Brake Rotors Share your experiences, good or bad

[Renifer]

I have a 2005.5 Avant quattro, daily driver.
I'm looking to buy new rotors for the fronts.
I found Bosch rotors on sale and wondered if there were any complaints about them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I also found Zimmerman rotors, which are a bit more expensive, but well rated by some:

http://www.amazon.com/Zimmermann-W01...1&s=automotive

I plan on purchasing Akebono ceramic pads:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER


Please share your experiences with brake parts. This will be my first DIY brake job. Any suggestions on what rotors to get would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I'm on a limited budget.

[TFSI]

it's only $20 difference between bosch vs zimmerman.

Just get zimmerman + akebono. Many are satisfied with the result.

[Charles.waite]

I've gotten Centric C-tek blank rotors and they're great. They;re absolutely nothing special at all, but for the price, they're a large hunk of perfectly fitting metal. Pretty much all the rotors need to be unless you want the slotted/drilled rotors for extra style points to add to your drift multiplier.

[Audibot]

I've got a set of EBC rotors and pads ready to go, but not installed yet. First set I put on was Hawk HPS pads and rotors from brakeperformance.com -- they lasted 50k miles and still had plenty of life left. I only changed them cuz threw on S4 brakes. But yeah, they were awesome with plenty of bite.

[Renifer]

it's only $20 difference between bosch vs zimmerman.

Just get zimmerman + akebono. Many are satisfied with the result.

This is probably what I will do.
I investigated Bosch because I have a close friend who works for them who lives in Germany.
Very likely the rotors that I would be getting from Bosch (if I went that way) would be US made in Indiana.
So, Zimmerman rotors are better somehow?
They're manufactured in Germany, yes?

[typeslone]

This is probably what I will do.
I investigated Bosch because I have a close friend who works for them who lives in Germany.
Very likely the rotors that I would be getting from Bosch (if I went that way) would be US made in Indiana.
So, Zimmerman rotors are better somehow?
They're manufactured in Germany, yes?

Nothing wrong with rotors made in Indiana, providing it is quality American made steel. I don't trust Chinese metal all that much. That being said, I run Zimmerman cross drilled front rotor with oem pads and in the rear I use oem pads and rotors.

For the price Centric makes some decent premium rotors, as well as Ate, Brembo and Zimmerman. Ate and Zimmerman 9 times out of 10 are the original manufacturer for VW and Audi factory rotors. Just be weary of some of the online vendors that sell Brembo, there is a good chance it is counterfeit stuff. Stick to well know stores like tirerack or better yet support some of the vendors here on Audizine.

[Charles.waite]

I bought the dirt cheap centrics, not the premiums.

Fronts: http://www.amazon.com/Centric-Parts-...1&s=automotive

Rears: http://www.amazon.com/Centric-Parts-...1&s=automotive

[naiku]

I've gotten Centric C-tek blank rotors and they're great. They;re absolutely nothing special at all, but for the price, they're a large hunk of perfectly fitting metal. Pretty much all the rotors need to be unless you want the slotted/drilled rotors for extra style points to add to your drift multiplier.

This. I can't remember exactly what brand of rotors I got, but they were cheap, blank rotors, nothing special at all. Pair with some decent pads and provide all the stopping power I need for daily driving.

[Charles.waite]

This. I can't remember exactly what brand of rotors I got, but they were cheap, blank rotors, nothing special at all. Pair with some decent pads and provide all the stopping power I need for daily driving.

This. The rotors (to an extend) are just heat sinks. The pads are what will change braking feel. I've gone with Akebono Ceramics for my brakes as I like their lack of bite but progressive feel. Note I havent installed them yet, but maybe this weekend (finally). I've put centric C-teks on my brother's Saab in the past and they held up great. And I've got 4 sitting in my basement along with S4 brake calipers ready to be installed on my b6. When I need to refresh my b7's brakes I'll likely go with the same parts.

[Der Konig]

I have Adams rotors race pattern and really like them, no complaints whatsoever. Using hawk pads btw.

Only thing I would keep in mind is that due to the grooves there is some chatter under certain braking forces. Barely noticeable but it is there.

sent with voodoo black magic

[ElliottG]

Those Bosch and Zimmerman rotors you posted are probably exactly the same other than some design features...to be honest if you're not tracking the car any rotors are fine...go to your local auto parts and ask for a price...

As for the pads, the Akebono's are very good and they don't make any black brake dust.

[Schweini]

great thread, as I'm about to go on a Rotor hunt myself

Trying to find some cheapo slotted/drilled rotors, anyone have some suggestions? Just for daily driving, a purely cosmetic decision

edit: hmm, maybe answered my own question: http://www.amazon.com/R1-Concepts-ED...2008+a4+rotors

[PAA4]

I have Stoptech Sportstop drilled and slotted rotors on my B7 and could not be happier. I have their PosiQuiet pads on there now but changing them out for Hawk HPS soon. Too much dust. They grab great but cleaning wheels all the time is getting old. Hawks have about 80% less dust and grab about the same.

[p0isin]

it's only $20 difference between bosch vs zimmerman.

Just get zimmerman + akebono. Many are satisfied with the result.

I agree with the above post. I have that setup and it has worked great. I don't track race but I am a spirited driver and they suit me just fine.

