00' c230k Front brake pad recommendation help... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

96C220 · #1 08-07-2006, 02:06 AM

Hey guys,

Ok here's the situation.

As we all know the OEM pads are horrible as far as brake dust issues, on my 1996 c220, when the OEM pads went, my mechanic got me raybestos noise solution brake pads, and they are absolutely wonderful. Hardly a spec of dust, and they stop well, had them for 20k miles on that car, and so far so good, no warping or pulsing or anything like that.

For my 2000 c230k with the sport package, I asked him to get the same brakes as the 96 c220 again, as it was time to replace the pads.

He claimed that he got me a "better" pad. Made by ATE. That it was "low dust" etc etc.

Well the pad is 95% as bad with dusting as the OEM pad, which is really frustrating, since I spent hours cleaning my front wheels in anticipation of having almost zero brake dust (ala my c220).

I talked to him about it, and explained that I was unhappy, and that I had specifically asked for a low dust pad. He appeared to be sympathetic and offered to exchange the pad for a different one. BUT here's where it gets interesting. Basically I think he has a limited source of parts, seeing as he orders most everything from one of two places. His rep there basically ranted and raved about the ATE pad, claiming it was the "best brakes" you can put on that car. Raybestos doesn't make a noise solution pad for my 00 c230k. I think he couldn't get what I asked for but went ahead and got what he could get.

So, After driving around with these brakes on I've had it. I've decided to swap the pads out again, this time for a truly low dust pad, but I need a recomendation here.

I did a search and have narrowed it down to these potential pads:

1) Axxis Metal Master - Supposedly great with dusting, some claim harsh on rotors, and a slightly different pedal feel than OEM.

2) Axxis Deluxe / Deluxe Plus - More dust that the metal masters, but still less than the OEM by far, OEM type feel.

3) EBC Greenstuff Pads - Supposedly very very low dusting, similar to the metal master pads, but some report rotor warpage, as well as noise / squeal problems.

I am open to other suggestions or comments about the above mentioned pads.

Here are my priorities - In order of priority:

1) Low Dust - The least amount possible

2) Good Braking - No decline in performance from OEM. The OEM brakes worked fine for me. I don't track the car or anything like that, it's a daily driver.

3) Does not Destroy or uncessarily wear rotors

Thanks in advance for your ideas,

George

Ali Al-Chalabi · #2 08-08-2006, 09:23 PM

I have never been particularly impressed with any of the Ate aftermarket brake pads, whether it be pads or rotors.

I would try Porterfield pads if I were you. Make sure you get the street coumpound version.

benzfan · #3 08-09-2006, 12:32 AM

Mintex red. They're the only aftermarket pad I've tried that impresses me at all.