brake pads

**613b8s4** · 03-20-2023 02:10 PM

what are the best brake pads for reduced brake dust/ keeping wheels clean?

**Nillious** · 03-20-2023 02:18 PM

I’ve asked this before and almost everyone says akebono.

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Ceramic

**a4darkness** · 03-20-2023 03:03 PM

Been running Hawk HPS 5.0's for a few years now. Excellent braking torque with minimal dust.

**audigsr** · 03-20-2023 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Nillious

I’ve asked this before and almost everyone says akebono.

This. I've been running it for the past 2-3 years with no complaints. Brake dust is pretty much non-existent compared to the stock pads. You give up the initial bite of the stock pads though, but you gain a more linear brake feel, which I feel lets you brake more smoothly in daily commutes.

**TC_S4** · 03-20-2023 04:38 PM

Been running Hawk HPS 5.0 for the last 7 years, very quiet, no compromise with initial bit and good braking with minimal dust. I am at my second set that says it all.

**rnkjr** · 03-21-2023 01:39 AM

On my wife's 2014 q5 and my 2013 S4 I have been using Akebono since new and am very happy. I pick them up at NAPA.

**sacandagaD** · 03-21-2023 07:59 AM

Been using Akebono's on my S4's for almost 10 years with good results.

**01northernS4** · 03-21-2023 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by audigsr

This. I've been running it for the past 2-3 years with no complaints. Brake dust is pretty much non-existent compared to the stock pads. You give up the initial bite of the stock pads though, but you gain a more linear brake feel, which I feel lets you brake more smoothly in daily commutes.

+1... they are fantastic

**Fresh.S4** · 03-21-2023 12:11 PM

wtf lol, ive got akebono and i have brake dust

**a4darkness** · 03-21-2023 01:17 PM

Worth mentioning that different rotors, even brand or style, and their interaction with a pad can effect dusting.

For example, on my B7 it came with Pagids with standard rotors. Excellent initial bite and moderate dust. Switched over to slotted and the 5.0s. Less initial bite but far more depth of braking and less dust overall.

Slotted/dimpled/drilled can chew through certain pads creating more dust.

**wangshuo1989** · 03-21-2023 02:08 PM

Akebono for the past 40K miles, no dust, performs great, and still has lots of life left. Can't say I've had a better pad for daily.

**Fresh.S4** · 03-21-2023 08:39 PM

Makes sense.
I've got ECS drilled and slotted.

**joediesel** · 03-22-2023 01:09 PM

I'm in the minority and absolutely hated my Akebonos, they barely lasted 20K w/ Stoptech slotted rotors. I only bought them because everyone on AZ raves about them! Also hated the lack of initial bite, there are pads out there much better best of both worlds, EBC Redstuff and Hawk HPS 5.0 get my vote.

**svt** · 03-22-2023 01:27 PM

I had Akebonos on my A4 using EBC rotors and I had zero dust. Less initial bite but better experience imo.

I'm putting the same brand parts on my S4 this week.

**2008s4** · 03-22-2023 04:01 PM

I’ve used EBC red stuff on a few cars and like them a bunch for their everyday street drivability while still being able to bite when needed. I’m using them with my RS5 front brakes right now too.

**JRYtheS4** · 03-22-2023 06:23 PM

Another vote for ebc red stuff, my wheels stay pretty clean.

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**king_j** · 03-23-2023 05:43 AM

I have ebc red stuff with Zimmerman rotors. About 15k miles on the set.
Great summer pad. I feel the lack of initial bite in winter on slippery roads is an issue. Lack of initial bite means more pedal which for me the abs is always on. Dont recall that much abs intervention with the oe pad.

What pad maintains the oe initial bite with low dust?

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