I need new brakes. Any recommendations?

[S4Phantom]

So my front brakes and rotors need to be replaced on my B8 S4. I am not going through the dealer since they are not covered under warranty and my girlfriends father is a mechanic. I want to upgrade them to something with a little less dust, although I know the dust will happen either way. I don't race the car but I do have some upgrades which makes me drive it a little harder than the everyday driver. Any one have a recommendation or opinion on some that I should look into or consider? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[jiinxsta]

just get oem rotors (zimmerman, brembo ) and pair them with hawk hps pads or hawk ceramic pads. a good place to get the parts for a great price is mjmautohaus.com or fcpeuro.com

[rollerton]

I only use Akebono Euro Ceramic pads anymore. I really can't comment on whether they're better or worse for braking capacity, on the several cars I've installed them on (B5 S4, Allroads, My S6, My B6 A4, mother in laws Cooper Countryman) they're no worse than OEM after a couple days.
What I can tell you with 100% certainty is that in 2-3 months there is barely any visible brake dust. The only thing that accumulates on the wheel is simple road grime or dirt.
On my S6 the front wheels would be visibly dirty after 20-30 miles after cleaning, and pretty BLACK after a week. With the Akebono pads...nothing.

[audirings4]

I only use Akebono Euro Ceramic pads anymore. I really can't comment on whether they're better or worse for braking capacity, on the several cars I've installed them on (B5 S4, Allroads, My S6, My B6 A4, mother in laws Cooper Countryman) they're no worse than OEM after a couple days.
What I can tell you with 100% certainty is that in 2-3 months there is barely any visible brake dust. The only thing that accumulates on the wheel is simple road grime or dirt.
On my S6 the front wheels would be visibly dirty after 20-30 miles after cleaning, and pretty BLACK after a week. With the Akebono pads...nothing.

+1 for Akebono pads

[Sundance]

just get oem rotors (zimmerman, brembo ) and pair them with hawk hps pads or hawk ceramic pads. a good place to get the parts for a great price is mjmautohaus.com or fcpeuro.com

+1 for Hawk HPS pads. They stop better than stock and create a lot less dust. They are not dust-free, but not too bad and the performance increase is noticeable.

[westwest888]

just get oem rotors (zimmerman, brembo ) and pair them with hawk hps pads or hawk ceramic pads. a good place to get the parts for a great price is mjmautohaus.com or fcpeuro.com

+1

[Schadenfreude]

You mention that you tend to drive a bit hard so why not take the opportunity to switch to some stainless steel brake lines while you're at it?

[moveovr12]

I just replaced my pads and rotors as well...and it sounds like we have similar driving styles. I went with the ECS Geomet cross drilled and slotted rotors just because they look good and they saved me about $100 over the oem rotors. I also went with the Akebono ceramic pads, and couldn't be happier. They produce very little dust, and after a couple days of use they feel like the oem pads.

[KarimS3]

I just replaced my pads and rotors as well...and it sounds like we have similar driving styles. I went with the ECS Geomet cross drilled and slotted rotors just because they look good and they saved me about $100 over the oem rotors. I also went with the Akebono ceramic pads, and couldn't be happier. They produce very little dust, and after a couple days of use they feel like the oem pads.

Where did you get the Akebono pads for front? ECS doesn't have them.

[Ray Khan]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/513911-ECS-Tuning-The-8th-Annual-Customer-Appreciation-Holiday-Sale!!!

They have them but not listed under the S4.

[moveovr12]

Where did you get the Akebono pads for front? ECS doesn't have them.

TAG Motorsports can get them.

[100Daily]

I considered my Hawk Hps pads to be somewhat dusty, basically the same as OEM. I drive hard as well. I once made the mistake of just doing the pads with no rotors, and learned the hard way on that. I would go OEM rotors and pads. I believe Audi spent time to find specific material combinations that work very well together. The car does brake from 60 in 109ft, which is pretty sweet. I think Audi may be onto something, but admittadly have never tried the Akebonos or seen test data.

[BlueDL 1000]

I had my dealer install the Akebono pads on my 2012. I supplied the pads.

No dust!!

Feel and performance is good, following break in. I have had no squeeling.

Note that Akebono has a new pad for 2012 S4, which is what I had installed. the new part number is EUR1322A. it is available from rockauto.com.

I am pleases with my new pads.

[well_armed]

What size wheels do you run?

Stop tech rotors make a good replacement.

http://shop.achtuning.com/StopTech-977-33020-Brake-Upgrade-Kit-Audi-B8-S4.aspx

[Excelerate]

I'd recommend Powerslot/STOPTECH rotors with STOPTECH Performance pads. They actually emit less dust than the OE pads and also perform better. We offer a package that includes front and rear rotors if you're interested.

http://store.excelerateperformance.com/xlr8_performance/audizine_brake_packages/brakepackageb8s4/i-542268.aspx

[bbhbba]

I use StopTech on my other cars and I have been very happy, low on dust and good performance improvement over OEM. I would not think twice when it comes time to replace the pads on the S4.

[adbender]

I have the stoptechs on adams slotted rotors. Once they were bedded properly a definite improvement over stock.

