<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/414/stoptech9.jpg"></center><p>I took it slow, so it ended up taking most of the day (w/o any help). So far everything seems to be working fine. I decided against putting on the rear SS lines (for now)...I haven't returned them yet, so I may put them on another time. A few helpful notes not included in the installation instructions:

-make sure to check the list of required tools before you start. I was surprised to discover that I didn't have a 18mm socket...I guess most sets come with 17mm and 19mm, but not 18mm, which you'll need for the caliper bracket bolts. Also check your torque wrench...you'll need one that can be set from 10 to 148 lb-ft. (mine maxed out at 140, so I had to get a new one).

-you might consider wearing some heavy rubber gloves when disconnecting the inboard brake lines...those nifty mechanix gloves are NOT fluid-proof, and brake fluid is nasty stuff.

-the stoptech kit comes with 2 rubber plugs to cap the inboard hard brake lines. At first, I thought they would insert into the line, like a stopper into a bottle, but they actually slip OVER the end of the line, like a cap. It took me a minute to realize this, meanwhile brake fluid's drip drip dripping...

-have some Liquid Wrench (or similar product) handy...my car only has 5000 miles on it, but the rotors seemed practically welded on from corrosion bonding/rust. Even with a liberal dose of liquid wrench, which I allowed to soak in for 15-20 min., it took several good whacks with a hammer to release the rotors (watch your toes when it comes loose!).

-it helps to turn the steering wheel as far as it will go towards the side you are working on before trying to remove the calipers. They are on TIGHT...you'll need some good leverage to loosen them. Same when bolting up the stoptech caliper brackets...torque specs are 148 ft-lbs!

-there was one error in the instructions that came with the kit: the fitting where the SS line attaches to the inboard hard line is 17mm (instructions stated 14mm)...so you'll need both a 17mm wrench and a 11mm wrench to tighten the fitting.

-the stoptech rotor will not fit over the oem backing plate w/o some sort of modification. The instructions say 'just bend it out of the way', which did not seem feasible to me...if you bend it back more than a few mm, it will hit the lower suspension attachement point. So I just removed it altogether. I suppose you could trim the backing plate with tin snips or something, but I didn't think it would be worth the trouble (is it?)

-I bought the rear SS lines (optional), but did not install them. The rear lines are short and don't attach to the caliper at all...they replace the thin oem rubber lines where they enter the lower front portion of the fender well. I think you'd have to remove the fender liner to install them...it was getting late and I didn't want to deal with it.

-the break in procedure for the pads isn't as easy as it sounds...10 consecutive stops from 60mph to 15mph. I don't know how you'd do that in a busy city. Fortunately, I live on the outskirts of town, and traffic (usually) isn't a problem. MAKE SURE NO ONE IS BEHIND YOU! The first time I went out, some moron was right behind me and absolutely would not pass me even when I slowed down and tried to wave him by...guess he was checking out my car's ***, lol.

That's about all that comes to mind. The instructions that come with the kit are, for the most part, very good. Now my TT is ready for some track time!

 

BTW an 18 mm socket and wrench seems to be the most common size for TT suspension bolts, nuts and whatnots....You'll need it again! MichaelTT had some comments on the rear lines the other day...Seems they really may not be needed since there is so little hose to flex....
Let us know how the brakes work after the break-in

Steve

 

Great Tips on the install Bob

 

You will hate the brakes in your A6 when you go back and forth between the two cars! lol

 

I installed mine with Porterfield pads: they are truly amazing. In traffic, I now worry about the idiots in minivans or pickups who ride RIGHT UP MY ****, because I will stop, and they won't!

 

...the brake pedal feels like stepping on a giant ball of clay (vs. stepping on a brick in the TT)! Ah well, my wife usually drives that car...;-)

 

Today I was reading some interesting tech stuff on Stoptechs website...concerning front/rear bias, ABS, and the effects of front brake upgrades. Sounds like they know their stuff. According to them:

"When upgrading your brake hoses, replace both the front and rear hoses. Due to their swelling under pressure the stock hoses take a measurable amount of time to transmit pressure to the calipers. Replacing the front hoses only will result in a built in lag time to the rear brakes and may also adversely effect the microprocessor control algorithms of the ABS system."

I still don't think it's a very significant issue in the TT since we're talking about a very short segment of line (about 6" on each side), and the OEM line is thin and not very flexible. I pinched it with my fingers to see if it would collapse, but it doesn't budge. So who knows? If it wasn't for having to remove the fender liner, I probably would have just done it yesterday. The nice thing is that Pete@Stratmosphere offered to take the rear lines back and refund my money if I don't want them...<ul><li><a href="http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/abs_bigbrake_122701.htm">Stoptech tech article</a></li></ul>

 

My oft repeated suggestion....poke that hazard light on....at least it gets their attention.

 

Bob
Thanks for the notes on your install. I have put a copy of your report on our tech writers desk. We will make the improvements and post the new version on our web site.
The TT rear line is a major dilemma as the ideal solution is to replace the entire rear line system not just the short section. There is no proper tie in point for the long lines hence, we opted for easy replacement of the short lines as do other suppliers. As to the efficacy of rear lines with only the short section braided stainless---the truly A/R believe any reduction in compliance is good. For the street only TT owner it is not worth the expense.

Happy New Year

 

I've got a '00 A6 as you do, and have been mulling the stoptech's as a 2yr present for the car this April. I was wondering what were the benefits/hazards of putting the old front rotors in the back axel, with the new stoptech's up in the front? Is this possible, or will it screw up with the braking software algorithms? Is this one example of more not equaling to be a better solution?

TIA-
Ernesto