Reduce brake dust?

[MailmanOdd]

I am currently running a stock 2012 Ti S4 and I've noticed that even with the titanium finished wheels, the brake dust is pretty bad. I'm still new to modding cars and I am just wondering what my options are as far as reducing my brake dust. I'm not looking to replace things to improve stopping power/reduce squeal or anything like that. My car is a daily driver and the brake dust drives me crazy. Any suggestions?

[b6onboost]

The only real option is to switch brake pads. OEM pad compounds dust like crazy. Many aftermarket pad compounds dust significantly less, plus they will improve stopping power.

[tsjordan]

Search the forum. :) In summary, Armor all wheel protectant has proven helpful for most and there are many pad replacements that help a ton, although for some it changes the brake feel a bit (some for the better, some for the worse). I use the wheel protectant, and although it's a bit of a pain, it does seem to help quite a bit.

[MailmanOdd]

I've looked on the forums and found some posts about brake dust etc but wasn't able to find a good consensus. Can I replace the OEM brake pads with ceramic pads or do other parts need to be replaced too? I've never replaced brake pads on a car before (except through routine maintenance). I just want to make sure that I'm not going to replace the pads and get less dust but lose my ability to stop.

[t0mt0m]

switch pads
otherwise you will get this

[MailmanOdd]

switch pads
otherwise you will get this

huh?

[DavidSilverS4]

EBC Reds... Lower dust, same stopping power as OEM.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

Or StopTech Posi-Quiet pads will cut dust in half while giving OEM levels of stopping power and no squealing. We have them in stock and on sale with free shipping included in the continental USA :)

StopTech-Front-Posi-Quiet-Metallic-Brake-Pads


StopTech-Rear-Posi-Quiet-Metallic-Brake-Pads


The front pads do not include the brake pad sensor, the OEM sensor can often be re-used however we have a replacement sensor available as well:

http://shop.achtuning.com/b8-s4-oe-sized-brakes.aspx

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Go w/ Achtuning! I was installing my BBK on Tuesday and had to call for tech support. They were super helpful!

[CreoSTi]

Or StopTech Posi-Quiet pads will cut dust in half while giving OEM levels of stopping power and no squealing.

Placed my order for pads, lines, and fluid.

[Nihilus54]

there is a TSB out on the brake pads, I believe it has to do with specifically with the high pitched squeel not dust, but hey its free brake pads, might help with dust if its a different compound. Most dealerships have to order the pads in advance. I use Eagle One aluminum wheel cleaner and a brush, even with dust as bad as tOmtOm and now they look almost new.

[imolar]

I put on Posi Quiets a couple weeks ago and am pretty disappointed in the amount of brake dust. I need to put on some more miles to give a better opinion though.

Stopping power is fine and no noise but the dust isn't much better than stock.

I'll report back with some more miles.

[madmadS4]

A few of us used Wearever Gold and swear by it. I never even think about brake dust anymore...

[foodplz]

I put on Posi Quiets a couple weeks ago and am pretty disappointed in the amount of brake dust. I need to put on some more miles to give a better opinion though.

Stopping power is fine and no noise but the dust isn't much better than stock.

I'll report back with some more miles.

I would highly recommend trying the Akebono Euro pads.

I originally got the posi-quiet semi-metalics, and in my opinion they just don't cut it. They give off this orange dust after 2-3 days and its everywhere. Looks almost as bad as the original pads. I got rid of them after 5k mi and switched to the Akebonos.

I basically never have to clean my wheels anymore.

[Symko]

there is a TSB out on the brake pads, I believe it has to do with specifically with the high pitched squeel not dust, but hey its free brake pads,

Not sure about others dealers but I asked mine to look up the TSB. After they looked it up they called me backed and told me to drive mine for 6K-12K miles and bring it in so they can scuff up the rotors. Sure seems like a cop-out answer/fix to me. I have read that others have emailed AoA directly and was then notified by their dealer to bring their S4 back in for a permanent fix so I am going to try that route next. Very frustrating.

[gringoloco2000]

Anyone use Hawk HPS for daily driver and occasional weekend autocross? I had these on my R32 and they worked great with very low dust and no noise. I think I will try them on the S4. Our Q7 is worse than the S4. I stained the entire driveway the other day washing it and will now have to pressure wash. I need to replace pads on both. Why can't Audi/VW use pads that don't make a mess? For that matter every euro car I see has brake dust issues.

[Symko]

Anyone had experience with Carbotech 1521? Someone mentioned them in a different thread but not sure if it was for street use or not.

[Dr GP]

You really have 2 options. Either repalce pads with a ceramic type(I would recommend Akebono EURO Ceramic Brake Pads). OR, try the Armor All wheel protectant. I was extremely skeptical that a spray on product would actually have a significant effect in reducing brake dust, but this product really works. It has exceeded my wildest expectations. Try it if you want to wait until the pads are worn out before you replace them. If you're not happy with the results, change the pads.

[imolar]

I would highly recommend trying the Akebono Euro pads.

I originally got the posi-quiet semi-metalics, and in my opinion they just don't cut it. They give off this orange dust after 2-3 days and its everywhere. Looks almost as bad as the original pads. I got rid of them after 5k mi and switched to the Akebonos.

I basically never have to clean my wheels anymore.

Cool, thanks for the heads up.

We had Axxis pads, highly recommended from Zeckhausen racing, on our other car and they were perfect. No dust at all, same bite. Doesn't look like they are availible on our Audis though.

I'll give it a bit more time but it sounds like I will be switching to the Akebono pads.

[GoM's]

Anyone use Hawk HPS for daily driver and occasional weekend autocross? I had these on my R32 and they worked great with very low dust and no noise. I think I will try them on the S4. Our Q7 is worse than the S4. I stained the entire driveway the other day washing it and will now have to pressure wash. I need to replace pads on both. Why can't Audi/VW use pads that don't make a mess? For that matter every euro car I see has brake dust issues.

Did you or anyone else for that matter try the Hawk HPS for their S4? Impressions?

[OKS4]

You really have 2 options. Either repalce pads with a ceramic type(I would recommend Akebono EURO Ceramic Brake Pads). OR, try the Armor All wheel protectant. I was extremely skeptical that a spray on product would actually have a significant effect in reducing brake dust, but this product really works. It has exceeded my wildest expectations. Try it if you want to wait until the pads are worn out before you replace them. If you're not happy with the results, change the pads.

I also use the Armor All wheel protectant. It's amazing and worth every penny! I recently had the TSB done for the brakes. At first, the brake dust was the same if not worse than the old pads. After the second week I have noticed a significant reduction in brake dust. The pedal feel is much better as well. I'm happy. Now I just have to find out where that annoying rattle is!