The Brake Pad Debate -- the Ignored Angle - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

EricSilver · #31 06-02-2003, 10:48 PM

Timreid,

I missed your comments the first time around.

I agree with all you said. Interestingly, pedal pressure seems to become a non-issue once the pads seat themselves. My rotors are OK, except the groove pattern is different now.

And to think I almost bought Bendix.... pads

pmizell · #32 06-03-2003, 06:59 AM

My last pad change was to Axxis Metalmasters, about a year and a half ago. No squeal at all, great stopping, and hardly any dust to speak of -- just a brown haze after about a week.

I'll never use the OEM pads again.

EricSilver · #33 06-03-2003, 03:50 PM

VirgniaDude, that makes sense. Especially when you can get a set of Balo rotors (which they have here in Fast Lane) for $25.00 on EBay and other online resources.

d2bernhard · #34 06-03-2003, 06:49 PM

Why not refinish the wheels to a dark grey color -- similar to the almost black MB "Anthracite"?

EricSilver · #35 07-16-2003, 04:52 PM

It's been over two months since installing the Metal Masters. So far, they continue to perform exceptionally well.

An issue that arose in the past few days was squealing -- Loudly -- during low speed braking. Turns out that I did not use enough of that red CRC rubbery backing goop to keep the pads from moving in the calipers. (I have the Girling calipers with no spring plate, pins, or anything to keep the pads from moving. They just float in the caliper, and can clunk or clack at times when braking from forward to reverse.)

I removed them, scaped off the old goop, added some new. Then I attached the shims that came with the pads, added more goop on top of that, and replaced the pads, which are now in there nice and tight -- and should become even more snug as the CRC stuff swells. We'll see.

cbdo · #36 07-16-2003, 09:47 PM

EricSilver, how have the Metal Masters been on dust? The combination I have of original alloys and OEM pads has me intensely interested in this question!
Also--does anyone know whether the comment about Girling calipers and clunks on reverse braking applies to the '89 560SL also?

haasman · #37 07-16-2003, 10:26 PM

I like the four cross-drilled rotors on the 300E. They work well, no cracking and the only negative is a little light swishing sound when applying the brakes.

I definitely would consider then again. I would also consider looking into slotted rotors.

As far as brake pads: I am SHOCKED at how little brake dust comes from the PBR Deluxe pads on the 190. They have excellent performance, no squeal. I highly recommend them.

Haasman

EricSilver · #38 07-16-2003, 11:57 PM

cbdo,

Dust has been a non-issue; just a brown haze that washes right off. No problems with baking-in.

Since the squeal began, however, I have noticed the dusting seemed to be a bit darker and heavier, which I attrribute to the pads' vibration. Now that they are secured again, I expect that to stop. I'll report back to confirm this in a week or so.

ke6dcj · #39 07-17-2003, 12:22 AM

While not dust-free, please try the "yellow-box" Textar pads, which is the "European" MB OEM composition.

IMHO, less dust than the USA or Textar Pagid's, great stopping power cold, and good fade resistance especially under HEAVY repeated use (I use them on the big-track of Willow Springs, going 125 MPH down the front straight, no fade), and fairly easy on the rotors.

The Textar's come with circumferential (sp?) dampening pads. I also re-fit the stainless-steel shims that originally came with the pads and use either MB brake grease or Permatex synthetic/green brake grease between the shim and pad, and the shim and pistons, and I've never had brake squeal.

Check our EPS/Randy's brake pad site here:

http://www.epsparts.com/category/chassisnumbertable/

Excerpt:
Brake Pad Brands, Compounds and Technical Information

Table of Contents:

1. Orignal Mercedes Brake Pads
Textar Ate Pagid Jurid
2. Aftermarket Brands
PBR / Axxis / Repco Mintex
3. Technical Information
Brake Squeal Coefficient of Friction
4. Brake Safety and Instillation Tips

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

nthach · #40 07-17-2003, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ke6dcj
While not dust-free, please try the "yellow-box" Textar pads, which is the "European" MB OEM composition.

IMHO, less dust than the USA or Textar Pagid's, great stopping power cold, and good fade resistance especially under HEAVY repeated use (I use them on the big-track of Willow Springs, going 125 MPH down the front straight, no fade), and fairly easy on the rotors.

The Textar's come with circumferential (sp?) dampening pads. I also re-fit the stainless-steel shims that originally came with the pads and use either MB brake grease or Permatex synthetic/green brake grease between the shim and pad, and the shim and pistons, and I've never had brake squeal.

Check our EPS/Randy's brake pad site here:

http://www.epsparts.com/category/chassisnumbertable/

Excerpt:
Brake Pad Brands, Compounds and Technical Information

Table of Contents:

1. Orignal Mercedes Brake Pads
Textar Ate Pagid Jurid
2. Aftermarket Brands
PBR / Axxis / Repco Mintex
3. Technical Information
Brake Squeal Coefficient of Friction
4. Brake Safety and Instillation Tips

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I have Textar yellows in both my parent's Benzes, the first one getting the Textar treatment was my soon-to be ride, a 1986 420SEL with Bendix calipers and ATE discs up front, and Lucas-Girling calipers clamping OE discs with OE Textar pads. The pedal feel was just GREAT, solid and responsive after break in(my dad just followed a bus to break the pads in), and i use AGS sil-glyde grease, no squeal except for the backs. My mom's 380SL was next, it got new Balo rotors on all four corners, with Textar yellows up front, PBR Deluxe(PBR/Axxis/Repco/Lucas pads are made by Bendix Mintex Pty, LTD in Australia, fyi), and after having my power-hungry friend do a break-in, the pedal feel was incredible. I slapped on a set of Raybestos QS ceramic pads on my mom's Nissan Quest, Raybestos "claims" that they are low dusting, but they are just as bad as the OE TRW or the Bendix semi-metallics that were on there before. Too bad the Americans suck at the art of making brake pads, only the Europeans and the Australians know the fine are of making friction.

nthach · #41 07-17-2003, 02:13 AM

Also forgot to say:
Eagle One A2Z wheel cleaner or Simple Green is your friend.

yal · #42 07-17-2003, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by haasman
I like the four cross-drilled rotors on the 300E. They work well, no cracking and the only negative is a little light swishing sound when applying the brakes.

I definitely would consider then again. I would also consider looking into slotted rotors.

As far as brake pads: I am SHOCKED at how little brake dust comes from the PBR Deluxe pads on the 190. They have excellent performance, no squeal. I highly recommend them.

Haasman

They are great aren't they?

I was so impressed I took out my rear pads and I now have PBR deluxe all round.

Fletch · #43 07-17-2003, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheVirginiaDude
Cross drilled rotor LOOK cool but they are actually worse for stopping. They are prone to cracking can not be resurfaced, and have less MASS to disipate heat created by stopping the car, they do not help the rotors cool at all. The only thing COOL about them is the looks. They will overheat FASTER than stock rotors due to less mass, not what you want.

I agree that you will probably not get additional performance from a x-drilled rotor, and your correct that they will get hot faster. However you can surface them, and they do cool faster in terms of degrees per minute than a solid rotor.

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