B7 S4 rear brakes, anyone do the upgrade?

[vwnobby]

Looking to get something better for rear brakes, so considering the S4 rears. I noticed that the part numbers are the same for the A4 and S4, with the exception of the last letter. 8E0615423H for A4 left and 8E0615423J for S4 left. Are the calipers really different? Or is itmlike the fronts where you just need different carriers?

[Axis]

Different

[malathion]

I thought only the carriers were different(allowing for a larger rotor) but the calipers were the same ?

[Audibot]

No, they're physically larger, IIRC. I've done the upgrade a few years ago, and that's what my recollection is. Either way, they're an easy and cost-effective upgrade. The parking brake cable slots right in, but because of the slightly different/farther attachment point, you may want to loosen and re-tighten the brake afterwards.

[vvenom800tt]

Search

[RickB_7]

Just did this a few weeks ago. I found a set in a junkyard off a B6 S4 and told the person at the front desk they were off a mk4 jetta and got them for $35 then bought ECS slotted rotors and painted the calipers. You won't need the dust shields, everything else goes back together very easily and you'll just need to loosen the e-brake cable to get it on. It's really funny ECS sells the whole "stage 2" kit for $1,300 when I pieced together the same thing for a little over $250. Also, in my experience the Akebono brake pads are really good I really can't believe how there is virtually no dust from my rear brakes.

[jerseybrian]

I'm also in the middle of doing the conversion. I didn't really compare the A4 and S4 calipers side by side. I'll check it out tomorrow if I have time

[vwnobby]

I'm also in the middle of doing the conversion. I didn't really compare the A4 and S4 calipers side by side. I'll check it out tomorrow if I have time

Thanks, I'd be interested to see the difference side by side.

Just did this a few weeks ago. I found a set in a junkyard off a B6 S4 and told the person at the front desk they were off a mk4 jetta and got them for $35 then bought ECS slotted rotors and painted the calipers. You won't need the dust shields, everything else goes back together very easily and you'll just need to loosen the e-brake cable to get it on. It's really funny ECS sells the whole "stage 2" kit for $1,300 when I pieced together the same thing for a little over $250. Also, in my experience the Akebono brake pads are really good I really can't believe how there is virtually no dust from my rear brakes.

That's exactly what I was looking to do. I found a set for relatively cheap a short while back, but missed out on the sale. Looking to see if I can sorce them soon.

[malathion]

Well I know that the B7 S4 and A4 share the same front calipers, the only difference is the carrier is larger on the S4 allowing for a larger rotor.

So I am surprised to hear that the rear caliper is actually bigger, rather than having just a larger carrier.

@jerseybrian if you could get some side by side pics that would be awesome so we can actually compare the two

[jerseybrian]

Well I know that the B7 S4 and A4 share the same front calipers, the only difference is the carrier is larger on the S4 allowing for a larger rotor.

So I am surprised to hear that the rear caliper is actually bigger, rather than having just a larger carrier.

@jerseybrian if you could get some side by side pics that would be awesome so we can actually compare the two

Yea, I haven't been on AZ in like 4 years consistently and from what I remember, I thought you just needed the rear carriers for the rear conversion as well, but then I was corrected recently so I went ahead and bought rear S4 calipers off a part out. I'm currently dealing with some fitment issues with my wheel setup and the calipers (I have a 3" lip) so I will try and get a photo up for you soon.

[malathion]

Hahaha I'm also dealing with some wheel fitment/caliper issues, my lips are only 2.5 inches but my wheels are 19x9.5 +36 square

Running the Porsche Cayenne 18z up front and the wheels are hitting the calipers so I gotta do some "massaging" to the calipers

[drewgold]

Also in the process of doing this conversion. From what I have been told, the piston on the S4 caliper is definitely bigger which would make me think that the entire caliper is bigger.

I do remember reading somewhere that A4 calipers would fit in S4 carriers but that may have been mis-information. Side by side photos would be great for curiosity sake.

@Axis has done this conversion so I'd take his work for it!

