OEM brakepads VS Aftermarket

[HaniAudiS6]

What do you guys think about it? OEM brakepads VS aftermarket

[jcoleman_11]

Aftermarket for sure. Way cheaper and better (depending on which one you go with)


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[Spitfire007]

I’ve been suggested to try EBC red stuff or Hawk HPS


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[jcoleman_11]

Both good options, but I find there are better bang for buck options, like Pagid and Akebono.


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[Chiromikey]

Both good options, but I find there are better bang for buck options, like Pagid and Akebono.


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It also depends on the platform. Akebono doesn’t make front pads for the RS7 (even though some websites say they do).

And as a side note, there is a systemwide part number problem when ordering front pads for the RS7 so make sure you have the correct part number when ordering instead of just plugging your car info into a website or letting a customer service rep place the order based on your car.

[HaniAudiS6]

Im thinking about changing my rear brake pads to Zimmerman brake pads, read a alot of great things about them, any one have experience with there brake pads?

[MVR 155]

Not sure if we are talking A6 or S6? Some options are available for one and not the other. I swapped out the factory pads on my 2018 S6 at the 5K mile mark back at the beginning of September, I installed Powerstop Z26 pads (carbon/ceramic compound). A very small difference in initial bite, excellent modulation, no fade, no squeal and next to zero dust....... I’m very impressed with their performance and would highly recommended them.

[HaniAudiS6]

I own a S6 2013, little unsure about OEM or go with aftermarket

[MVR 155]

I own a S6 2013, little unsure about OEM or go with aftermarket

Being as you have an S6, I would definitely go with the Z26 pads.

There is a great thread in the 4.0TT specific area that has a ton of information on brakes for the S6/S7 cars.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ew-Pad-Choice)

[Spitfire007]

Personally, I’m looking for strong initial bite. I’m used to strong and effective brakes, and the stock ones do not work as well as I’d like, especially as I feel the car downshifting on its own.
It’s as if the drivetrain keeps pushing the car forward despite my braking. Feels wooden and ineffective.
My Indy recommended some cryogenically treated rotors and Hawk HPS or EBC red stuff pads for good bite, and eventually stainless steel brake lines to get a firmer better feeling pedal...


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[Smookes]

PowerStop Z26

trust me, you wont regret it. I didnt

[DocTJ]

Many great reviews on the power stop z26 . I suggest you give them a try.

[Audisthesia]

PowerStop Z26

trust me, you wont regret it. I didnt

Just installed my fronts today. Christ the caked on dust from the OEMs...

[bpd]

Personally, I’m looking for strong initial bite. I’m used to strong and effective brakes, and the stock ones do not work as well as I’d like, especially as I feel the car downshifting on its own.
It’s as if the drivetrain keeps pushing the car forward despite my braking. Feels wooden and ineffective.
My Indy recommended some cryogenically treated rotors and Hawk HPS or EBC red stuff pads for good bite, and eventually stainless steel brake lines to get a firmer better feeling pedal...


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In my opinion, stick with what your Indy recommended. Powerstop will not have initial bite like oem, and if oem is not good for you, then get something else. You want really aggressive pads is what Im reading. I like my z26 and if I read what you say, you won't be happy with them.

[Raudi J]

For the 420mm Ceramic Rotors the stock pad is an all season Brembo pad, a little too aggressive for the track. Extra cooling and higher temp brake fluid are also necessary for the front brakes for track use as well as a less aggressive pad.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ght=pagid+8088

[blackout85]

PowerStop Z26

trust me, you wont regret it. I didnt

Do they make then for RS7? Front and rear? A lot of what I've found is for the S platform only

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[DocTJ]

Do they make then for RS7? Front and rear? A lot of what I've found is for the S platform only

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plug in your vehicles information: https://www.powerstop.com/
and it will give you part numbers.

[mat32]

For the 420mm Ceramic Rotors the stock pad is an all season Brembo pad, a little too aggressive for the track.

I know little about cars or brakes for that matter.... wouldn’t you want aggressive brakes for tracking?

[Spitfire007]

In my opinion, stick with what your Indy recommended. Powerstop will not have initial bite like oem, and if oem is not good for you, then get something else. You want really aggressive pads is what Im reading. I like my z26 and if I read what you say, you won't be happy with them.

I keep hearing that Z26 is great, so it’s tempting.
The OEM brakes on the A6 have NO initial bite, it’s very dull unlike my older BMW, which had great bite and great progressive feel.


