Axxis Metal Master & EBC Brake Pads
 

Can anyone tell me if Axxis Metal Masters make brake pads for the W210, the E420 really. I've read how good they are but cannot find them anywhere for this model.
If there is not a part for this model what are the recommendations on the EBC green stuff pads? I've found them at EBC-Brakes.com the only thing is that they list the same part for both the E320 and E420, is this right?, I thought the E420 would require different stopping power than the E320.
Please enlighten me.

The "metal-masters" have been around for years!! Repco, now Axxis branded but the same ***CHEAP*** brake pad! Haven't seen any of the newer MB's with EBC pads BUT I have tried a set for my 16V race car & wasn't impressed at all!

If you really want to try out the Axxis pads, try www.brakeco.com

I have never tried theese pads on a Mercedes but have used them on Volvo's with excellent results. They are sold under the names of Repco, Axxis, and PBR. One of the reasons I really like them is that they do not wear out rotors as fast as some of the high metal pads and do not create the black dust that we all hate on our wheels.

I was curious too if they were available for Mercedes.

I recently put EBC Greens on my 98 E320. I am very unhappy with them. Yes, I don't have the dust, but they squeal, and the pedal pressure is much higher. Plus I'm getting some pedal modulation.

I guess you can tell I don't recommend them. I have heard good things about them, from non MB owners.

Jim

ps, I lost the 'brake assist' feature, after I changed the pads. Has anyone else experienced this? I assumed it was more a factor of the soft pads?

BRAKE PADS
 

TRY the Porterfield pads they work great! no dust NO SQUEAK NO FADE i have used them on several of my cars including a ex ml and they worked super! Also the porterfield pads DO NOT EAT ROTORS they come in several compounds and porterfield treats brake rotors a la frozen treatment that makes the rotor last A LOT LONGER PORTERFIELD IS IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA sorry i dont have his phone # good luck


mark

I've tried both of these as well as Mintex and OE on my E420 (94). The OE's work great and are quiet and create a lot of dust. Axxis has both metal masters and deluxe. The deluxe pad is quiet, works great, and has somewhat less dust than the OE's (about half). The Axxis metalmasters have very little dust, but will wear the rotors much faster. The Mintex has problems with the fitment listings on US spec cars. Less dust than OE and Axxis deluxe, but more than metal master. They tended to cause a buildup on the rotor that gave an uneven feel to the brakes. EBC's were a major disappointment. SQUEAL!!!!!

My choice is the Axxis deluxe, might try the metalmasters next time, but doubt it, the brake dust is very tolerable with the deluxe.

HOpe this helps.

Bob,

One thing you might want to think about is the fact that PBR Deluxe pads DO contain asbestos. That is some nasty stuff, and with all the other pads on the market, I don't see why we should expose ourselves to such a dangerous substance.

If you do your own brakework, there is no way to avoid the dust.

Greg
'84 300D

EBC Greenstuff
 

I recently changed out my "stock" front pads for the EBC Greenstuff due to excessive dust. I was also experienceing loud squealing with the stock pads. Since changing to EBC, no squealing and very little dust on my wheels.

Did the work myself, thanks to the DYI on this forum. Took less than an hour to do.

Just thought I'd confuse things a bit here.

So far from responses and my digging - Axxis metalmasters do not make a pad for the W210, the EBC's have had a mixed reception on this Benz model and forum, Mintex - not that good. So it's looking like I'll have to go with the Porterfield's, any other experiences with the Porterfield R-S4 before I order them.

Tolahouse,
What did you end up doing, I am about to face the same thing.
I appears that Porterfield may be the best choice.
Which one did you get, are you happy, and where/how did you order it?
Thanks for your help. I have a 97 E420 as well.

Pads
 

I have used all of the ones described.
Porterfields are good pads, I have used the Axxis/Repco's with great results. Worked best for me matter of fact. The OEM Jurids,Textars, Pagid are good pads but the dust and the damage to the wheels is unacceptable.

One thing to think about.

If you subscribe to the rule of not turning the rotors when changing pads.
It shouldn't be an issue on the rotor wear.

The Pad isn't going to wear down the rotor faster that the pad wearing out.


I'm a little of both, If the rotor is warped, no amount of turning is going to bring it back permanently. The warp will show up again.

