AudiByNature

Are they masochists?!?! Ok, so this isn't my first Audi and it's not my first time making a dumb Audi wheel decision (2002 A6, 2012 Q5 are good examples). I know the car is new and that brake dust is always an issue with Audi, but these are by far the worst wheels I've cleaned. Even 2 applications of Sonax didn't do the trick.

I'm either switching wheels or brake pads, or maybe both. Does anyone know if the offset on the allroad is the same as the A5 or is it the A4? Not even sure if there's a difference. I may also do wheel spacers, depending on the wheels.

Brake pad recommendations from anyone? My BMWs and Mercedes have had NO brake dust issues.

Huey52

No difference in offset (e.g. I run my Rial snow rims from my prior A5 on my current Allroad). The Allroad is essentially an A5 chassis with A4 body.

Akebono Euro Ceramic pads are low dust. Note however that with most low dust pads you lose a bit of braking ability which is presumably why Audi goes with dusty but assured max braking for this rather heavy vehicle.

My wife's prior Lexus had horrendous brake dust but her present Caddy ATS (Brembo with ceramic-composite) practically none. It's all in the pad composition and also the wheel design/materials to some degree (dust evacuation aerodynamics and adhesion).

I too have tried wheel glazes without much success. Therefore a weekly cleaning with Griot's wheel cleaner required (alas not given our continuous snowfall pattern).

https://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brak...r=Premium+Plus

AudiByNature

Thanks Huey. So, I can look for any wheel that correctly fits an A5? I realize replacing the brake pads would be less expensive, but I'm not willing to compromise safety. Any opinion on Hawk pads? I just searched the subject and it seems that they're popular.

Wheels would be more expensive, but would reduce cleaning time/frustration. It may improve the aesthetics/handling as well.

These current wheels, which I find attractive, are a special kind of hell.

Huey52

One of the reasons when it comes to wheels I'm a simple 5-spoke man.

I would stick with 18" rims (vs. 19"). After all, this is an all-road vehicle and some extra sidewall height is a plus.

I've used Hawk ceramic and they too are low dust, but again a bit reduced braking, especially in the cold. "All design is compromise."

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...tnum=HB599Z616

TREGinginCO

I have the 5-spoke wheels that came with the AR in 2013. I'd swap 'em out for yours.

AudiByNature

TREGinginCO - thanks, about to pull the trigger on these...

http://www.vossenwheels.com/wheels/i...V3-MG-NL-1.jpg