CRD Front Brake Pads & Rotors

[300C-CRD]

Went to the dealer to check up the price of a set of front pads and rotors. Mine has done 55.000 km and the pads are on the thin side, the rotors also have groove lines on them. Pads -$240 a set. but the rotor is $92 each. Went to a local brake specialist, they sell the pads around $180 a set and they can machine the rotors for $60 each. I have been to couple other local brake specialists to see if anyone has the slot rotors but no luck. Come to think of it, better not to have the slot rotors which wear out the pads quicker. Guess I better get in touch with Zeckhausen people and have the pads shipped over from USA.

[BAG-63D]

DBA sell the slotted rotors... if i remember correctly.. $250 a corner .

I did my fronts a couple of weeks ago

[300C-CRD]

Thanks "BAG-63D", Where is DBA? How's braking with the slotted rotors? There is no hurry as I still have a bit left on the front pads, probably catch up with you at the next M&G while I check up the Zechausen site.

[protego]

I am probably going to try these:

eBay Motors: 05-06-07 Chrysler 300 300C Drill/Slot Brake Rotors+Pads (item 310039735633 end time May-09-08 00:53:49 PDT)

note the price is for all 4 rotors and 2 sets of pads, just need to sort out shipping.

Other than that, if you just want some pads Zeckhausen Racing are the go. You should be able to get them here for about $100 as set including shipping.

At 55,000 you should just need new pads and maybe a light skim of the rotors, this should cost less than $50 per rotor.

I put EBC Redstuff pads (Ceramic) on the back of my 300C and would not reccomend them to anyone, they squeal a lot, generate lots of dust and look like they are chopping out the rotors fairly quickly. I also got a set of Posiquiet pads from Zeckhausen around the same time and will be using them next time around, you might have to wait a while for the comparison though. The front pads were changed by the dealer at great expense using OEM pads, but do seem to be wearing quite well compared to the original pads.

FWIW: I would suggest going for softer pads rather than harder ones, pads are much cheaper than rotors so you want them to be the bit that wears out quicker.

PS: If you have done pad changes yourself before on other cars, don't be afraid to do the ones on the 300C yourself, it's not that hard. I changed my rear pads myself in less than one hour, the dealer wanted to charge me over $200 to do the same job, they are rip off merchants.

[300C-CRD]

Thanks "Protego" for the advice. I saw your comment in another thread, standard rotor cost $75 each, my locak dealer charges $92 which isn't too bad. My local Brake specialist charges $60 to skin the rotor, I would rather replace it with a new one for $32 more. Since I am not doing many kilometers this year with the CRD (weekend use only) I think the pads and rotors should get me through to Christmas, by then my nephew should arrive from USA with the new bits. Your comments on the ceramic pads are very helpful, nothing worst than a squealing brakes, I shall order the standard pads. It is funny that all the pads which Zechausen are selling advertised as "low dust" "quiet" and "good for the rotors". I may just get the standard rotors, don't know those slotted ones can be re-skinned. I shall see if I have time to take the pads out to have a look and draw it onto paper to fax it to my nephew this weekend. Cheers.

[protego]

By the way, the EBC pads were from Summit Racing Equipment, I'm hoping the Posiquiets from Zeckhausen perform a bit better, they seem to have a failry good reputation.

At the moment I think it is the only car I have ever seen where the rear wheels seem to accumulate more brake dust than ther fronts.

[BDMCP]

Is there a product that would clean rotors? I have 18,000 miles on my 300C and quite a bit of pad left. My rotor surfaces seem smooth to the touch but don't look "clean" and shiny.

[300C-CRD]

It is very unusual for the rear brakes to have more dust than the front, better have it checked. (hand brake setting? ESP over reacting to your fast driving?)
As to "dirty" rotors, they looks a bit "rusty brown" after washing due to oxidation. They should look shinny again after a short drive.

[xrfr8]

do they look blue-brownish? if so they have been very hot. maybe a good thrash with lots of excessive braking? nothing to worry about.

[BDMCP]

Thanks for the advice.....Looks as if oxidation was the issue....had the car washed the day before...yesterday rotors were normal looking again...Great forum!