Brake differences in Model Years?

[matt719]

After driving my father's 2001 A4 1.8T, the brakes on my 1997 A4 1.8T are noticeably weaker. Now, he runs stock pads and they are in good shape, and I have Hawk HPS pads. I know the Hawk pads are known for not having much bite, but the feeling in the pedal is entirely different, so much that I'm questioning whether or not they are safe. I'm wondering, were the brakes (master cylinder, lines, anything) were improved between 1997 and 2001?

Where do you think I should look to find the culprit of my poor braking? I'm going to have the car apart soon for control arms and axels so I can do some work while I'm in there if I can figure out what might be the problem. Maybe my 12 year old calipers are just tired? It almost feels like there is little power assist to them.

[firstars]

Im guessing you probably just need new brake lines and fluid. Someone else will chime in if anything changed over the years but I believe the answer is no.

[djwimbo]

First things first. Replace/flush your brake fluid. I use Valvoline SynPower (expensive shit) in my brakes and clutch system. Yes, I separated the two.

Take a look your friction material and your rotors. If they're a dark glaze the friction material can't bite onto it very well. Your pads can also become glazed over time.

There may also be other factors in there. You could have a restriction/pinch in the line to the rears, causing them to do less work. Brake hoses could be bulging or swelling.

[matt719]

I've decided to replace all the lines/fluid. While I was planning to do this work myself when I do my control arms, after reading about the horrors of installation and considering the risks, I think I may just have a shop do the work. Also think I may use OE rubber lines because I'm reading the stainless lines aren't worth the money unless you're into autocross/track. I know one line was replaced 2 years ago following an accident, so the fluid was presumedly changed then, but the remaining lines are likely 12 years old.

My rotors and pads definitely aren't in "like-new" condition as I replaced them 3 years ago when I got the car, but the braking surface isn't corroded (like the outer circumference is) and the pads still have plenty of meat left to them. Once I get the lines done and fluid flushed I'll try to bed them in again, but honestly, I don't think I want to try a 60-0 stop at this point with potentially unsafe brakes.

[DuviVr6]

SS Lines is always a good idea no matter if its a daily I would advice anyone to go for them if you are changing lines anyways!!!

also I use ATE Blue fluid god shiet goes like for $11 a liter bottle

[MattzWarsteiner]

Agreed on Glazing & restrictions. Fluid change and lines can't hurt but probably won't make you stop much quicker unless there is a leak, then Yeah!

97 vs 99-01 Quattros.

The front rotors are about the same, but calipers & master cylinder changed slightly in mid 98 or 99. Rears haven't changed much AFAIK in those years.

Your car with stock pads & rotors should be able to stop from 60mph in under 140 feet with a little smoke coming off the tires and the ABS firing. Pops car I think can do less than 130.

Racing style pads are not going to haul you down as quick as the softer OEMs. Racing pads also have a lot less stopping power when cold compared to stock.

[djwimbo]

Most shops that would repair a torn brake hose from an accident wouldn't take the time to completely flush out the brake system at that point.

Stainless steel lines are a good idea on most cars. From what I've heard through the grapevine, the newer MKIV GLI/GTI's had kevlar woven in their brake hoses, so it wasn't an upgrade.

The blue fluid I've seen is not safe for vehicles w/ ABS. If you're looking into going that route, make sure it's kosher. The ABS pump has been known to aerate some fluids not designed for ABS cars.