[Billfitz]

Like everyone else here the brake dust level with OEM pads drove me up a wall. The last time I changed my rear pads I switched to Akebono Euro on the basis of reviews. The reviews were right, the brake dust on the rears went to almost nothing. I had to clean the fronts weekly, the rears hardly at all. I finally got around to putting Akebono on the front a month ago. I did a full wash today except for the wheels. They didn't need it!

I haven't noticed any difference in the braking.

[eleven11]

Great to hear, Bill. I've had a similar experience. Be prepared for a reply soon expressing how unsafe these pads are! (just giving you a hard time johnung - we know you like your Hawk pads, which are also great).

[StealthF32]

....also experienced same results with Akebono + with rims being ceramic coated - - simplifies the cleaning process!!

[Billfitz]

Last fall I coated the rims, then drove for a year with the Akebono on the rears, OEM on the front. When I pulled them all for my rotation this fall, when I normally clean the inside barrels, the rears were still clean, the fronts were caked with brake dust to the point that they were almost totally black. I had to scrub it off with a Scotch-brite pad and Flash Brown Royal. I won't miss not having to do that again.

[AspektUSA]

Tbf you can get 90% of the brake dust off with Sonax wheel cleaner.

Spray, dwell, rinse, go in after with a soapy brush - easy.

I've heard too many people complain about the reduction in pedal confidence as well as cold performance with Akebonos. Some say it's slight, some say it's quite noticeable.

[Billfitz]

I was able to get the dust off where I could reach with Flash Brown Royal. Having to do so weekly was the problem.
As for the braking performance I don't notice any difference at all. If I did I'd say so.

[sspade]

I'll venture to say that braking performance was improved by replacing OEM front pads with Akebono.

Personally, I notice more initial bite and definitely not a reduction in performance (or loss of confidence). At the very worst, performance is the same with increased initial bite. I'll definitely be following up with the rears, once due.

[thatgarrett]

I have the same experience with Akenbono ceramics, not only on my F30 but numerous other cars I’ve made the same swap on. Much easier cleaning, and for me I like the braking characteristics better, it is a more linear feel. The OEM pads felt a little jumpy/grabby at first that made slowing down or stopping smoothly almost impossible, max braking performance is the same in a DD as both pads would trigger ABS if I got on it hard enough. Shame the dealer had just put new pads on the back when I bought it, only the fronts are Akenbonos and I have also noticed a drastic difference in brake dust whenever I rotate the wheels and look at the inner barrels

[Jvac]

Another one satisfied with the switch! I'd say that for 90% of us 90% of the time you won't notice a difference in braking performance. The other day on the highway at speed, traffic stopped abruptly and I had to jam on the brakes. Perfectly good response from these pads, at the time I needed it most. They are safe. and no dust.

[sspade]

Was not aware until I checked... actually, I assumed the opposite!

[danb1979]

Not as popular this side of the Pond; but always heard good things re the Akebono pads

The ATE Ceramic pads are superb and very little brake dust also; highly recommend them for folk this way/Europe etc

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Like everyone else here the brake dust level with OEM pads drove me up a wall. The last time I changed my rear pads I switched to Akebono Euro on the basis of reviews. The reviews were right, the brake dust on the rears went to almost nothing. I had to clean the fronts weekly, the rears hardly at all. I finally got around to putting Akebono on the front a month ago. I did a full wash today except for the wheels. They didn't need it!

I haven't noticed any difference in the braking.

Billfitz Thanks for sharing.

Brake dust is an indicator that friction consumes brake pads while preserving the rotor life and surface.

If the brake performance with Akebono Euro is the same while producing no dust, something has to give. What's the condition of the rotors?

[sspade]

Another part of the equation thats not really being considered here: Ceramic brake pads produce a dust that is lighter in color and less likely to stick to wheels.

There's still dust being generated. Friction creates dust in a braking environment... albeit a different type of dust than traditional brake pad compounds.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

If the brake performance with Akebono Euro is the same while producing no dust, something has to give. What's the condition of the rotots?

My rotors are fine. After only one month with the new pads why wouldn't they be? Assuming the Akebonos create less dust because they're harder, which could lead to shorter rotor life, I'm good with it. I'll get back to you on that...in four or five years.

[casualDIYer]

Same experience here with Akebono regarding dust (low). A nice touch was the included brake wear sensor. My only dislike was the initial bite when cold wasn't to my liking, especially during winter months. Once heated up performance was decent.

As for cleaner, I've tried quite a few but it seems I'm going back to Sonax. For a non-toxic cleaner, it cleans well.

[435MSport6Speed]

Happy for you Bill. I'm envious and covered in brake dust.

[freakystyly]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Brake dust is an indicator that friction consumes brake pads while preserving the rotor life and surface.

If the brake performance with Akebono Euro is the same while producing no dust, something has to give. What's the condition of the rotors?

I've noticed (after not even hosing down the wheels for a month) the brake dust is there, but it's white and much easier to remove.

[AspektUSA]

To update here, the ATE semi-metallics are much better than the Jurid OEs.

Pedal feel is slightly less grabby and more linear.

Does not squeak normally, even in very cold weather.

Only squeaks a tiny bit when inching to a stop at a red light.

This is on a 370mm front and 345mm rear THP Brembo set up.