Fabio Corsi

Car got serviced last week and dealership recommended changing the brakes to stop the squick noise. Pads are at 5mm and lights go off at 2mm so they still have some room to go.
Point is, the noise is really loud when in low speeds, almost when the car is about to stop. It's kinda embarrassing also a S4 in traffic sounding like a old school bus when braking.
Point 2 is, dealership price to change all 4 pads and rotors: $1,100
Idea is to order the new B9 as soon as Audi open the orders but I really want to get rid of the noise before that.
Can I just change the pads and not the rotors? I think I can do that myself considering that I'll get a new car by june or july.
Any recommendations?

kczach

Do you want to change your BRAKE pads? Need to check the thickness of your rotors and verify they are not at minimum thickness. 28 MM comes to mind for the 2011. Not sure what 2013 is. Best be would be to call a tech and double check. Sometimes it is on the rotor itself.

DrGP

If you want to save money, don't go back to Audi dealer. You will save on labor and parts going to an independent garage. Make sure they are used to working on German cars. They will need a vag com or similar to change the rear brakes. I would get some Wearever Gold ceramic brake pads available from Advanced Auto Parts stores. I would also put on Generic rotors, but not really cheap Chinese ones. Should save you significant $$$.

Chigger

$1,100 for all 4 rotors and pads is cheap! That's how much I paid for just the front rotors & pads.

togatown

Not that I would have dealer do it, but $ 1100 for all 4 is not totally crazy, since ECS has F/R OEM rotors and pads for about $ 750 total, then add in another $25-50 for replacement bolts.

I just ordered Myele rotors and OEM rear pads from them with hardware for about $ 225. I bought a Vag-com cable for the rears and other mods as well, and figure I can get back $250-275 all day long, whenever I want to sell it.

Fabio Corsi

I don't think $1,100 is crazy expensive for the S4, I was just trying alternatives since I am planning to change for the B9 in june/july. So I don't think a $1,100 investment is a good choice...
I would definitely pay if I was keeping the car.

555wrx

wow. i was quoted $1,200 for just fronts. yikes.

togatown

I guess it depends on a couple of variables: How many miles do you expect to drive until trade-in, and how much life is left in the rotors?
You could try something like a set of Akebono pads F/R for under $ 200.

After doing them all once, I think the next time it will almost take longer to take the front wheels off and get set up, especially just doing the pad replacement. Other than having to use Vag-Com, the rears are easier than the front, since you don't even need to take the caliper carrier off to change rotors. Just make sure you use proper lube on sliding surfaces, and brake quiet on the rear pad clips where they mount on caliper carrier.

Sojournin

I'm 32K and I'm starting to get that intermittent humming at low speed braking....it is embarrassing. I brought my car to the dealer two weeks ago because of noise concern, they said the pads were ok and suggested it was brake dust or something...Idk what to think...lease is up in 4 months.

AZ-A6

How do you know the B9 S4 will be available in June/July?