98 SL500 brake pad recommendation
 

car is ready for new front pads. Had the car in for oil change and tranny service (60K miles). I asked the mechanic about pads and they said they only recommend Mercedes factory pads which I think suck. I do not use Merc dealer but use an independent shop in Fort Worth. The factory pads dust like crazy and I'm sick of spending more time on the wheels every week than I spend washing the car..I asked about ceramic and they said definitely not recommended as they eat rotors. Rotors are actually pretty cheap so I don't ncecessarily mind buying new ones once in a while.

What are everyone's recommendations for a good aftermarket low dust pad?

TIA

Mike


ttdtrOrtonf,,. Ft yeeqnm0 oisome maintenance I don't , and my mechanic is str

Read this.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/99272-fastlane-pads-should-i-get.html?highlight=break+pads
and this
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/106811-rotors-pads-brand-why.html?highlight=brake+pads
under search "brake pads"

The dealers here use Pagids (at least that's what I got the last time I visited the parts dept.). The softer compounds generate more dust, but are more compliant as well (i.e. not as hard on rotors).

I think the "squeal" problems bother me more than the excess brake dust. I've started using Mintex pads and they have eliminated squeal and reduced dust by a wide margin. I suspect that my rotor swaps will be more frequent, but as you mentioned, not a big deal considering the cost...

There are probably as many opinions on pads as there are pads !!

My 2 cents from experience is that the EBC greens for the front with stock rotors work real nice with not nearly as much dust, great bite/feel and at a price of about $70 for the set. Accepts the OE pad sensor plug as well.

I agree that the OEM MB pads are just too dusty up front. :)