nikhil

Took my sister's A4 to the dealer for an oil change...they told me that the brakes will probably need to be replaced at the next service(pads + rotors). The estimate they gave me was about $400/axle....im hoping that this includes labor!!! Anyways, would it make more sense to replace the rotors and pads with better(read:aftermarket) equipment(the car is out of warranty anyways)? And should she take the car somewhere else to have the rotors/pads installed. BTW, the car is a '98 A4 1.8T with the standard 15" wheels. Thanks a lot!

ross@downforce.net

its a pretty easy install - but if you don't do it yourself it can be expensive - Audi told me 400-500 for them to do it. Needless to say, I did it myself.

Their kit consists of Brembo slotted rotors up front and Eurorotors (slotted but solid instead of vented like the front)for the rear and Mintex Red Box pads all around. They also include stainless lines and some fluid as well.

nikhil

1. How hard is it to do? 2. Will that setup fit with 15" wheels?? THX

ross@downforce.net

so everything fits just like stock.

as for how hard the install is - if you've done any brake work before its cake - but you need some specialized tools to do it right:

off the top of my head:
good socket set w/deep 17mm for lug bolts
hex sockets 7mm and 8 mm to remove calipers/brackets
disc brake piston retractor kit (pushes the piston back into the caliper to make room for new pads and can turn and push in rear piston)
you should have a good torque wrench/breaker bar set too
misc. open end wrenches for removing lines/rear calipers

if its a one shot deal and you don't have the tools it may be cheaper to pay a good shop to do it (maybe cheaper than Audi at an indy place) if you are going to play with brakes a lot on multiple cars - it may be worth the investment in the tools.

if you do it yourself make sure you follow the instructions for bedding the pads and rotors properly...