Dust didn't improve until about 2000kms and now is modestly better than stock.

A advantages I see...very quiet even in cold temps and have nicely handled hard driving and performance lapping.

They are wearing quite well.

[theswoleguy]

I prefer both on and off the track a pair of Carbotechs...

I run the xp10 front and xp8 (rear) series on my R18 track car and bobcat series on my old truck and on my 35R TT xp10/8(however they SQUEAL like a wounded honey badger till they get heat). The bobcats are low/no dust and alone are an upgrade over stock and on the truck they were leaps and bounds ahead of the OE ford pads. When these pads on the S go bad it is getting Bobcats.
.
We also run the bobcats on my GFs Edge. Dont forget if it has been some time to flush the brake system with new fluid, youll be amazed how well that helps too.

[Ray Khan]

Do we need new sensors for both sides on the front when pads are replaced? I'm trying the Wearever ceramic pads from Advanced Auto recommended in another thread with Zimmerman rotors this weekend.

[CBRmatt600]

I recently installed the ECS GeoMet drilled/slotted rotors with some Hawk Ceramic pads and Motul Race fluid. It took a couple of weeks for the squealing to subside, but the car stops great, brake fade was reduced significantly, and I get virtually no brake dust anymore. Plus the rotor hubs look brand new all the time thanks to that GeoMet coating. I would highly recommend them, they were very reasonably priced as well.

[audirings4]

Do we need new sensors for both sides on the front when pads are replaced? I'm trying the Wearever ceramic pads from Advanced Auto recommended in another thread with Zimmerman rotors this weekend.

Sensor is located on the drivers side front. You can reuse if it hasn't been triggered.

[Akrion]

+1 for Hawk HPS pads. They stop better than stock and create a lot less dust. They are not dust-free, but not too bad and the performance increase is noticeable.

Interesting ... my experience with the HPS pads is the exact opposite. I installed them with brand new JHM LW rotors and I feel these is a decrease in stopping power. Not happy with them. Cant recommend. My experience only.

[CRJinCA]

I was getting ready for a track day at Chuckwalla in the CA desert. I hated the OEM brake dust on my white paint. Went with Hawk HPS pads on freshly turned OEM rotors. Track day was excellent. Dust is significantly reduced, but not totally eliminated. Great for daily driving as well.


just get oem rotors (zimmerman, brembo ) and pair them with hawk hps pads or hawk ceramic pads. a good place to get the parts for a great price is mjmautohaus.com or fcpeuro.com

[ModBargains.com]

s'd recommend that you check out the StopTech stage 2 brake upgrade kit for your Audi B8 S4 (http://www.modbargains.com/ModBargains-StopTech-Stage-2-Brake-Upgrade-Kit-Audi-A4-S4-B8.htm). It includes StopTech Street performance brake pads, stainless steel brake lines, 3 Bottles StopTech brake fluid and your choice of StopTech's 3 rotor styles (slotted, drilled, and slotted/drilled). The StopTech stage 2 Audi B8 A4/S4 kit is perfect for anyone who uses their vehicle for daily driving and occasional autocross use. It is a straight bolt on kit; no need of modifying anything. The rotors will fit your stock calipers and the pads seat perfectly into your stock calipers. This is a great choice if your looking to upgrade or just replace your worn out Audi B8 A4/S4 brakes and it's definitely a cheaper alternative vs factory replacement parts [up]

[S4Phantom]

Follow up to this. I ended up going with the Hawk HPS pads and I hate them. They will not stop squealing and they have been on the car since the beginning of February and its embarassing to pull up to a light in such a nice car while sounding like I have the damn "whistle tips" on it. Thinking of trying the Akebono's out or just going back to OE

[Akatsuki...]

I bought HPS pads last summer and they dont stop anywhere as good as oem pads. They dunt squeel.. But less initial bite makes it better for daily driving. I am probably goin to go stoptech street performance pads next if i an still usin stock calipers

[jscaf]

Just replaced all 4 rotors with Adams slotted rotors and StopTech performance pads and stainless steel brake lines. Price was fair and customer service great.
A little less brake dust but I love the feel of the pedal when stopping. The brake pedal feels more consistent during a high speed stop or rapid slow down. Before, I felt that the Audi OEM brakes had a terrific "initial bite" but then the pedal and braking felt as if it was fading. Now I hit the pedal and I feel more secure.
I am extremely happy and would definitely recommend this set-up.
I don't track the car so not sure about performance on a race track.

[Brooklyn]

Are you seeing any signs of cracking with the drilled rotors? In the market, and debating between just the plain Zimmermans or the fancy looking ECS rotors.


I recently installed the ECS GeoMet drilled/slotted rotors with some Hawk Ceramic pads and Motul Race fluid. It took a couple of weeks for the squealing to subside, but the car stops great, brake fade was reduced significantly, and I get virtually no brake dust anymore. Plus the rotor hubs look brand new all the time thanks to that GeoMet coating. I would highly recommend them, they were very reasonably priced as well.

[Operator]

I'd look into EBC red stuff pads. They have worked like a charm for me and rarely am I bothered by brake dust. Greenstuff pads may also be an option. Look into them.