Audi Q5: Brake Modifications
Modifying the brakes on your Audi Q5 is a great way to improve your safety. Read on to learn how you can make your Audi stop even better than new.
This article applies to the Audi Q5 (2009-2016).
Upgrading the brake system on your Audi Q5 is a great way to make it even safer than it already is. There are a lot of aftermarket brake parts that can take your braking system to the next level. If you think your Audi stops quick now, wait until you experience the power of some of these brake upgrades. Whether you want to stop quicker, or you are sick of brake dust, there are modifications for everyone. Read on to learn what you can do to make your brake system more powerful.
Brake Modifications
#1 Brake Pads
DIY Cost – $30-70
Professional Cost – $125-300
Skill Level – Easy; this job requires the removal of various components.
Although brake pads may seem like consumable replacement parts, they are not all created equally. The aftermarket world of brake pads can make many different problems go away. If you hate brake dust, then you can purchase pads designed specifically to produce less brake dust. There are pads designed specifically for less noise, performance pads, and even pads that combine several of these characteristics. Whether you just want to make detailing the car easier, or you want to stop better, there are many choices and almost all of them better than stock replacements.
#2 Slotted Rotors
DIY Cost – $149-350
Professional Cost – $300-700
Skill Level – Easy; this job requires raising the car and removing various components.
Now that you've replaced your brake pads with better ones, don't feel like you've reached the highest potential; there is more. The aftermarket world of brakes invented rotors that can perform much better than your stock ones. The slotted/drilled rotors are designed with little holes, which allow the air to go through and cool it down a lot better, because in performance application, the brakes can get so hot they boil the fluid. If you are heavy footed, or if you like to drive your Audi hard, slotted rotors are a good improvement. These rotors are the perfect complement to your aftermarket pads.
#3 High Temp Brake Fluid
DIY Cost – $18-75
Professional Cost – $125-250
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires flushing your brake fluid.
The high temperature brake fluid decreases the chances of the fluid boiling, which prevents brake failure. Brake fluid absorbs water with age, and needs to be flushed every two years, so why not replace the normal stuff with high performance fluid that will help reduce brake fade during high spirited driving. To replace your fluid, you just need to remove your old fluid from the master cylinder, add new fluid, then bleed your system. The entire process is detailed in this article - How to Replace Your Brake Fluid.
#4 Stainless Steel Lines
DIY Cost – $39-100
Professional Cost – $250-500
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires flushing your brake fluid.
Rubber lines expand slightly when you put high pressure brake fluid in them, but with stainless steel lines, all the force from your foot goes directly to the calipers. Replacing the brake lines isn't the easiest of procedures, because even after just a few years, the factory original lines can be rusted and a pain to get loose. The brake lines can not only protect your brake system and live a long time, but they can also improve your brake pedal feel and response. If you're into upgrading your brakes, this will ensure a high level brake system. If you buy a kit specific to your Audi, the hardest part is breaking free the old fitting. Then you may need a helper for bleeding the brakes. The whole process is written up in this article - How to Replace Brake Line.
#5 Brake Kit
DIY Cost – $500-4,000
Professional Cost – $1,000-6,000
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires the removal of most of the brake components, then bleeding the brake system after installation.
If you want the ultimate braking performance, then a big brake kit will leave no questions unanswered. These kits vary in parts and price, and some come with larger performance rotors, pads, brackets, stainless lines, and multi-piston calipers. Although these kits can be expensive, they are completely worth it. They are used by many drivers that enjoy taking their vehicle on the track and need full stopping power lap after lap with no fade. Upgrade everything and you will be in shock of how quickly they can stop. You can buy the aftermarket parts in pieces, but if you want to save yourself the headache, a big brake kit is well worth the investment.
Related Discussion
- Brembo Brake Kit - AudiWorld
