Wrong pads?

**SlappyB6** · 05-20-2008 07:06 PM

Okay, I've been having an ongoing problem with my 02 A4 since I bought it just a few weeks ago. At low speeds either accelerating or decelerating, I heard this "whomping" noise. It gets louder the slower I go, and disappears completely I'd say by at least 35 mph. I have also been noticing a lot of brake dust on my back 2 wheels.

So tonight I get down and take a look behind the wheel. First, the stuff on my wheels is not greasy, it seems to all be brake dust. But when I looked at the rear brakes and rotors, something does not seem right. The pad doesn't seem to cover the entire width of the rotor. There is a lip on the inside and outside of the rotor approximately 1/4 to 1/2 on both rear rotors. And the pads just looks way too small. Is there a possibility that at some point the wrong pads were put on this car and that they've worn the rotors incorrectly? Any thoughts would be appreciated...

**tamadrumr88** · 05-20-2008 08:47 PM

The brake dust on the rear wheels is an "audi" thing so get used to it

I would probably just replace the brakes for peace of mind and get the fluid flushed/bled while you're at it. If you're even somewhat mechanically inclined you could replace everything for under $300 in just a few short hours. Advertisers on here have a special going for OE rotors and Mintex red box pads for $199 + ~$50 for shipping. Fluid will run you no more than $20 for Super Dot 4

**SlappyB6** · 05-21-2008 06:25 AM

It's not so much the brake dust that bothers me, cause I'll probably just end up painting the wheels a darker color anyhow. It's the sound. And I'm really beginning to think it is the brakes. I think I'll just go ahead and replace them, and see if that remedies the situation. Hell, it can't hurt anyhow. I'm going to see if the rotors are still good enough to be turned. If not, I'll just replace them. I've done it on plenty of other cars, Audi's can't be much different...?

**jeremy@matrix** · 06-09-2008 11:07 AM

Don't turn your rotors--that can cause a warped rotor sensation.

Either reuse your rotors if there's enough measurable thickness or get new pads/rotors.