Timothy Buck

I'm tired of cleaning my front wheels so often, so I'm thinking of replacing my brake pads. I have a couple of questions for anyone who's done this already.<p>1) Is it necessary to replace both front and rear pads at the same time, or can I just replace the front ones? (I don't seem to have much of a problem with brake dust on the back.)<p>2) Where did you get your replacement pads installed? That's not a job I'd even consider tackling myself. My 5000 mile service is coming up in probably about a month or so, and I was thinking of asking the Audi service people to install mine. Is this a good idea? What can I expect them to charge for the installation?<p>3) I guess I'm planning to go with Raybestos -- will they help with the squealing as well as the dust problem?<p>Thanks.

Steve S.

I got a set of Rofren brake pads from Total Audi Performance (TAP) about 5-6 months ago. I was taking my A4 in to the dealer to get the alignment checked, since I went off the track into the grass and dirt at Thunderhill Raceway, so I asked them to also install my pads at the same time. So they did both. The brake pad install was about an hour at $86/hour. I guess you could do it yourself, but I opted not to. I just replace the fronts, and I virtually have no brake dust in the front...I clean the rears rarely...they never get dirty either. Thats it... BTW, the front brakes comprise about 75-80% of your braking power.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

DaveL

Last w/e at the NE A4 BBQ I talked to Will Allen who has replaced his front pads with Raybestos. His comment was that now his rear wheels are the dirtier wheels! So it sounds like they completely solve the dust problem. <p>I drove his car and did not notice any performance difference from stock; however, I was more focused on experienceing his Eibach/Koni suspension setup and Profec boost controller!<p>The Audi dealer can install them for you but you could just as well have it done at a reputable foreign car service place for less. But, since you're already going in for regular maintenance, it may not be worth the extra inconvenience to take it to two places...time is money.<p>Dave<br>

ErikR

Super-easy to replace yourself, completely intuitive