks!
- Ryan

Hi Ryan

Did a complete brake job about six months back. I used good OME aftermarket rotors and pads. These also were available with all factory original setup. Brake sensors were installed no problem. Seems I used a very low brake dust pads on front and I think textar on the rear. I cant't seem to remember what the low dust pads on the front were, but I am very happy with the performance of the whole setup. I did replace all rotors at the same time new pads were installed with the sensors. I will try and look for my receipt for you and find out what I used. Good luck.
Keith

All of the aftermarket pads that I am aware of work with pad wear sensors.

dieseldude,

I have the same vehicle, although a '94. Anyway, you might be interested in the following thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/92054-mintex-red-pads-94-e420.html