Just as we collectively got Chrysler to change the radios, we need to get together and have them install the ceramic pieces I have resd about in the chat room. The car looks filthy no matter how it shines. This is a design flaw and needs to be corrected.

 

The brake dust is a cosmetic problem only and is also shared with MB vehicles. The radio was a real defect. We're talking apples and oranges. You may get DC to change the type of pads they use on future cars but current owners are stuck with no recourse. Many here have gone to aftermarket pads and fixed the problem themselves.

 

Check out the 8... they have the same problem with brake dust too

 

As do seemingly every BMW, Jag, etc. etc. etc....

 

And the Porsche we used to own - it had the same problem, only it seemed worse.

 

European cars always have very soft brake pads. It just the way it is. If you want to get rid of the dust you have to do what many of us have already done...... Change the pads at your expense.

If anyone wants a brand new set of stock pads you can have the ones I took off. You pay shipping and I'll be glad to send them.

 

Has anyone with aftermarket pads done a 60-0 brake test to see if the stopping power has changed?

Also, how much are the aftermarket pads and how much is it to get them installed (on average)?

 

No 0 - 60 tests.... But I've autocrossed the heck out of mine and the brakes are awesome. That's a good enough test for me.

 

I hate the brake dust too, but it just gives me a reason to wash the car again.. It is annoying, but meguiars hot rims and some water gets rid of the dust easily.

 

My friend that is a tech trainer for D/C says that the brake dust has more to do with the new requirements that the pads have no asbestos than anything else....

But why they don't use one of the more dust free pads is still a mystery to me.

Or is it a function of cost?

 

I don't think it's a cost thing. We're talking about the the brakes on Mercedes, Porche, Audi etc. I doubt that they are using cheaper brake pads than say... Toyota or Honda.

I spend 6 years in Germany (1974 - 1977 and 1979 - 1982) and German cars have always had very soft brake pads. Even my 1969 BMW 2002 turbo-tap had the brake dust problem until I installed a harder pad. Back then you had to use Metalic pads and linnings to get away from the dust. The biggest problem with metalic pads and linnings is that they were very tough on your rotors and drums.

 

EBC "Greenstuff" pads were $70 or so at Tirerack and my dealer charged about $85 to install them. I only had the fronts done.

 

You guys should try the Rotex Kevlar pads, for the crossfire i know a lot of mercedes guys that use them, they are EXTREMELY clean.




http://www.brakeworld.com/ < i got mine here

later,
mike