2003 Audi A6 - Rear Brake Replacement

[AJKhan]

Hi...

I was told by the Audi dealer that I need to replace the rear brake pads on my Audi A6 2003 (100k miles) since there was very little wear left. I thought the that car would light up a warning on the dash if these needed to be replaced. Is the dealer trying to get me to do something that is not needed at this time. He gave me a whopper of an estimate too.

Secondly, which brand of brake pads are used by the Audi dealerships? Are these good or should I put on ceramic brake pads? If ceramic, then which brand?

I am your average daily driver. No track days. Although performance improvement will be appreciated if I am not spending too much money.

Are Ceramics tough on the OEM rotors and contribute to excessive rotor wear?

Will the rotors need turning? Is this a "must do" even if rotors show wear?

Will appreciate any advice that you may provide.

Thanks and regards,

AJ Khan

[ben916]

I would say that this isn't a "Must Do" but it is something to think about but not fret over.
Others will post solutions...

If you have the estimate (part numbers) and you have the ability/space to change your rotors yourself, it is rather easy.

http://genuineaudiparts.com/partloca...4407&year=2003 enter part numbers for RR and LR rotors. Done

http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?...&mk=Audi&md=A6 EBC Reds for the rear. Done

http://www.yellowdogracing.com/Audibrakes.htm Partial guide on what it entails, but mind you, this is for the RS6 but the concept is the same. You will have to go to Autozone and rent the Piston retraction tool...

[AJKhan]

Thanks Ben. Will certainly check out the links provided.

Any idea which brand of brake pads are used by the Audi dealerships? I believe that the OEM brakes are supplied by ATE and are semi metallic.

Thank you for your help.

Regards,

AJ

[AJKhan]

Thanks. I will check out the links provided.

which brand of brake pads are used by the Audi dealerships?

Regards,

AJ

[ben916]

AJ, you would be better served to select something else besides the OEM brake pads...

[02 A6 2.7T]

Hi...

I was told by the Audi dealer that I need to replace the rear brake pads on my Audi A6 2003 (100k miles) since there was very little wear left. I thought the that car would light up a warning on the dash if these needed to be replaced. Is the dealer trying to get me to do something that is not needed at this time. He gave me a whopper of an estimate too.

Secondly, which brand of brake pads are used by the Audi dealerships? Are these good or should I put on ceramic brake pads? If ceramic, then which brand?

I am your average daily driver. No track days. Although performance improvement will be appreciated if I am not spending too much money.

Are Ceramics tough on the OEM rotors and contribute to excessive rotor wear?

Will the rotors need turning? Is this a "must do" even if rotors show wear?

Will appreciate any advice that you may provide.

Thanks and regards,

AJ Khan

From 7+ years of A6 and allroad ownership (with many brake replacements) the best bang for the buck I found so far:
.
Rear Pads:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...category_id/52
.
Rear rotors:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...category_id/45
.
I've been running Akebono pads and FCP rotors on both my A6 sedan and allroad wagon for over a year and am quite impressed... almost zero brake dust, great stopping performance and virtually no rotor wear or signs of warping.
(*NOTE* The part numbers I've listed are for a 2.7T. Verify your part numbers with FCP before ordering.)
.

FCP Groton is an Audizine sponsor and offers 10% off and free shipping (coupon code SAVE10 at checkout).

[estomax]

Sorry for the ghost bump.

Are the rear brakes the same size / pn across the C5 A6 generation? I ask because the fronts are 312mm and 321mm, with i'm assuming the later cars having the 321mm rotors. i only really see the EUR340A pads for sale for our car but want to make sure i don't order the wrong parts.

i have a 2003 A6 sport as well

Marko

[threeputtpar]

There are three different rotors on the C5. One is for the 4.2 and it's vented, the other two are solid rotors where one is 245mm and the other is 255mm. The 245mm is for cars with 16" wheels and the 255 is for cars with 17" wheels. I think there maybe even different hat heights on the 255mm ones.