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[Valpo A7]

Kinda depends on what you can get ahold of. In the US I was able to get a set of front pads for my A7 from Advanced Auto for a decent price. Wearever was the brand and they offered much better stopping power over OEM. The downside was they were semi metallic which means dust. Ceramics are the way to go to avoid dust. Fast forward a bit and I needed to do the rears. After measuring the rotor thickness I discovered I needed new rear rotors and I checked the fronts and found them to be too thin. When I started pricing the rears I found that I can get a whole set of cross drilled and slotted rotors along with ceramic pads for less than just piecing together a set for the rears. I now have 4 corner ceramic with cross drilled and slotted rotors. The overall stopping power seems much better than stock or even when I put the Wearevers on the front. The pad packaging said they were Powerstop Z16 pads

While the Z16 seem to work pretty good they are the entry level for Powerstop. I will likely replace them with the 23 or 26 if/when they wear out. Since I drive so much highway they should last along time for me. My last car I changed the fronts at 125,000 miles and the rears were about 50% warn when I traded it in at 190,000 miles.

[bpd]

I had a 17 A6 3.0 and the brakes were just fine for me. Then I traded it for a new S6. Those pads had great initial bite compared to the A6, but I really did not like it. But the dusting was disgusting. After reading about so many pads, I went with the Z26. Initial bite is almost like A6, but as you use the brakes they are more effective and great progressive feel. It is very predictive and linear as you use them. There is an adjustment to Z26 vs oem S6 pads. But when you get used to them, most will like them. I would think for an A6 these pads would be better. After getting my pads with almost no dusting, my friend got them. He says he does not notice a difference on his S6. You can read reviews about Z26 at the Challenger, Camaro forums and how they like them. Those are high horsepower and heavy cars like ours. So if they can like them, I was sure I would like them. Sure enough, I like them. Be warned though, if you want heavy initial bite, these will not do it. Brakes are too subjective and what I like may not be what you like.

[Vinng86]

I keep hearing that Z26 is great, so it’s tempting.
The OEM brakes on the A6 have NO initial bite, it’s very dull unlike my older BMW, which had great bite and great progressive feel.


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This is not my experience at all. On my A6 the OEM brakes had pretty good initial bite (better than the aftermarket ceramic pads I bought later) and very good braking performance. Only problem was they were pretty dusty and cost more to replace.

[bpd]

What year was your A6? Oops, I see now, you have a 14. When I first got my 17, there was good dusting for the first 800mi. Hated it and then I purchased Akebono's for the front. I delayed the install and then about 1000 mi, they stopped dusting. So I assume it was break in material. I never installed the Akebono's and ended up selling them. I was very happy with my oem pads. I assume Audi changed out pads with less dusting in the later years. Now for the S6, that is a much different pad that dusts plenty. I changed them out about 200 mi because everyone said they will dust for as long as you have them.

[Raudi J]

I know little about cars or brakes for that matter.... wouldn’t you want aggressive brakes for tracking?

Brakes have an optimal temp range. Carbon Ceramic rotor temps are much higher than steel rotors, but can also raise tire temps rapidly via heat transfer to the wheel. Carbon pads with steel rotors may give you what you want.

The Pagid brake pad has better modulation and a more firm feel. Giving the driver better feedback. Also it introduces less heat into the front brake system during hard repetitive braking. Not any less braking power, just more positive feel. Typically we are braking 1,200-1,400 psi at the end of a long straight. Maybe a slight but firm tap + throttle (800-1,000psi) into a corner to help rotate the car in a short section. Also the Pagid pads don't crack or glaze under track conditions.

This winter I am back to the stock pads and winter tires.

[MVR 155]

Sounds like the OP is looking for absolute maximum brake performance. I know that I suggested the Z26 pads in my earlier post but if you're finding the OEM setup insufficient, you probably should be looking at a track oriented pad along with upgrading lines/fluid as you suggested in your post. My car is a driver and will not see any track duty so the Z26 pads are perfect for my use/intentions on this car. I have zero plans of tracking this 4300lb+ car and I wanted a good performing brake pad for the street with much less dusting, the Z26 was a perfect replacement and I'm very happy with it.

[15 Phantom S6]

I too want better than OEM so I'm changing to EBC Yellow pads. I've used EBC Yellow on so many cars over the years and they have always been an upgrade. More dust than ceramic pad options for sure, but not as bad as OEM, but better braking for initial bite and full braking power.. I wash my car/wheels weekly in the good weather months, so not too much dust accumulates by that time..

I also like that the EBC yellows brake the same in the cold winter as they do in the summer months and I've never had an issue with squeal, I'm hoping this is the case for the S6 when I install them..