If you are doing a clean up pass on used rotors w/ new pads. Give it a shot. I've had good luck here also. Both MB and Non MB.

I new change pads without a cleanup pass or new rotor.
New pads on old surface rotors is inviting problems.

Tolahouse, care if I use your ASCII Art ?

Mike

hate brake squeals

The cold fronts moving through the NE seem to have induced some unexpected squealing in my OE pads. I might switch to one of the recommmended pads, haven't made up my mind. I'm also looking into using "Squeak Relief" which I believe is available at Napa. Anyone tried this out yet?

http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/squeakrelief.html

I thought it was similar to the anti-squeal grease but apparently works in a different way.

Do Axxis Deluxe contain asbestos?

I answered my own question - Axxis Deluxe contain asbestor

Axxis Deluxe Plus (new product) is supposed to be as good and not contain asbestos.

Does anyone know where to buy online Axxis Deluxe Plus pads?

Ok Guys, it's been almost 3 weeks now and I have my verdict. I went with the Porterfields (porterfieldbrakes.com) and it was the R4-S model. So far I am happy. My brake dust is almost none existent, I have intentionally not washed the car just to monitor the brake dust build up and I'm pretty impressed. Close up on the wheels you will see some dust but it is very very light.
The brakes took about 2-3 days of normal driving to fully settle in and since then it's been stopping on a dime. For the first week I could also hear a very light squeal but that went away.
I ended up only changing the front pads because the rear factory ones looked like they were put in yesterday - no wear on them at all.
While I've got you guys here I'll ask this question which I will also post in Wheels and tires - my tires have about 15,000 miles on them, the fronts still look very new but the rears almost have all the middle patch of rubber scrubbed off. When I had the wheels and tires installed the resultant figures from the alignment were very near factory settings. Does this mean my toe figures are wrong, I know the camber issue makes tires wear on the inside and I don't have that problem?

Mike M you can use my ASCII sign n/p.:cool:

Where do you get the Porterfield and how much are they?

I got the pads from Porterfieldbrakes.com for $119.00 +$10.00 S+H.
Myroadster.net can supply them also for $95.00 +SH but I had already put in my order with the initial company before he came through with his price.

Tola,
To slow the middle of the tire wear, just lower the pressure by about 4psi and try that. Higher pressure puts a smaller contact patch and thus wears the center more.

Well I'll be damned! I was about to extoll the virtues of the PBR/Axxis Deluxe pads that I've been using on my vehicles lately when I saw the asbestos note. The box doesn't say that but has multiple warnings about the "hazardous substance that can cause lung damage" contained within. See the MSDS for more info, naturally not included. I didn't think asbestos pads could even be sold anymore. The risk of mesothelioma or asbestosis merits a clearer and stronger warning than that.

Want me to sue them for you?!

It seems that they will progressiely replace Deluxe with Deluxe Plus which is asbestos free.

I stumbled on this while trying to ferret out facts regarding the composition of the PBR/AXXIS Deluxe pad. http://www.powerstopbrakes.com/deluxe.html

Late added note for those using the search
 

I also put EBC greenstuff on my W210 E320 and have been extremely frustrated. No dust, but squealing and pulsing like crazy. This car is babied and drived by my wife. Going back to the OEM and just getting the $12 car wash more often.

Odd how some have had problems with the EBC's and some not. I just installed the EBC greenstuff pads on my wifes 00 C230 about 2 months ago and so far they have exceeded my expectations. Virtually no dust and not a hint of squeal. When I installed them I used (can't remember the name) an orange colored substance for brakes to stop squeal. It must have worked because they are dead silent. I just wish they made them for the rear brakes which I installed ATE's. They dust up BIG TIME!! Looks weird after a few days because the rears dust up and the fronts don't!!

I'm going to install the EBC's on my E320 when the front pads wear out, can't wait because I hate the dust on my wheels.

Jetforman
 

It is odd. My E320 had 50K miles on it with the original pads. When I changed them I wanted to elimiate the brake dust on my wheels so I researched and went with the EBC pads. At first they seemed fine, with the exception of a little more firm pedal. Then the squealing began. Since I put them on the old rotors, I pulled them off and block sanded them to refresh the surface to give them another chance to bed to the old rotors and used the CRC orange glue type anti-squeal paste. Again, problem cured temporarily then back, not as bad as before, but back non the less. Now I also have pulsing through the wheel on easy braking, which is either warped rotors or deposits on the rotors.

