mhblaw

Took my '13 RS 5 in for a routine 60k oil change (I like to change every 5k) and tech says I need new front pads and rotors. First time ever mentioned. I know getting 60k on original pads is very good, but I am not so sure about new rotors. They are not completely smooth, but are not warped either. So, I elected to have them order front pads only (not in stock) and will stick with the original rotors for now. Not sure how much longer I will keep the car anyway (waiting for an '18 RS 5). Comments?

localh85

I just got a 2015 RS 5 and I read just about every post made about the RS5 on this forum before getting one.


There are a couple posts (you would have to search yourself) where people opted to replace both (pad + rotor) as pairs, always. I forget their logic behind it.


Separately, how is your RS5 holding up at 60k?

superswiss

Whether you should replace the rotors depends on if they are still above the minimum thickness and the surface is free of scratches and grooves. If you are driving hard, which doesn't seem to be the case given that you got 60k miles out of your pads, then it's good idea to get new rotors along with the pads. A tech should be able to measure the rotors and inspect them and tell you if they can take another set of pads. What you don't want to happen is that your current rotors wear out before the second set of pads, because that puts you at risk of not realizing that your rotors are worn. If you replace the rotors when you replace the pads, you know that the rotor will definitely last as long as the new set of pads.

Having said all that, Quattro Gmbh recommendation is to replace rotors when replacing pads.

Alister

That is phenomenal mileage out of a set of OE rotors and pads!!

I assume you do very little peak hour city driving in the car?

eric strauss

… at about 12K. 60K is phenomenal and I would do them both and also make sure they do a brake fluid flush.

mhblaw

Thanks for the comments. I don't know if the tech measured the rotors as I only visited with the service rep, but the tech had put that item on the "to do" list. $2100 for front pads and rotors. And yes, I know is a lot of miles on original pads, but my driving tends to be lots of highway miles (3 trips to west coast from ND) and trips to lake country in MN. 6 mile one way commute to office on freeway helps warm up the car as well. Also, as I have posted before, I have had zero, I mean zero, issues with the car. Best Audi I have ever had and this is #10 in last 30 years. Wifes '15 S3 is #11 and is another good one.

superswiss

Sounds like the car is mostly a highway cruiser for you, so you might get away with just a set of new pads. If you do decide to do rotors as well, you can get better and cheaper parts if you go aftermarket and have the work done by a reputable indy shop. I've got my fronts done with the aftermarket parts in my signature for about $1500 and that included upgraded brake lines and fluid.

eric strauss

… but seems about $400-600 to the high side. You might get an indy tuner shop to do it for less and even upgrade the package. In LA, I use Eurocode in Torrance, but I am sorry I don'r know of any shops in your area. Send a note to the regional Audi Club president as I am sure they would have the info

Remember to ask for the old rotors as they are seriously beautiful art :-)

best wishes.

Eric