[wildcat333]

my brake write up

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Upgrade-w-pics!

[Cottonmouth]

I went with a Brembo 332mm upgrade with drilled two piece rotors. I'll have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed. The right front rotor gets a pulsation under hard braking. I followed the bedding procedure to the letter.
No shop I go to say that they will machine it. They said its better to replace. They are just over a year old.

The guys at H2Sport in Georgetown say this is common with Brembos.
Is this true?

[Acme]

I have Stoptech Sportstop drilled and slotted rotors on my B7 and could not be happier. I have their PosiQuiet pads on there now but changing them out for Hawk HPS soon. Too much dust. They grab great but cleaning wheels all the time is getting old. Hawks have about 80% less dust and grab about the same.

I will go for this setup as soon as my front brakes give up. I already have Centric High Carbon Plain rotors and Hawk HPS pads in the back, so far I'm satisfied. I was hoping to swap the front this spring, but I looked at the pads last weekend and they're still good... Bummer...

[Sanjman]

Save yourself 20 and get the Bosch ones. They are the same size thickness and material. What can go wrong?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

[Renifer]

Save yourself 20 and get the Bosch ones. They are the same size thickness and material. What can go wrong?

I think that this is the direction that I will take, based on the feedback here.
From what folks are saying:

1. Pads are the crucial part. I want ceramic pads for durability and for low brake dust.
2. Rotors are not as important, as long as they come from a reputable manufacturer and dealer.

I'm going to purchase the less expensive Bosch rotors and save $20.

Thanks to all who have replied. Your responses have helped me narrow down my decision.

[Schweini]

This thread got me off my ass and finally get some rotors as well. I scored these from a local company off ebay, found out they were only 30min away from me too. Got the price down to $250 for Fronts and Rears! Pretty Excited


http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...:X:RTQ:CA:1123

[Acme]

This thread got me off my ass and finally get some rotors as well. I scored these from a local company off ebay, found out they were only 30min away from me too. Got the price down to $250 for Fronts and Rears! Pretty Excited


http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...:X:RTQ:CA:1123

Let us know who it turns out... This look like a nice deal, and they're in Canada.

[TFSI]

I'm planning to take my car to track, so i'll be getting some brembo blanks with what pad... Hawk yellow or ...something suited for track.

[Schweini]

Let us know who it turns out... This look like a nice deal, and they're in Canada.

For sure, i'll post up pics probably in my build thread once I get them. They said no later than Monday. Free shipping too, to most areas in Canada , that's difficult to find for us!

[Alvin.m85]

Just changed rotors and pads this last weekend and used Zimmerman cross drilled for front and elliptical gas slotted for rear with Hawk Performance ceramics. Also changed brake lines to Goodridge braided and did complete fluid flush. What a difference!! Very pleased.

[BenA4B7]

Just get zimmerman + akebono. Many are satisfied with the result.

I just installed that duo on my B7 and it's a really big difference between the OEM and those. The braking is much smoother with almost no dust and no more squeaking!!!
Front and back was under 400$

[Acme]

For sure, i'll post up pics probably in my build thread once I get them. They said no later than Monday. Free shipping too, to most areas in Canada , that's difficult to find for us!

Just had a look at your pics and build thread... Nice B7 my friend, really like the clean look...

[Schweini]

Just had a look at your pics and build thread... Nice B7 my friend, really like the clean look...

Thanks buddy, I really appreciate that

[Renifer]

I've just discovered that the Bosch rotors are on backorder, no matter where I look.
So, that being the case, I'm going to get the Zimmerman rotors.
Thanks again for all your help and suggestions.

[jimrobbington]

Why not these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Perf...item2314d46866

I love these rotors!



Sent from my porcelain throne.

[maxxxafterhours]

Anyone running the ecs two piece big brake rotors? how are they? worth the money?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-...ke_OEM/ES4525/

[esm]

I'm a fan of Adam's Rotors. I have run slotted ones for about a year with Stoptech pads and SS lines, and through the midwest winter. No complaints, no rust, no squeaks, good stopping power. Just another option you may want to consider.

[Charles.waite]

Anyone running the ecs two piece big brake rotors? how are they? worth the money?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-...ke_OEM/ES4525/

Thats an S4 (345mm vs 321mm) conversion kit. Personally, I don't see the point of 2-piece rotors EXCEPT on the track. The 321-345 conversion would possibly increase stopping power some, but the 2-piece rotors are a pretty needless expense. They look sweet, but if money is a concern, not worth it.

[B7Joe]

Why not these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Perf...item2314d46866

I love these rotors!



Sent from my porcelain throne.

I'm considering a set. Seem legit and local for me, so I can have them next day. Had ordered some others, but several weeks and some BS later and its a no go.

Are they quiet? Any noticeable, enhanced bite? What pads are you running? Thanks

[Renifer]

I found these:

EBC BRAKES ULTIMAX PREMIUM SERIES OE REPLACEMENT ROTORS
http://www.jcwhitney.com/ebc-ultimax...d=d74y2005g6j1

$57.77 each for the EBC rotors versus $71.51 for the Zimmermans

Should I try to save money with the EBCs or go with Zimmermans?

Any negative experiences with EBC rotors?