Audi A6 C6: Brake Modifications

This article applies to the Audi A6 C6 (2011-2016).

Want to put some more whoa in your Audi A6? You've got options! From adapting brakes from the A8 platform to the many aftermarket options, and even an upgrade from a Porsche 6 piston system, this article will give you a starting point from which to choose your upgrade. We are going to focus on complete "big brake kit" style upgrades, complete with rotors, calipers and brake pads.

Brake Mods

As with most performance cars, there are quite a few aftermarket options available to A6 owners. These kits offer a big increase in stopping power, but do so at a big cost. Swapping over brakes from the A8 or even Porsches can be a more economical upgrade that allows you to shop the used parts bin if you want to save a few bucks. Whichever route you choose is going to present a big upgrade on your stock brakes regardless.

Aftermarket Big Brake Kits

DIY Cost – $500-$2,000

Professional Cost – $750-$2,500

Skill Level – Moderate; requires basic tools but some mechanical skill to complete.

Aftermarket big brake kits offer an all-in-one, one box solution for a serious brake upgrade. All the parts you get are new, shiny, and backed by a warranty. These kits typically come with either slotted or cross drilled rotors that are sometimes larger than stock, pads, stainless steel brake lines, and in some cases, calipers (generally in more expensive kits). Aftermarket calipers typically feature more pistons than stock calipers, which means more pressure on the pad and great stopping power.

Two of the most popular C6 brake kits are made by Brembo and StopTech. StopTech tends to be the most affordable, as are kits with slotted rotors. Slotted rotors have grooves cut along the face of the rotor, which allows built up gases to escape, leading to better pad bite and more consistent stops. Cross drilled rotors do the same thing via holes cut in the rotor's surface and look cooler, but are more prone to stress cracking under extreme use. You can also get rotors that are cross drilled and slotted, which are less prone to fading and a great option for heavier vehicles.

A8 and S6 Brake Swaps

DIY Cost – $800-$1,200

Professional Cost – $1,500-$2,000

Skill Level – Moderate; requires basic tools but some mechanical skills.

Swapping over the bigger brakes from the S6 is basically a straight bolt on for the 3.2 and 4.2 liter models. If your have the 3.0t, you will need to get a set of spindles for the 3.2/4.2, which are available in the aftermarket for a pretty cheap price.

It's also possible to swap over brakes from the A8. You will need a set of 312mm x 25mm vented rotors and TT Quattro front caliper brackets for the front, and 269mm x 20mm vented rotors, A8 caliper brackets, and S4 calipers to make them fit in the rear.

Both options are pulled straight from the Audi parts bin, and can utilize used parts for a budget oriented solution. Keeping all of the parts in the Audi family means that when it comes time for replacement parts, they are readily available.

Porsche Brake Swaps

DIY Cost – $400-$2,000

Professional Cost – $600-$2,500

Skill Level – Moderate; requires only basic tools but a little mechanical skill to complete.

Just like hot rodders have been doing for decades, a few enterprising souls figured out that Porsche Cayenne brakes will fit on the Audi A6. These brakes are made by Brembo and can provide you with a big discount over a new set if you look hard enough.

Cayenne calipers are available that fit 330 and 350mm rotors, so you can actually just pick up a set of calipers (the best part) and mate them to a set of aftermarket rotors if desired.

Keep in mind that due to the large size of the rotors and calipers, a larger set of wheels may be required to fit these. If your A6 has the optional 19" wheels, however, you should be good to go.

Related Discussions

• Big Brake Kits Now Available - AudiWorld
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• A6 Brake Upgrade Options - AudiWorld