Buy Mercedes-Benz GL450 Disc Brake Pad Sets

The Mercedes-Benz GL450 uses four disc brake pads-sometimes called friction pads, stop pads, or simply a brake pad set-to squeeze the rotors and slow the big SUV. Pads come in ceramic, semi-metallic, and low-metallic blends that fit model-year groups 2007-2012 (X164) and 2013-2016 (X166). Front rotor diameters measure about 350 mm on most trims, while some performance packages jump to 375 mm. A pad wear sensor warns drivers when thickness falls near 3 mm, the point most pros say to replace them. Regular checks every 10 000 miles and timely pad swaps keep stopping power strong, meet copper-free rules arriving in 2025, and help avoid the 2022 NHTSA "Do Not Drive" alert affecting some early GL-Class trucks. (MBWorld, Bridgestone Tires, Haynes Manuals, Department of Toxic Substances Control, NHTSA)

Disc brake pads press against spinning rotors when you hit the pedal, turning motion into heat and halting the vehicle. On the GL450, each axle has a fixed-caliper setup that balances smooth daily driving with the strength needed for a three-row SUV. (MBWorld)

• X164 (2007-2012) uses ~350 mm front rotors and 330 mm rears; some trims upsize fronts to 373 mm for heavy-duty towing.
• X166 (2013-2016) keeps 350 mm fronts on base models but certain packages upgrade to 375 mm front discs while rears stay 345 mm.
  Pads mount with 9 mm hex guide bolts torqued to 80 Nm (59 ft-lb) plus a 45° turn. (MBWorld)

• Ceramic pads run quiet, drop little dust, and hold up well in city traffic. (Bridgestone Tires)
• Semi-metallic pads add iron and steel fibers for better heat handling under heavy braking but may hum more.
• Low-metallic formulations split the difference, giving crisp bite with moderate noise.

Choosing the right mix balances pedal feel, wheel cleanliness, and rotor life. Bridgestone's guide breaks down the pros and cons of each blend.

GL-Class pads start around 12 mm thick and trigger the wear sensor near 3 mm, sounding a squeal or lighting a dash icon. (Haynes Manuals, AutoZone.com)
Other clues are grinding, longer stops, or a soft pedal. If the friction layer falls to the federal minimum of 3.2 mm on air-disc brakes, operation becomes unsafe and may violate inspection rules. (GovInfo)

Mercedes' maintenance schedule lists pad inspections every 10 000 miles and typical replacement between 30 000 - 70 000 miles, depending on driving style and terrain. (RepairPal.com)
Average pad-swap cost ranges $302 - $406 per axle, including parts and labor. (RepairPal.com)

1. Lift safely and remove wheels.
2. Compress the caliper piston with an old pad or C-clamp before fitting new pads. (PowerStop Brakes)
3. Apply brake lubricant to pad backing plates and caliper slide pins-never the friction face. (PowerStop Brakes)
4. Torque hardware to spec (80 Nm + 45°). (MBWorld)
5. Pump the pedal until firm before driving.

Proper bedding burns off factory coatings and transfers an even film to the rotors:

• Make 6-10 smooth stops from 30 mph, then 2-3 harder stops from 45 mph, letting brakes cool 15 minutes. (Hawk Performance)
• Alternate method: 5 aggressive stops from 40 mph to 10 mph without complete rest, then cruise to cool. (PowerStop Brakes)

The California Brake Pad Law limits copper to 5 % since 2021 and "near-zero" by 2025 to protect waterways.
In 2022 the NHTSA issued a "Do Not Drive" alert for some 2006-2012 GL-Class vehicles over brake booster corrosion, reminding owners to repair recalled parts before pad work.

Keeping rotors within thickness specs prevents pedal pulsation: new GL450 front rotors start near 32 mm and should be replaced if they wear to about 29.4 mm, depending on variant. (MBWorld, PowerStop Brakes)
Always torque lug nuts evenly and clean hub faces to avoid run-out.

• Flush brake fluid every 2 years to guard against moisture. (RepairPal.com)
• Rinse wheels after salty-road driving to limit rotor rust. (PowerStop Brakes)
• Check pad clips and shims; worn hardware can cause rattle and uneven wear. (PowerStop Brakes)

Copper-free ceramic formulas meet 2025 rules and also cut dust, keeping wheels cleaner and waterways safer. (Department of Toxic Substances Control)

Q: How do I know my GL450 pads need changing?
A: Look for the dash wear light, listen for squeals, or measure pad thickness; replace near 3 mm. (Haynes Manuals)

Q: Do front and rear pads wear at the same rate?
A: Front pads handle more stopping force and usually wear out first. Rotating wheels and gentle braking can extend life. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Can I mix ceramic pads in front and semi-metallic in back?
A: Yes, but pedal feel may change. Keep compounds matched on each axle for balanced braking. (Bridgestone Tires)

Q: What torque should I use on caliper bolts?
A: Tighten to 80 Nm plus 45 degrees, as outlined by Mercedes service notes. (MBWorld)

Q: Why bed-in new pads?
A: Bedding forms an even film on the rotor, stopping squeals and vibrations while boosting grip. (Hawk Performance, PowerStop Brakes)

Q: Are copper-free pads less effective?
A: No-modern ceramic blends meet safety standards while cutting dust and pollution. (Department of Toxic Substances Control)

Q: What happens if I ignore the recall notice?
A: Driving with a corroded booster may reduce brake assist and raise crash risk; get free recall work first. (NHTSA)

Q: How much does pad replacement cost?
A: Average nationwide cost is $302-$406 per axle, though DIY parts are cheaper. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Is 2 mm of pad safe?
A: Federal rules allow down to about 3.2 mm on air-disc brakes; most techs call 2 mm "too thin" for safe stopping. (GovInfo)

Q: Will new pads cure rotor vibration?
A: Only if the rotor surface is even; warped rotors need machining or replacement to end pedal shake. (PowerStop Brakes)