Brakes: Stg 1/2, is it worth the $?

**GQ//S4** · 07-10-2008 09:54 AM

Do you guys think that the Stg 1 (Pads, Fluid, Stainless lines) or Stg 2 (Stg 1 + Slotted/Cross-drilled Rotors) is worth the money? I realize that the fade will be reduced, but opinions on increased feel, response, reduction of stopping distance, ect would be appreciated.

I'm debating whether or not its worth the extra $ to do right now.

**Rated S** · 07-10-2008 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by GQ//s4

Do you guys think that the Stg 1 (Pads, Fluid, Stainless lines) or Stg 2 (Stg 1 + Slotted/Cross-drilled Rotors) is worth the money? I realize that the fade will be reduced, but opinions on increased feel, response, reduction of stopping distance, ect would be appreciated.

I'm debating whether or not its worth the extra $ to do right now.

If your brakes are on their way out then it is will worth it to throw SS lines, new fluid and better pads/rotors in. If you want to do it just for fun right now, yes it helps but the money can be better spent until a brake job is needed.

**GQ//S4** · 07-10-2008 10:56 AM

Brake job is much needed, that stupid light has been on for a month now. The rotors feel like they have a slight lip on the edge, so I guess I will have to see if they are resurfacable or not. How difficult is it to change out the lines, and where is the best place to buy lines/fluid, and how much should I expect?

In fact, lets make this a brakes discussion for the "Best Of" everything....

**Rated S** · 07-10-2008 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by GQ//s4

Brake job is much needed, that stupid light has been on for a month now. The rotors feel like they have a slight lip on the edge, so I guess I will have to see if they are resurfacable or not. How difficult is it to change out the lines, and where is the best place to buy lines/fluid, and how much should I expect?

In fact, lets make this a brakes discussion for the "Best Of" everything....

I would go with Adams Rotors @ SPP (there's a thead somewhere on AZ)
For pads I would go with EBC Red Stuff from BuyBrakes.com (front: http://www.buybrakes.com/store/EBC-DP31348C

and rear: http://www.buybrakes.com/store/EBC-DP3680C)
I hear stoptech makes SS lines, dont' know where to get them
And I'm not too knowledgable about which fluid is the best.

**tike0rz** · 07-10-2008 11:28 AM

GQ - I have stock rotors with decent pads, and the braking is plenty sufficient for a stage 3. I honestly can't imagine the huge rotors/pads that some of the guys here are running. IMO, its worth the upgrade, but its more of an insurance than anything...

**GQ//S4** · 07-10-2008 02:49 PM

EBC Red Stuff > Hawk HPS
???

**rick_chicago** · 07-10-2008 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by GQ//s4

EBC Red Stuff > Hawk HPS
???

I run HPS pads and Powerslot rotors. I've heard complaints that EBC's chew rotors up.

**rick_chicago** · 07-10-2008 11:24 PM

I also realized I never answered your OP question.

I remember a few posts that hotly debated your question. One camp argued that the stock brakes, well maintained, are very capable for many drivers who have no intention of tracking the car. The other camp pointed out the strengths of each upgraded item (ss lines, pads and rotors), both individually and as a package. Both made great points.

I do not think it's worth the extra money. Good fluid and pads are my vote for starters, and upgraded lines if you really want them (stock S4 lines are not like a Buick's - they can perform just fine). I just don't think my brakes feel that much better than the two other B5's I have driven that were running stock brakes.

If you are going to track it often, or pound through the mountains 5x a month, start shopping used BBK's.

**KompMan420** · 07-11-2008 07:50 AM

For just daily driving and no track events, stock rotors are fine. Hawk HPS pads are nice because they work great and dust A LOT less. You should change your fluid every 2 years of normal driving and more frequently if you're tracking the car. SS lines help the most with pedal feel and would be a nice addition, but aren't required and can be done at any point in the future.

My personal setup:
Hawk HPS pads on the front
EBC Green stuff on the rear
EBC slotted rotors all around
Stock lines, but will be upgrading one day

Hope that helps.

**rusky** · 07-14-2008 05:26 PM

What brake fluid are you guys running? I heard ATE Super Blue and Motul, but not sure what other brands are being used. I'm just doing rotors, pads, SS lines and fluid.

**exorcet** · 07-14-2008 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by rusky

What brake fluid are you guys running? I heard ATE Super Blue and Motul, but not sure what other brands are being used. I'm just doing rotors, pads, SS lines and fluid.

motul is good. i remember reading a while back people having 'squeaking' problems with their clutch due to super blue - it wasn't compatible for some reason. also, factory 'pentosyn' brake fluid is good.

**rusky** · 07-14-2008 06:07 PM

Is the factory Pentosin you get from the dealer the Super Dot 4 fluid with the 500/338 boiling points?

**highPSI-S4** · 07-14-2008 06:20 PM

i think it's worth the money but you also need the right combination.
I have zimmerman cross drilled with mintex red box/ also have a set of HP HPS plus pads. I painted my caliper's and put on the HP pads and broke them in. After that i started getting a loud screech at low speed braking, i was told i didn't break them in right so i tried again same result. So i replaced the pads with the Mintex, problem still presists. i've taken everything off and reinstalled them, and the problem is still there and i'm starting to think maybe it's the calipers, but either way after 2weeks the rotors and the hats were so fucking rusted. I hate my setup and will be going with a big brake as soon as the overtime starts rolling in.