[vvenom800tt]

Also in the process of doing this conversion. From what I have been told, the piston on the S4 caliper is definitely bigger which would make me think that the entire caliper is bigger.

I do remember reading somewhere that A4 calipers would fit in S4 carriers but that may have been mis-information. Side by side photos would be great for curiosity sake.

@Axis has done this conversion so I'd take his work for it!

The piston is only 1mm bigger

[jerseybrian]

Hahaha I'm also dealing with some wheel fitment/caliper issues, my lips are only 2.5 inches but my wheels are 19x9.5 +36 square

Running the Porsche Cayenne 18z up front and the wheels are hitting the calipers so I gotta do some "massaging" to the calipers

I hear ya. My fronts have already been modified lol aaaaaaand the rears are being modified everyday at work lol. I have 9.5s in the rear with a +30 offset lol

[Axis]

I had the pistons out of the S4 calipers for powder coating purposes, I should of measured width and lenght to compare with the A4's.

drewgold, I didnt install them yet, I'm actually finishing rebuilding the front Brembos and then installation time.

[drewgold]

I had the pistons out of the S4 calipers for powder coating purposes, I should of measured width and lenght to compare with the A4's.

drewgold, I didnt install them yet, I'm actually finishing rebuilding the front Brembos and then installation time.

Gotcha, thought you already had them on. I'm pretty much at the same point, working on painting the fronts and media blasting the rears. I know the part numbers are different for the seal kits so there must be some difference in size, even if it is only 1mm.

Did you take the parking brake mechanism apart or just the pistons? I'm debating whether I should disassemble the whole thing or just leave it as the parking brake seems to be working fine.

[Axis]

Gotcha, thought you already had them on. I'm pretty much at the same point, working on painting the fronts and media blasting the rears. I know the part numbers are different for the seal kits so there must be some difference in size, even if it is only 1mm.

Did you take the parking brake mechanism apart or just the pistons? I'm debating whether I should disassemble the whole thing or just leave it as the parking brake seems to be working fine.

I took the whole thing apart and had everything powder coated, I was actually about to post a question here which you might be able to answer :

Two different part number for the ebrake mecanism springs 8E0615295D -left & 8E0615296D -right. Which one is bigger? I have them both springs in my hands but dont know which is which since obviously no part number stamped on a spring.

From ecs images, the small one seems to be left.

[drewgold]

I took the whole thing apart and had everything powder coated, I was actually about to post a question here which you might be able to answer :

Two different part number for the ebrake mechanism springs 8E0615295D -left & 8E0615296D -right. Which one is bigger? I have them both springs in my hands but dont know which is which since obviously no part number stamped on a spring.

From ecs images, the small one seems to be left.

Both of the springs on my calipers are the same size. (Left caliper on left and right on right in pic) The calipers are from a 2005 S4 in case that makes any difference. Let me know if you need other pics. I suppose orientation of the spring is what's important and different from left to right.

Did you have any trouble getting the parking brake mechanism apart? Is there an internal spring that needs to be compressed?

[vwnobby]

You won't need the dust shields

RickB_7 did you keep the A4 dust shields and adjusted them or just no dust shield at all?

[Axis]

Both of the springs on my calipers are the same size. (Left caliper on left and right on right in pic) The calipers are from a 2005 S4 in case that makes any difference. Let me know if you need other pics. I suppose orientation of the spring is what's important and different from left to right.

Did you have any trouble getting the parking brake mechanism apart? Is there an internal spring that needs to be compressed?

Meh @10$ each I'll order two new springs since I obviously have one that does'nt belong there. Thank you!

I had a local shop take the ebrake mecanism apart since it's a pita. They charged 40$ to take the pair apart and bead blast them and another 40$ to re-assemble.

[Van Black]

This might help someone out: http://www.partsbase.org/audi/audi-a...e-disc-vented/

[vwnobby]

Just sourced a set of 07 S4 rear calipers and carriers. They wouldn't sell me the dust shields because they keep those with the spindles (parts place).
Now need to find the dust shields, rotors and pads and should be good to go. Hopefully calipers are in good shape.

