Yes get the ceramic pads they cool off quicker and last longer. Basically 3 types of pads (1) organic=good for old cars like mine that go slow and don't have abs. (2) metalic=better performance but they are harder on the rotors and they tend to squeak because of oxidation on the bits of metal that are in the pads. (3) ceramic=excellent high performance and quick cooling saves your rotors from possible warpage. As far as replacing the rotors, it all depends on how deep the grooves are in them due to worn pads. I can't recall specifics.
Also, one mechanic told me if I replace the pads, then I need to replace the rotors and that they can't be ground down...is that true?
Thanks for the help!
Hey, lanabron. Ceramic pads are harder and last longer, as a result they wear out rotors faster. You're not going to see any better braking performance, but you'll deal with less brake dust which is the primary reason people go to aftermarket pads. If you're cool with the dust then stick with OEM and be happy.
The mechanic who told you that is halfway honest. MB specifies that their rotors are not to be turned, when they are beyond spec (or near enough that they will wear out during the life of the pads) they are to be replaced. Luckily, OEM rotors are pretty inexpensive and easy to change. That said, just because you change pads you don't necessarily have to change rotors (the reverse is true: if you replace rotors you should always replace pads). Whether to otherwise change the rotors depends on how worn they are.
If you change compounds on one axle (such as putting a ceramic pad on the front) then conventional wisdom recommends that you replace the pads on the rear with the like compound.
Lots more excellent information is in the W204 forum, which you'll see if you scroll on down the page, it's specific to your model benz.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government.
Get Akebono Ceramic Pads. Replace your Rotors and Brake Sensor and thoroughly wash down all that nasty Brake Dust from OEM Pads.
I am amazingly happy after doing mine earlier part of the year.
You know something, I FORGOT what Brake Dust is.
No fooling! Can you believe it?
Rotors are cheap to replace
Brake Sensors cheap to replace.
Satisfication is priceless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lanabron
Hi, I have a 2004 C240....
Should I get ceramic pads? Whats the difference?
Also, one mechanic told me if I replace the pads, then I need to replace the rotors and that they can't be ground down...is that true?
Thanks for the help!
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Charles Orlando, Florida United States of America
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: West Virginia, USA
Posts: 5,671
I am amazed at how many posts there are complaining about brake dust. I wash my car about every 2 weeks and use a grill/wheel brush with ordinary soap on the wheels. After drying the car with a chamois and cleaning the windows with Windex, I easily wipe the remaining brake dust off the wheels with the wet paper towel I used on the windows.
I sincerely believe the MB engineers have designed the best brake pads for our cars. Lastly, there is a new OEM brake pad that is supposed to be harder, still does a good job stopping the car, and creates less dust.
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Ich liebe meinen Mercedes-Benz!
Last edited by Musikmann : 07-24-2008 at 05:59 PM.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: West Virginia, USA
Posts: 5,671
Quote:
Originally Posted by MB-SV
Tell us more about new pads. Are they for new 2009's mainly?
If my source is correct, they are backwards compatible, at least to a point. I don't know in which year they were 1st used as OEM equipment, but my guess is no later than 2007 (based on when I was given the information).
If my source is correct, they are backwards compatible, at least to a point. I don't know in which year they were 1st used as OEM equipment, but my guess is no later than 2007 (based on when I was given the information).
Obviously MB is concerned about the sheer volume of complaints about excessive brake dust, as they should be when thousands of consumers voice the same complaint. Please let us know as more info comes out.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: West Virginia, USA
Posts: 5,671
Quote:
Originally Posted by MB-SV
Obviously MB is concerned about the sheer volume of complaints about excessive brake dust, as they should be when thousands of consumers voice the same complaint. Please let us know as more info comes out.
I'll be glad to. The only thing I can add is that when I asked the dealer service writer about them (~3 weeks ago) he said they always stock the "latest and greatest" of everything. I know that's not much, but I'm surely going to ask for these pads when I next need some.
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