Audi Q5: Brake Pad Reviews

This article applies to the Audi Q5 (2008-2016).

There is a lot more to brake pads than just stopping. Aftermarket brake pads can change your driving experience in the Audi Q5. Even though your Audi brakes are very strong, the aftermarket world went far beyond good stopping. Aftermarket pads offer various options, from quiet brake pads to high performance ones. This guide will shine some light on the popular aftermarket brands that manufacture brake pads, so you can choose the best ones for you, your budget, and your driving style.

Brake Pad Reviews

EBC

Price – $70-100

Noise – Medium

Dust – Low

Performance – High

Warranty – 5,000 Miles

EBC brake pads are known for their high performance. They come in a few types, such as, Green Stuff, Red Stuff and Yellow Stuff, which correlate to their heat ranges and intended use. The Green Stuff pads are great for OEM-like replacement pads. The Red Stuff are a partially ceramic compound that blends low-dust properties with increased heat tolerance. The Yellow Stuff pads are the most aggressive of the three, better able to handle mountain ride driving and towing. These pads are designed to fit directly in place of your stock ones. So you won't have to change pins or brackets to get this one going. These pads feature a line in the middle that is slotted, which provide cool air to go through, thus cooling the pads. Recommended for those looking for a European performance brake pad solution.

PBR

Price – $29-54

Nose – Low

Dust – Low

Performance – Medium

Warranty – Lifetime

This product also fits directly in place of your OEM pads. They do require some breaking in before they can perform optimally. These pads are known for their low noise and dust, so if you're not a fan of dust on your wheels, or slight noise when you stop at a red light, these pads will make you happy. Although they don't perform as well as some of their competitors, these pads can still stop very quickly and on the dime. The company claims these pads can last up to 70,000 miles. Although the warranty claims to be lifetime, there is no warranty on wear, so you are only covered for defects. Some customers claimed that even though their pads lasted a long time, they completely ruined their rotors. Recommended if you're looking for decent pads, without spending too much money.

Hawk HPS

Price – $66-72

Noise – Medium-High

Dust – Medium

Performance – High

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

The Hawk HPS are considered to be one of the most reputable brake companies on the market today. These pads combine the best of all world, where you don't need to constantly clean your rims off of the brake dust, you don't have to deal with the brake noise, all while getting the highest performance stopping power. Some customers complained the pads came with no pad wear sensor; however, the company never claimed they do. These pads are able to take a beating, but the trade off is definitely in noise, as they are the noisiest option in this comparison. Recommended if you're looking for a performance brake pad from a reputable company.

Mintex

Price – $13-51

Noise – Noise-Free

Dust – Low

Performance – Medium

Warranty – 24,000 Miles

The Mintex is what Audi uses, so you know you're getting something good. This is a noise-free brake pads, which as per Audi standards, comfort and quietness is the goal. With its low dust features, these pads combine all the good things, even the performance is per Audi standards. Even though Audi uses these pads as their OEM, some customers claim when they purchased theirs online, they experienced squealing and dust. However, if you purchase the Deluxe line, you will be pleased with the overall performance. Recommended if you're looking for direct replacement to your OEM.

Related Discussions

• Hawk Pads - Audiworld
• Quiet Pads - Audiworld
• Brake Pad Reviews - Audiworld