[thenofjboy]

I'll be installing my B7 S4 full brake setup soon, hopefully this weekend. One of the dust boots on a rear caliper was ripped, so I rebuilt all 4 calipers before I painted them. Super easy DIY.

For those that are doing this swap, I'd seriously considering rebuilding the calipers bc they are off the car and getting SS brake lines. I got the rebuilt kits from RockAuto and the rotors from AutoAnything and I can post the receipts w/part numbers if that helps anyone.

[emptys6gt3]

Getting ready to do this as well. Started breaking down the calipers last weekend. Any part nos. appreciated.


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[Okedokey]

Since rear braking is less important than front, what benefit do you guys anticipate? Is it primarily the 'look', or is it for track work, or simply im wrong and the difference is night and day. Cheers ;)

[gmudan]

Anyone know if the rear caliper spring mechanism from a b6 fit the b7 s4's? I'm going to throw them on this weekend, hoping they do swap over.

[vvenom800tt]

Larger caliper piston increases brake pressure on rotor. Larger rotor that is vented increases cooling and move lever arm of brake pad, thus increasing mechanical torque.

And it looks better with a bigger rotor back there

[vwnobby]

Since rear braking is less important than front, what benefit do you guys anticipate? Is it primarily the 'look', or is it for track work, or simply im wrong and the difference is night and day. Cheers ;)

I did the S4 front setup a while ago and I track my car once or twice a year. With the S4 fronts, running track pads, during heavy high speed braking I've noticed the back end of the car get a little loose. I'm hoping that this will help even it out a bit. Plus, going from a solid rotor to a vented rotor will help, I'm sure.

[Axis]

Anyone know if the rear caliper spring mechanism from a b6 fit the b7 s4's? I'm going to throw them on this weekend, hoping they do swap over.

From what I saw on ecs they share the same part number so yes, same springs.

@Okedokey: I will run Q5 fronts so they will even out the braking balance.

[drewgold]

Just sourced a set of 07 S4 rear calipers and carriers. They wouldn't sell me the dust shields because they keep those with the spindles (parts place).
Now need to find the dust shields, rotors and pads and should be good to go. Hopefully calipers are in good shape.

From what I can tell (and measure) you shouldn't need new shields. There is plenty of space on the shield to accommodate the larger diameter rotor, you may need to trim the shield a bit though to fit around the S4 Caliper.

[RickB_7]

RickB_7 did you keep the A4 dust shields and adjusted them or just no dust shield at all?

I did not have to use the S4 dust shields though I do have them. The S4 rotors are only slightly larger in diameter than the A4 rotors and they fit no problem in the A4 dust shields.

Since rear braking is less important than front, what benefit do you guys anticipate? Is it primarily the 'look', or is it for track work, or simply im wrong and the difference is night and day. Cheers ;)

I have some Brembo 18z up front and I could definitely feel that the front over powered the rear brakes. With the S4 rear brakes I would say it feels more balanced and there is less drama under very hard braking.

[fly300kts]

And just in case you are looking for 300x22mm slotted rotors:

$7.63 a piece

https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/?partnum=980516

These are coming form an old NAPA store closeout

Phil

[Axis]

And just in case you are looking for 300x22mm slotted rotors:

$7.63 a piece

https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/?partnum=980516

These are coming form an old NAPA store closeout

Phil

Wow!

[fly300kts]

Wow!

LOL, yes

Phil

[Quattro 4 Life]

And just in case you are looking for 300x22mm slotted rotors:

$7.63 a piece

https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/?partnum=980516

These are coming form an old NAPA store closeout

Phil

These gone already? Can't find em...

Edit: original link wasn't working, found em.

[Axis]

These gone already? Can't find em...

Shows 16 left for me

[Quattro 4 Life]

Shows 16 left for me

Found them. Never seen a slot pattern like that.

[fly300kts]

Found them. Never seen a slot pattern like that.

Still, for that price

Phil

[Audibot]

Why does it say 2009 for the year when I click on it?

[Quattro 4 Life]

Still, for that price

Phil

Oh it's an absolute steal! I'm tempted despite having zero need for these. Ya know, for that future rear brake upgrade.