New Rotor/Pad options for B7 RS4

[mf92]

Hey guys, so my low brake pad light just came on, so looks like im going to have to replace my brakes. Im only at about 50k miles, but i imagine i should be replacing both rotors and pads. I'm not looking for a big brake kit that needs caliper replacement, but was wondering what you guys were going with for replacement? I'm currently on OEM stuff and looking for atleast equivalent braking performance, priority is really no brake squeel

Thanks guys

[BIG_blu]

I'm at exactly 50k also and making plans to do rotors and pads. The research I've done on the forums points to buying OEM rotors for ~$700 and stop tech street performance from Amazon for ~$170 (front and rear). My goals are the same as yours, similar performance, no squeal, less dust.
-Ryan

[mf92]

Thanks for the replies man. Was 700 for all 4 rotors? if so where did u purchase from? could you perhaps post some links? thanks

[Reggie]

I already replaced my pads with Centric from Zeckhausen almost from the start. I have 33k on mine

[musanoadsaba]

There is a lot of reading to be found on this. First off, what type of driving do you do? Any track use?

If no track, then there are basically 2 main choices for rotors: stock or JHM lightweight. There are arguments for both. Stock being better quality but heavy. JHM being considerably lighter, but some feel quality is poorer due to cracking. I believe most of the cracking has come after track use.

Pads, again lots of opinion to be had. I would go with stop-tech as from what I summarized from reading all the previous info, they have great initial bite, even in the cold and less dust than stock. You have to go with a pad this will bite immediately when -25C since you are in Ontario. This eliminates a few options. Another that a lot of people like is the Hawk HPS. Like I said, lots of threads already, and even more opinions. I think you should soak as much info about pads that you can and make your own informed decision.

[mf92]

this is my everyday/winter car, i dont drive it too hard, i have another track car, but dont want to have to replace them again anytime soon, so ultimate goals are quiet, low dust, and quality, without sacrificing performance, im looking to order the parts today or tomorrow, so didn't really have the time to do a ton of research

[musanoadsaba]

Then I vote for stock rotors and stop tech street performance like Big_blu recommended. That is what I will do when it is time.

[mf92]

thanks man, any chance u found the best place to buy OEM rotors (the dealerships here charge crazy amounts)

[Mistro]

How many people have had issues with the JHM rotors cracking? Just curious on the actual reported number.

They're cheaper than OEM and give you a performance increase as well. I've had them on (and I track my car) and have had no issues, even though I run slightly more aggressive pads (ds2500)

Based on your usage, I'd vote for the JHM rotors all around and maybe hawk hps pads (although I've found they dust as well)

[musanoadsaba]

How many people have had issues with the JHM rotors cracking? Just curious on the actual reported number.

Good question. This may be one of those "people are quick to complain, but not to praise" situations.

[daytonars4]

I don't think the JHM rotors ever crack. That's moreso the OEM rotors with a lot of track use. The JHM rotors have just seemed to hot spot for people with "abusive" driving styles. So if someone is just daily driving and not any track use or spirited driving with heavy braking they're definitely a great option. What type of track use are you referring to Mistro? When I refer to track I mean road racing.

[Mistro]

What type of track use are you referring to Mistro? When I refer to track I mean road racing.

Yes road racing. Wouldn't make sense for me to include that if I was talking about the drag strip :)

[daytonars4]

What were the track conditions? Based on my experience with them I can't see them holding up well for anyone on track. Unless it was maybe wet or I was only drivin at 70-80% which means not really putting much heat in the rotors.

