Rotors & Brakes

**camhabib** · 10-29-2008 11:43 AM

Brought my A4 (2006, 30k miles) in for service yesterday (gasket on coolant line coming into engine apparently defective, caused massive leak, etc) and asked if they could check out the fact that my brakes squeal like crazy.

I was told that the pads are almost in need of replacement and that the rotors were lipped on both the inside and outside and would need replacing. They quoted me a price of around $550 to replace both of them. They also said front tires were pretty worn and that I should replace them, along with balance all tires and do an alignment, brining the total up to just over $1000.

Now, as much as I love having people do the work for me, these days, the more money I can save the better. I have my own lift, have a complete set tools, and am more then happy to buy a new pair of pads and rotors and change them myself.

My question is - for some with extensive experience with car repair, how hard is it to replace rotors and pads on an A4? I know on the new A6's, you need some kind of computer to release the electronic e-brakes, making it impossible to do rotors yourself. Is this the case with A4? What are some good suggestions for rotors and pads? Where should I get them from? I was thinking just buying a set of Brembo rotors for the front as they really can't be too much more then OEM, plus they'd probably last over 30k miles. Should I just get the rotors cut instead of replaced?

Any help is appreciated.

**B5Quattro190** · 10-29-2008 11:49 AM

I had my 98 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro in for service about two weeks ago for the same exact problem, with mine being the front rotors and brake pads. Audi quoted me for the same price as you for the brakes and ended up having a friend i knew install them for me for half the price. I also had brembo rotors installed, also with Hawk HPS Brake Pads. I would highly suggest that combo, and should bring you to about 240 bucks or so. As for replacing the rotors, on my car there were two bolts that go into the knuckle on each side that hold the rotors in place. Then a clip held on a cap to the brake calipers which was easily taken off and revealing the pads and easy access to the rotors. You'll have to let your brakes cool down for at least 20 minutes or so, or use a pair of gloves to work with while installing your pads and rotors.

**Blarg** · 10-29-2008 12:16 PM

Just did mine recently. See if you can have the rotors turned, only costs about $10-15 for both. I bought the Hawk Ceramic Pro pads and love them, no dust, no noise, and more linear braking! It's not too hard to do yourself so I would go that route and save some money.

**cstarky15** · 10-29-2008 12:18 PM

doing the brakes yourself shouldn't be too hard. I'll be getting stoptechs here soon and will be putting the fronts on with a buddy. I would also say to change your brake fluid while you are at it just so you know when everything was done.

**camhabib** · 10-29-2008 12:18 PM

I've heard some mixed opinions on the Hawk brakes. I was looking for a brake that had a sensor built in (that way I don't have to pull any tricks), and from what I understand the Hawks don't.

Any links to someplace online where I can pick all this stuff up at? I can't seem to find anyplace that sells Audi Brembo parts, let alone at a decent price.

**cstarky15** · 10-29-2008 12:20 PM

for rotors you should go with Adams rotors. he sells them on here and at a good price and everyone seems to love them.

**Blarg** · 10-29-2008 12:50 PM

My Hawks had the sensors built in, not sure about the other lines. Everyone has good and bad experience with all pads, it really just comes down to whether they were installed properly or not so any reputable brand will do you good.

**vtracer20** · 10-29-2008 01:43 PM

i've done rotors/pads on all my cars, comes out 1/2 as much as dealer and im no mechanic. Just take ur time

**Quattro** · 10-29-2008 02:10 PM

Well, if you need a set of rotors and pads, you have a few options. I would recommend the GhostSquadGarage rotors/pad combo, I have seen the rotors in person and have driven in Jordan's r32 and they feel amazing. Take a look and see what pricing they can offer you.

If rotors still have some life left, hit up pepboys, autozone (dont think you have that in boston), and get the rotors turned, it will give you a few more thousands miles, but for sure the next time you need to replace you def would have too. I was never a huge fan of turning or cutting rotors, some say it will make the rotors weaker...not sure if that is true or not, but I stray away from it.

Now, install is very easy, if you have the tools and the patience, you will be able to do it. I helped a buddy over the phone do the whole installation and he didnt have a lift, etc. If you need my help, shoot me a pm and I will be more than happy to assist you.

All it requires too do, is remove the caliper (4 bolts caliper, 2 inside) and unscrew one screw for the rotor and reassemble...nothing too challenging. Well I missed a few things, but you get the point.

Lastly, GO RED SOX! Yes I know they lost =(

**Mike@PureMS** · 10-29-2008 02:42 PM

Rotors and pads on the new B7 2.0T are pretty straightforward. If you've done brakes before on another car, these are not particularly much different, just bigger.

The large spring clip is a bit tricky and can catch you off guard. Just use eye protection and be careful with it. Otherwise it's all straightforward.

We've got a number of pad and rotor options available at prices much lower than your dealership. Please feel free to browse our website, or get in touch with us if you have any questions. Always happy to help out.