[KevCarver]

First off kudos to Atmshmr for your in depth DIYs overall and these brake specific ones:
Pads:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1517669-changing-brake-pads.html
Fluid Flush:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1609519-diy-brake-fluid-flush.html

I've done brakes on bikes and other cars, but not on M-B or anything with wear sensors. So it's nice to read through and see that things are generally the same. I'm not usually one to go for the uprated fancy DOT4 fluids, but I do like the idea of contrasting color to more easily see the new stuff at the caliper. Just a note, I've seen friends use the blue on bikes, and the dye fades in sunlight. Most sporty bikes have opaque reservoirs and sometimes clear lines to the master cylinder if retrofitted with upgraded brakes. Not that it matters here, just thought I'd mention it!

In any case, since you first posted the pad change have you needed to replace the rotors? If so, what brand did you use?
Any further notes on Akebono pads?

I'm slowly preparing to service my brakes in late spring/early summer. Got plenty of pad left, but some ugly scoring and definitive lip on the front rotors. Plus no service history, so better flush the fluid while I'm at it. Might get some flexible lines to be sure. Probably start buying stuff a bit at a time, so it's not a big bill all at once!

 

[wallyp]

Just as a note - the Feds outlawed different colors on automotive brake fluid a few months ago...

 

[KevCarver]

Looks like it's still readily available, but it is pretty easy to spot new fluid. I think I'd spring for a new bottle of plain ol' DOT4.

 

[compaddict]

I used Centric rotors on my S55. I use them on my race car as well. Nice.

 

[doni01]

Well I just put Akebono Pads on my wifes X5 about two months ago and to be honest with you, I love the non existing dust. Was kinda sceptical before replacing them for two reasons. First was the noise. If you read the reviews on them there is a mixture of where half say, they are quiet and the other half says that they squeak. Mine did squeak for about a week or so and then it went away. Secondly, was the stopping power or the bite as they call it. I would tell you that there is no pad IMO that comes close to the OEM as far as braking goes but surprisingly these weren't bad. Would I buy them again?? Definitely. Hope this helps...

 

[KevCarver]

Noted, thanks!

 

[atmsmshr]

First off kudos to Atmshmr for your in depth DIYs overall and these brake specific ones:

In any case, since you first posted the pad change have you needed to replace the rotors? If so, what brand did you use?
Any further notes on Akebono pads?

I'm slowly preparing to service my brakes in late spring/early summer. Got plenty of pad left, but some ugly scoring and definitive lip on the front rotors. Plus no service history, so better flush the fluid while I'm at it. Might get some flexible lines to be sure. Probably start buying stuff a bit at a time, so it's not a big bill all at once!

Kevin,

thanks for the feedback - glad to help someone after all the help I seek out and receive from the forums!

As mentioned - contrasting color is out of regulation. You can use the drain amounts posted to get a good flush of each line.

The Akebono's are great - plenty of pad left after 80,000 miles. Just received the Akebono's for my S550 - will put them on in a week or two in order to eliminate brake dust.

However, since the S430 rotors were original and now have over 140,000 miles - recently measured them to be at minimum serviceable thickness and need to be replaced. (Service thickness is stamped on the rotor hub.) I will be doing a flush, change the pads (since they conform to the rotors) and swapping rotors this summer on the S430.

As far as the lip on the front rotors - it did not affect performance and I just lived with it - no problems. To mic the rotor with this lip - just use washers to offset the ridge. I will probably go with Zimmer (good brand) - although I've used MB dealer rotors in the past as well on the rest of our 'fleet'. If I recall, the MB rotors are a bit thicker, and of course more expensive.

Regards,

Mike

 

[KevCarver]

I haven't measured thickness yet, but I suspect they are OE @191,000 miles. Significant lip on them. I had a front wheel off recently, but I hadn't read the top about using washers to measure around the lip. Good tip!

 

[KevCarver]

Kevin,

I will probably go with Zimmer (good brand) - although I've used MB dealer rotors in the past as well on the rest of our 'fleet'. If I recall, the MB rotors are a bit thicker, and of course more expensive.

Regards,

Mike

Re: Zimmer rotors; I saw on (I think) NAPA online Zimmerman branded from Altron Imports. Is that the same thing? I saw OE Discount Parts had fronts for $97.50 vs. $99.99 for the Zimmerman.

If mine are indeed the originals, I can't go wrong with OE. Not likely to get another 190,000 out of the car...