Brake pad recommendations for a 2014 S4

[BaddS4]

Morning fellow Audi owners!!

Well the time has come where I need a set a brake pads for the S4.. She's a 2014 Teknik model. I wanted to get some opinions/ recommendations on what are the better pad?

Should I get them from the dealer and stick with genuine Audi parts?
Or is there a really good aftermarket one that just as good or better than I can get from the parts counter at Audi?

When it came to my former American cars, it was easy peasy, but there Euro's I'm not entirely sure whats what..

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you all and I look forward to the replies!!

Mark :)

[yjypm]

I love my EBC redstuff. They don't give you the initial bit as oem (most aftermarket pads don't, but that doesn't mean they don't have the same braking power as oem) but they are very low-dust and actually look good from the outside. Definitely add some redness to the brake.

Most people here use Akebono brake pads. They are great choices too.

BTW I believe there are many threads concerning brake pads, be sure to use "Search".

[BaddS4]

Thanks for the information... I did a search, but really didn't find anything helpful... Just ended up more confused than when I started..lol. (Not my first day on a forum eh) lol

[Quidproquo]

I second the motion for Akebono pads.

I was cleaning my wheels every three days due to dust accumulation from OEM pads. Now I can go two to three weeks without seeing any dust accumulation.
They stop as well as OEM (as far as I can tell), and are whisper quiet.

[curt_s]

I was in the same situation very recently. Here in Canada we have limited options without getting bent over a barrel. Lots say hood things about the Akebono pads but I have been unable to find a set above the border. Below the border is an incredible premium with the bad exchange. Sure they may be good but I have a principal of limit the amount which I get screwed over by specialty shop markups.
So instead I went to RockAuto and picked up front and rear StopTech Sport pads (formerly Street series, even same part number just different name now because they have a new Street line).
With Centric high allow blanks, we will see how much of a good idea it was...

[S4Flyer]

I second the motion for Akebono pads.

I was cleaning my wheels every three days due to dust accumulation from OEM pads. Now I can go two to three weeks without seeing any dust accumulation.
They stop as well as OEM (as far as I can tell), and are whisper quiet.

I third on the Akebono's. Recently changed to them from OEM, with ECS slotted rotors up front. You def lose the initial bite of the OEM brakes, but these things are silent as the grave, and literally no dust.

After driving on the noisy OEMs for over a year, I still find myself expecting the dreaded brake squeal, but now it never happens.

[BaddS4]

Thank you very much for the replies.. I checked with my local Carquest parts store and they have them in stock!! Will run me $280.00 for all 4 cornerss instead of 500.00 from the Audi parts counter!!!

As long as they still brake good I'll be a happy fella!!! At 94,000km the original ones have lasted a long time and I look forward to less brake dust thats for sure!! LOL

[LeadToRome]

The Akebono pads brake fine after a little bit of use and wearing in, and the lack of dust and noise makes them a complete win as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure there's other ones out there just as good but the Akebono's work.

[Quidproquo]

Thank you very much for the replies.. I checked with my local Carquest parts store and they have them in stock!! Will run me $280.00 for all 4 cornerss instead of 500.00 from the Audi parts counter!!!

As long as they still brake good I'll be a happy fella!!! At 94,000km the original ones have lasted a long time and I look forward to less brake dust thats for sure!! LOL

$280 CAD? The exchange rate can't be that bad... Can't you get them from ECS:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-akebono-...8k0698151hkt2/

[EuroJunk]

With shipping, exchange and customs taxes, im pretty sure 280$ is about right.. I suggest you take a look at tdotperformance.ca prices are really good.

http://www.tdotperformance.ca/2014-a...ti%5B0%5D=4927

[waxxonMTL]

I honestly... never heard my oem brake pad.. should i have my ear checked !? lol..

[Vdubz]

I've used red stuffs on my R32 and loved them. Like someone said the lack of dust is a world of difference over stock pads. They do take a few miles to bed them in but after that they work great. Never a sweal either.


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[BaddS4]

Thank you all very much!! I knew I could count on you all for some sound advice!!! So it's now just a toss up between the reds or the Akebono's.. (probably come down to a coin toss) lol

Think I might look into upgrading the rotors as well to drilled!! They always look purdy through the wheels!! :D

[yjypm]

Thank you all very much!! I knew I could count on you all for some sound advice!!! So it's now just a toss up between the reds or the Akebono's.. (probably come down to a coin toss) lol

Think I might look into upgrading the rotors as well to drilled!! They always look purdy through the wheels!! :D

Red: for the looks
Akebono: because more people are using them

Apart from this, I don't think there's any difference between them.

Note whenever you get new pads you have to either replace the rotors or refinish them. Check with your local installer whether your rotors can be refinished if you want to save a few bucks. If I were you I'd choose slotted rather than drilled rotors because slotted rotors are theoretically stronger.

[Loe]

Im liking my Akebono's, the lack of brake dust and more linear nature makes is smoother for me to drive.

[sacandagaD]

Slotted with 'bono's all the way baby!

[sweylo]

Stupid question: when replacing the stock pads with Akebonos, do we need to replace the wear sensor cable thing as well?

[Thurston]

Will you be replacing the rotors? Audi always recommend replacing the rotors w/ the pads but does anyone have any experience w/ just changing pads and doing another dance with the stock rotors if they look alright? I like the stock brakes on this car honestly I do I just hate the dust.

[14S4GWM]

Stupid question: when replacing the stock pads with Akebonos, do we need to replace the wear sensor cable thing as well?

As long as you haven't reached the sensor yet then no, but if you get a new one with your set just replace it.

- - - Updated - - -

Will you be replacing the rotors? Audi always recommend replacing the rotors w/ the pads but does anyone have any experience w/ just changing pads and doing another dance with the stock rotors if they look alright?

I replaced just the pads at 7k and had no issues.

[Thurston]

I actually did as well around 8k but it was on audi due to squealing but i kept the stock rotors - I guess I meant more between 20k to 40k but i know it's a case by case basis.

[14S4GWM]

I actually did as well around 8k but it was on audi due to squealing but i kept the stock rotors - I guess I meant more between 20k to 40k but i know it's a case by case basis.

You need to measure them.