Just got my first mercedes, a 2004 CLK500 convertible, and have been cleaning the front wheels every week due to tons of brake dust! I don't think I brake unusually often or hard. I don't like the look of brake dust shields and am thinking about changing my brake pads. Does anyone have any experience with the various brake pads that are supposed to produce less dust? Do they brake as well and do they squeal?

Thanks for your help.

 

I've heard that Pagid (non-ceramic) throw less dust but cannot confirm this -- many mail order sites sell Pagid, so it might be worth a call to some of them to verify or get a better recommendation. If asbestos didn't cause cancer, we would all still have clean wheels! Good luck....

 

you can go with porterfield brake pads.

 

I am using Mintik composite pads, they stop well and very little dust. about $50 for the fronts. Also, they don't have to "warm up" to work well.

I know what you mean about Mercedes pads, they are the worse. I washed my front wheels twice a week, the back I could get away with once a week and a small California duster. Actually a small California Duster does a decent job, if you don't feel like getting ou the hose, wheel cleaner, brush and the hassle. I did mine with the duster after 4 days of pouring rain and they looked OK

 

I have owned BMW's and now a MB. I have noticed that both of them have alot more brake dust then other cars. The service advisor at the BMW dealership that I used in the past told me about a guy that put dust shields on his car. It caused the brakes to burn up. I would investigate them more before adding them to your car.

 

The rotors and brake pads on BMWs and BENZs are made of softer compounds, therefore giving you awesome braking abilities. The drawback is tons of brakedust and having to replace rotors often.

You can try after market pads, but I have yet to find a good alternative. If anyone has, please post your results.

I have found that most aftermarket pads tend to squeal.

 

I just had new disc and Mintek pads installed, 2/3 less dust on the front wheels and they stop very well.

 

I'm a Prowler owner and most of us have replaced our front brakes with Raybestos ceramik pads. Eliminates 95% of brake dust with no change in braking. Have them on for 2 years now.

 

any recommendation from someone who knows a lot would be better, but perhaps my own case would give you an idea.. i had replaced my mercedes brake dust shields now.... since everytime you brake, brake dust is produced and usually accumulates in the wheels, making it looking dull. making it cool and shiny is what i like most... since i can't give my whole time into cleaning, i had installed it with a new brake shields. you better replace it especially on your brake pads.