Dawg82

Wife took just took her 2013 FWD A5 in for service. Audi dealer quoting $850 per axle to replace pads and disks (rotors) 34K miles seems low to have to replace rotors. I have 70K miles on my 2011 VW GTI that I drive harder (I know it's a lot lighter than an A5 Cabrio) and VW dealer said I should expect 100K since they are metallic brakes. Do you normally replace the rotors on A5 at this low mileage?

OlyS5

Maybe... on my '15 S5, the front brakes started a really bad "squeal" at about 24K miles; only happened during the last several feet of travel when coming to a full stop. After multiple visits to the dealership, they decided to do a 1-time complimentary front brake replacement (rotors and pads) to solve the problem since my VIN fell outside of a TSB that dealt with a similar "early excessive wear" issue.

Something to chew on... they first tried to get $1,600 -- then discounted to $1,200 for the brake job. I made such a fuss; given the low miles and time to diagnose... they ended up with the comp replacement. Your $850 quote is more inline with what I've found on the Internet for a dealership provided OEM parts replacement/labor. (Guess how much I trust this dealership now!!)

Edit: At first they were only going to replace the pads... then they told me (upon a 3rd visit to diagnose) that the rotors had to be replaced due to some sort of "ridging" that was on the rotors. Anyway... it took forever to get a resolution... but they did the work for free... and I've had no issues with squealing since.

smurkenstein

They do like to replace the rotors and pads at the same time as they bed-in together - it doesn't necessarily mean that the rotors have worn down.

findalex

The cabrio is heavier and it's also front-heavy because it's FWD so the brakes might wear out faster. HOWEVER, it's bloody murder to want $850 to replace pads and rotors.

I recommend you get a second quote at another shop. It's dead simple to replace brake pads/rotors and the rotors may not even be necessary. They usually last more than 1 pad change.

I changed the rear pads on my 68K mile A5 quattro recently, and it only cost me about $60 for great Akebono ceramic pads that don't squeak like hell in the morning. Front ones are about $80-100 from FCP Euro/Amazon.

It only took me 1 hour and it was the rear pads that required using VAG-COM. A professional shop should be able to do the front ones much faster.

mhoran89

I just did pads and rotors on a '14 A5 2.0t cabriolet this summer. Car only had about 35,000 - 40,000 miles on it. Rotors were scored and rusted.
The parts were under $500 on Rock Auto for centric rotors and powerstop ceramic pads. Easy to do if you have an afternoon, jack stands, and basic tools (and vag-com or carista for rear parking brake).
Otherwise find an independent mechanic who you can bring your own parts to and just pay him labor. You can easily get all 4 corners done for under $1000 that way.