Brakes?? To Replace or not to Replace
#1
Brakes?? To Replace or not to Replace
Okay took my car in for 60K service and they tell me I have 30% or less brake pads left. I've looked in there and I have about 1/8" to 1/4" left on my pads all the way around. So here's the questions.
1) Replace JUST (maybe rotate rotors??) pads with EBC green or Raybestos or Mintex pads, not sure which one yet?
2) Have dealer replace brake pads, rotors and all that jazz and get screwed out of $800+ and have stock setup?
3) Buy NUESPEED rotors ($260 f/r) and Mintex, Raybestos or EBC pads ($100 f/r) and have dealer or Les Schwab do the work? Anyone know the cost of dealer or les schwab doing the work?
4) Same as #3 and do the labor myself? How hard is this to do?
The main question though is how thick are the new pads and how long do they last or rather how long do I have before I MUST replace current pads??
Thanks all.<p>'97 A4 2.8 QM Pearl White/Ecru Leather
1) Replace JUST (maybe rotate rotors??) pads with EBC green or Raybestos or Mintex pads, not sure which one yet?
2) Have dealer replace brake pads, rotors and all that jazz and get screwed out of $800+ and have stock setup?
3) Buy NUESPEED rotors ($260 f/r) and Mintex, Raybestos or EBC pads ($100 f/r) and have dealer or Les Schwab do the work? Anyone know the cost of dealer or les schwab doing the work?
4) Same as #3 and do the labor myself? How hard is this to do?
The main question though is how thick are the new pads and how long do they last or rather how long do I have before I MUST replace current pads??
Thanks all.<p>'97 A4 2.8 QM Pearl White/Ecru Leather
#2
Upgrade!!!
Velocity Sport Tuning has a great 12.3" kit that uses all Factory Audi parts (no adapters or spacers) and fits like it's supposed to. I had mine for 4 months and it's great! The kit is on their website ( it's finally getting a much needed update!!!) You can't go wrong with this set-up<p>99.5 A4<ul><li><a href="http://www.velocitysport.com">http://www.velocitysport.com</a</li></ul>
#4
Cripes! its $820 and you keep your factory 1-pot calipers!
Hey, if it works & you are happy, go ahead!
Seems like a lot to pay for a set of A8 caliper brackets & rotors.<p>99.5 1.8Tqms Laser Red
97 Jetta ]I[ 2.0 GL Gold
88 ZX-10 Red/Black
Seems like a lot to pay for a set of A8 caliper brackets & rotors.<p>99.5 1.8Tqms Laser Red
97 Jetta ]I[ 2.0 GL Gold
88 ZX-10 Red/Black
#5
To do one better you'll have to spend almost three times as much.
I've driven an A4 with Brembos and it was only marginally better, if any. I think $820 is quite a bargin if you think about it that way.<p>99.5 A4
#6
BIRA Stage One w/Boxter calipers/A8 Rotors <$1000...
seems like a better deal.<p><b>Jeff</b>
<A HREF="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=5714" target="Resource Window"><img SRC="http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/flats/5111/malibuaudi_smallsig.gif"></a><ul><li><a href="http://www.bira.org">http://www.bira.org</a</li></ul>
<A HREF="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=5714" target="Resource Window"><img SRC="http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/flats/5111/malibuaudi_smallsig.gif"></a><ul><li><a href="http://www.bira.org">http://www.bira.org</a</li></ul>
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#8
Replaced front pads at 70K
I bought stock front pads from the dealer for around $100.00. I took the rotors to a local brake shop to be turned. The rotors, to my surprise, were at the minimum tolerance before turning them. This meant that after turning, they would be below the minimum tolerance. I decided to take a chance and spend 20.00 to have them turned. The mechanic said that they would be more prone to warp, with less brake material to dissipate heat. That was 25k miles ago, and still no problems. The front pads were easy to replace after I discovered that you really have to bang the rotors off with a dead blow hammer. I understand that the rear brakes are a little more difficult. I hope this helps-some, I too was on a budget.
Cole
98 A4 1.8T
Cole
98 A4 1.8T
#9
AudiWorld Super User
The Hoppen upgrade kit is only $625
I never thought that I'd see a "bargain" from Hoppen. They are regarded as a high-end and high-dollar tuner.
But they only charge 625 for their caliper carriers and A8 rotors.
I am most likely going with this setup, but I am awaiting info on some other packages too.
-- Peter
But they only charge 625 for their caliper carriers and A8 rotors.
I am most likely going with this setup, but I am awaiting info on some other packages too.
-- Peter
#10
AudiWorld Super User
I don't understand that website either...
BIRA seems like a car club, in that they charge membership dues. But they also seem like a tuner, in that they design brake upgrades.
Sounds like a really silly organization if you ask me. I don't doubt their product. I know that the Porsche brakes are great. But why would they want to limit their sales to only members, instead of making the product available to the general public ?
After all, they already have a very limited market, since they only do Audi brake upgrades. If they want to sell these things, they should eliminate the membership fee, and provide more details on their website.
Hey, what do I know... I'm sure there's a good reason they designed their business this way -- for tax reasons perhaps ?
BTW Troy, I did find a little something about the package if you look under "Member's Rides." But no details or pricing.
The wheel fitment guide was also pretty helpful.
Maybe Jeff can give us some more details ?
I'm definitely interested...
-- Peter
Sounds like a really silly organization if you ask me. I don't doubt their product. I know that the Porsche brakes are great. But why would they want to limit their sales to only members, instead of making the product available to the general public ?
After all, they already have a very limited market, since they only do Audi brake upgrades. If they want to sell these things, they should eliminate the membership fee, and provide more details on their website.
Hey, what do I know... I'm sure there's a good reason they designed their business this way -- for tax reasons perhaps ?
BTW Troy, I did find a little something about the package if you look under "Member's Rides." But no details or pricing.
The wheel fitment guide was also pretty helpful.
Maybe Jeff can give us some more details ?
I'm definitely interested...
-- Peter