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  #1  
Old 08-24-2006, 10:04 AM
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Location: Bethesda, MD
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Ceramic pads-less effective stopping power.

I had some Akebono ceramic pads installed along with new front rotors on my 95 E300D. Unfortunately, after 1,000 miles I still have to press the brake pedal harder and longer to bring the car to a stop as compared to OE pads. This was not the experience I had with Akebonos on a Toyota LC I had.
Will this braking impove after more 'break-in' time? Anyone with similar experience?
P.S. I did a search and read previous threads.
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  #2  
Old 08-24-2006, 10:36 AM
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yal yal is offline
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OE pads are high friction thats why they dust more.
My guess is you're not generating enough heat to warm up these ceramic pads. What happens if you stop repeatedly? Does the braking get progressively better?

Try to use some bedding in procedures. Find a deserted corner of your neighbourhood and bring the car up to speed and brake hard to a stop. Do it 6-7 times from 40-60 mph then drive to cool.

If you are looking for low cost dustless pads with good friction right off the bat try Axxis Deluxe Plus pads. The plus ones are better than the plain deluxe ones. You can get them here http://www.buybrakes.com/axxis/apps-Mercedes-Benz.html Mfg Part Number: 45-04230D
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  #3  
Old 08-24-2006, 11:46 AM
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Since the ceramic pads are 'harder' than the steel rotor, won't the bedding-in procedure you describe overheat and possibly warp the rotors?
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  #4  
Old 08-24-2006, 03:22 PM
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From what you and others have reported, what you experienced is normal. Ceramic pads are designed for heavy service, such as racing, to prevent brake fade from overheating from heavy, repetitive use. They don't work well in regular driving. Do you really need ceramic pads on your dieselmobile?
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  #5  
Old 08-25-2006, 12:59 AM
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Having installed ceramic pads on my truck about 6 months ago, I can assure you that the pedal effort and stopping distances ( unless the brakes are VERY warm ), will both be greater than with other materials.
I doubt that I will be buying them again.
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Old 08-26-2006, 08:12 PM
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Earlier this week I was preparing to order a set of Akebonos for my car. At the last minute, I dedcided to go with PBR Deluxe Plus. I am glad I obeyed my intuition.
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  #7  
Old 02-14-2007, 01:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yal View Post
OE pads are high friction thats why they dust more.
Actually, it's because of TUV requirements that the pads contain a certain amount of graphite/carbon. That's why it's always the German OE pads that have the worst dust characteristics.
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  #8  
Old 02-14-2007, 02:12 PM
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the hawks i bought from tire rack require less pedal pressure for the same braking affect.

good on dust too, with no squealing.

tom w
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..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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