For some reason, my car eats through brake pads at least once per year or between 8k-13k miles. not a big deal. everything is in proper working order iwht the brakes, and I don't think I am a heavy brake user.

I currently have ate pads front and textar pads rear. I put on new ate front rotors last brake pad change.

I just need to put in new pads int he front. I am not concerned with brake dust, just new pads.

I have no trouble getting another set of ate pads, they have worked flawlessly, and have not squeeled at all.

But if anyone has recommendations for some pads that will last longer, provide the same performance, and wont squeal, I'm all up for suggestions.

anyone suggest porterfield or ebc pads or others?

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Hi Alon:

I have used Porterfields R4S on everything that I have owned. These pads last twice as long as the ATE pads. On my 260E, I went through pads twice a year with the ATE's. I travel up and down to and from work on a large hill every day sometimes twice and ATE pads were not cutting the mustard.

I have had these R4S's for almost 18 months I am changing them this week. The cold grip stops but is not as good as when they warm up, they perform great. The hotter they get, the better the grip. Especially when I am coming down the hill the grip is excellent! These pads do have some dust but not as bad as ATE pads. The color of the dust is kind of a rust color. Squealing is not a problem for me. I put some of that orange stuff on the back then I add a thick coat of Raybestos Silicone and I haven't had a problem since. That is a old trick we use on the Toyota 4X4's.

If you have questions about these pads, call Wendy at Porterfield and tell her Eric from Hawaii said to call and she will be more than happy to answer your questions.

I hope this helps.

Aloha,
Eric

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1987 260E Charcoal Grey 157,000 Miles
1987 260E Forest Green 120,000 Miles

Just broke in (100+ miles) a new set of Porterfields R4S on a new set of cryo-treated front rotors.

Once broken in, they are so much better than the "yellow-box" ATE's and not as dirty.

I got them from: http://www.myroadster.net

Whatever you do, break-in / bed-in NEW pads on OLD rotors, otherwise you'll feel like you have no "panic" stopping power, aka "green pad syndrome", esp. on the Porterfields.

Likewise, break-in / bed-in NEW rotors with OLD pads.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Yeah - I actually fried my first set of R4-S pads because I put them on with new rotors. They told me to have a longer break-in with new rotors, and after that is was safe to "pound on them". I did an easy, gradual break-in (several hundred miles) but it wasn't enough, apparantly. After the first few test "panic" stops they faded and never felt the same afterwards (initial bite was gone). Fortunately Porterfield wanted them back for testing, and gave me a new set, with the added warning about new pads / old rotors & vice versa. So far the new ones are great but I haven't torture tested them yet, but I will be soon since i got my nifty AP-22 meter and can get some 70-0 stopping distances!

Side note: The R4-S are the ONLY pads I have EVER used that had strong bite, from the very first application backing out of the driveway, with new pads & rotors. Every other pad scares the beejeesus out of me for the first 100 miles or so until they bed in enough to work. The Textar pads I just put on my '84 (with new rotors) were so bad for the first few miles I almost rolled through my garage door b/c they wouldn't stop! (They're fine now after break-in.)


Regards,

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Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

I use the OEM Textars or I use ATE. So Cal is why your car eats brake pads. I get about 10,000 miles on brake pads for my W124. The OEM are dusty, but they are soft, which gives great braking. I only get a squeek once I do my first cold stop but then it goes away. My mechanic charges me $75 for front OEM brake pad change so I don't feel the stigma of paying $500 for brake pad change at dealer.