Brake + Rotor Parts

[dzhame3]

Hey,
My 2010 S4's "brakes" light came on and I need to replace my brake pads + rotors. I'm going to try to do it myself: first time repairing/replacing anything bigger than the windshield wipers! I asked a couple folks I know about parts, and they gave some recommendations, but I would like your advice as well.

According to one buddy, "I got better than OEM quality rotors (Zimmerman), OEM quality pads (Bosch) and better than OEM brake fluid for about $380 shipped from autohausaz.com." I took at look there and they have Textar pads and the Zimmerman rotors.

Questions:
1) Do I need to replace both front and back rotors? If there's some wiggle room, how would I tell?
2) I presume I want pads with sensors? Or is the extra cost not really worth it?
3) Are Textar pads good? Are Zimmerman rotors overkill?
4) Are there any special tools I need? (Another buddy has a pretty good set of tools, but if there's any weird or unusual tool that I ought to have...)

Finally, if anyone has any advice on what pads/rotors they used, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!!

[IanCH]

1) Depends on if the backs are below thickness spec. Need to ask a shop to measure them or buy a set of brake calipers yourself
2) Pads with or without sensors are fine
3) Dont know, zimmerman rotors are not overkill. You cna get pads and rotors in a set from ECS
4) No special tools needed.

[MacFady]

You need VCDS for the rears, for the electronic parking brake I believe. I'm sure people have done without but you may risk damaging the servo. I've also seen mixed reviews on whether you need a special tool to compress the rear calipers or whether you can rig something up yourself or rent, C-clamp will work up front.

http://www.ross-tech.net/vag-com/adv...akeTechTip.pdf

As far as sensors I believe there is just the one sensor on the front drivers side, someone else can confirm, I have a B6. You may not "need" rotors.
Have you checked the pads? Just because your "brakes" light is on doesn't necessarily mean you need new pads and rotors. For example my light came on a few months ago, I added about 20ml of brake fluid to my reseviour and my light has never come back on.

[iceboss23]

Changing out the pads is a very simple DIY if you have the right tools. The fronts require nothing more than a few wrenches/sockets, a c-clamp, screwdriver... see the link for step by step. The rears are only slightly more complicated in that you really do need the VCDS, or a friend with one, to release the e brake servo. you can force it back with a clamp or brake tool but you definitely run the risk of breaking something. Also google VCDS e brake for video tutorial. very important tips in there like hooking up a battery charger before starting. For the rotors it just requires taking off the caliper hangers and the rotor screw which also isnt terribly complicated but a few tips are helpful. It is easy to strip that little screw so use some penetrating fluid and let it work in for a while before cranking on it. Same with the rotors on the hubs. My stock rotors rusted solid to the hubs and I had to wail on them with a small sledge to get them off. Use that fluid and give it some time and this wont be as much of an issue.

http://forums.quattroworld.com/s4b8/msgs/16154.phtml

As it says in the link, if you're not comfortable with working on your car this may not be a job for you since it is a critical safety part of the car but if you can follow directions and be careful and thorough it is exceptionally rewarding to do your own work.

good luck

[iceboss23]

And yes there is only one sensor on the drivers side front pad and it is cheap from ECS tuning. <$20