If they are working for you, stick with them as they definately have less dust. Just food for thought.

Red Stuff comments
 

FWIW I ran 4th generation reds stuff in my 500E, and they seemed suitable for everyday driving. However, since I'd bought them for track use, track them I did. Well, they held up temp-wise (zero fade after a full, hard track day of 4 30 min. sessions) but were worn to nothing at the end of the day (Carolina Motorsports Park). 150 miles a set, max. Did the same thing to a second set on the next day, but since I only ran 3 sessions I had enough material to get home. But they DESTROYED my rotors-wore them right down thru the slots, which I'd had cut to min. thickness (meaning when the slots were gone, so were the rotors).

I've since run a set of Italian Rofren pads at Mid-Ohio, and the set I drove to the track with (about 650 miles) I ran both full days, then drove home on. Rotors look great, and almost unbelievably they took the abuse that is Mid-Ohio (anyone that's driven there knows what I mean).

If anyone wants a set of these things, let me know:)

I am running at The Glen Mon-Tue this coming week, and will run the Rofrens again. I'll report in.

Michael,

How much did the Rowfren's cost you?

I'll get a price for your application. I presume you have stock '94 E420 binders?

well...'95 E420...standard 4-piston setup on this model...

Australia had placed a ban on abestos that will translate into a phase-out of asbestos in brake linings. There is a letter on Bendix Mintex's site, Bendix Mintex makes the Axxis pads, PBR makes their own.

EBC Green
 

I am using the EBC Green Stuff pads on my 500SL and am happier with them than with OEM pads because the dust is greatly reduced and what dust I get doesn't seem to be as caustic to the wheels. The EBC uses Kevlar I understand...

Yes, they require a little more pedal pressure when cold, but they rally to the braking when needed. Especially on the road. When the brakes are warm the pedal feels the same as OEM.

I had a little squeaking at first, but after they settled in it went away. I have had OEM pads squeak a bit at first too.

So, are you guys saying that the Metal Masters have NO dust, or are reduced like the EBC?

When will we have electric brakes with no wearing parts!!!

EBC Green Update
 

Well, it has now beena couple of months since I posted my cheery little success story with my EBC Green pads. I still like them BUT I have lots of pulsing and shaking at high speeds.

Yes, my rotors did not hold up and are warped or have "Hot" spots on them.

Is there a high quality rotor that you guys recommend? Slotted? Drilled?

Let's hear some replies on how to reliably solve the dust problem without screwing up our brake systems...

Re: EBC Green Update
 

I ruined 2 sets of rotors on EBC's.
Switch to Axxis Deluxe plus (or PBR deluxe) pads and dump the EBC's and call me in the morning. Your wallet, wheels and your rotors will thank you!

Same here - the Green stuff didn't hold up for long. Been using Metal Masters for about a year, with no issues.

speace

You want cream of the crop?
Mintex Red Box pads & Zimmerman cross-drilled rotors. ;)

Manny,
These two brands I have not come across. I will look around. My goal is:

#1 low dust
#2 easy enough on the rotors not to warp them or better rotors
#3 not cause excess pedal pressure

The EBC green stuff pads scored an 8 on #1, a 3 on #2 and a 5 on #3...

I don't mind replacing rotors more often if I don't have to use ultra pricy ones.

Re: Re: EBC Green Update
 

Yal,

How is the dust on the Axxis Deluxe pad? What started me on this quest was to protect the investment I made on my wheels.

Turboman,

I've been told that with the Metalmasters you can expect to replace the rotors every time you do the pads. Have you experienced this? Also, how is the dust?

speace

I can assure you, no dust, great braking, easy on the rotors. You can have it all.
Try: www.germanautoparts.com ;)

Re: Re: Re: EBC Green Update
 

Deluxe pads dust after a week of driving. BUT the dust is no way near as much as the dust from the OE pads (about 75% less), and certainly not as corrosive, it just wipes off even if you leave it on there for months.
Deluxe plus pads have even less dust if you can find a set for your application.
I got the deluxe because fastlane sold them.
I have not tried the metal master but have heard good things about it. The deluxe pads have the same "feel" as OEM so I am happy!