[stong]

I've had some bad brake judder and I've narrowed it down to Stoptech Street Performance pads - I could be wrong, I admit. This summer, the original rotors were near their minimum and the pads even worse, so I bought STSP pads, bedded them in and shortly after, brake judder. I assumed the rotors warped - but later read that that is rare, it's more likely brake deposits. I then bought new OEM rotors, new STSP (again), drove a few hundred miles, bedded them in too. Not too long after - brake judder from any stop over 40 mph. i switched to Centric Posi-quiet semi-metallics and tried a series of hard brakings in hopes of getting rid of it (StopTech's site advice to try semi-metallics), but still - judder. I bought a brake hone tool (series of nubby things that you stick on a drill), at the advice of Dave at Zeckhausen (took the time and really great to speak with), but still - f'g judder. I took the car to a shop and just had the rotors resurfaced and they are much much better - 95% - still a little judder through the steering at a small window of speed, but hope that some hard braking will get rid of it. My 2 cents on the StopTech Street Performance pads. In fact, if anyone pays for shipping, I will send them to you -virtually brand new (this was the second of the two sets I bought).

[daytonars4]

I actually despise the posi-quiets. The braking performance feels dangerously weak to me even for street driving. In the wet they barely stop at all. I think I had them on for a week and gave up. I do love the stop tech street performance for street and light track use. But I guess everyone has to find a setup that works well for their lifestyle so there's no 1 answer for all.

[AussieDan]

+1 on the stoptech pads, they're working very well for me with oem rotors

[BenSti]

I'll leave this right here.

[Datadatum]

I am very pleased with stock rotors and stoptech pads.

[zachf88]

I am very pleased with stock rotors and stoptech pads.

x2! I do get some judder, but was told it was difference between rotor and pad temp and usually goes away after a few seconds.

[BenSti]

x2! I do get some judder, but was told it was difference between rotor and pad temp and usually goes away after a few seconds.

I run the Stoptech Street Performance on the street and they are fantastic.

[mf92]

i think im going to stick with OEM rotors, but has anyone found somewhere you can purchase them cheaper than the dealershp?

[BenSti]

i think im going to stick with OEM rotors, but has anyone found somewhere you can purchase them cheaper than the dealershp?

I think ECS or GenuineAudiParts has them cheaper than the dealer. Not sure how much shipping to Canada will be though.

[badbluers4]

I'll leave this right here.

Lmao

[Mr Hyde]

I've had some bad brake judder and I've narrowed it down to Stoptech Street Performance pads - I could be wrong, I admit. This summer, the original rotors were near their minimum and the pads even worse, so I bought STSP pads, bedded them in and shortly after, brake judder. I assumed the rotors warped - but later read that that is rare, it's more likely brake deposits. I then bought new OEM rotors, new STSP (again), drove a few hundred miles, bedded them in too. Not too long after - brake judder from any stop over 40 mph. i switched to Centric Posi-quiet semi-metallics and tried a series of hard brakings in hopes of getting rid of it (StopTech's site advice to try semi-metallics), but still - judder. I bought a brake hone tool (series of nubby things that you stick on a drill), at the advice of Dave at Zeckhausen (took the time and really great to speak with), but still - f'g judder. I took the car to a shop and just had the rotors resurfaced and they are much much better - 95% - still a little judder through the steering at a small window of speed, but hope that some hard braking will get rid of it. My 2 cents on the StopTech Street Performance pads. In fact, if anyone pays for shipping, I will send them to you -virtually brand new (this was the second of the two sets I bought).

I've experienced the same with my stoptech pads, but I've attributed it to putting the car away after washes without driving it, and completely evaporating off all the water between the pads, and rotors. She's not my daily driver, and I've had to really give her the gas a few times to unfreeze the rotors.

I try and get everything up to temp now after washes. Rebedded them quite a few times, but still have some residual judder. May explore some other pads the next time around.

[B6_Dolphin]

I've experienced the same with my stoptech pads, but I've attributed it to putting the car away after washes without driving it, and completely evaporating off all the water between the pads, and rotors. She's not my daily driver, and I've had to really give her the gas a few times to unfreeze the rotors.

I try and get everything up to temp now after washes. Rebedded them quite a few times, but still have some residual judder. May explore some other pads the next time around.

Same experience... I always tell the Mrs. after a wash - "Gotta go dry off the wheels". I take it for a ~5 mile ride up to highway speeds and do several moderate stops to drive any moisture off the pads. Otherwise, the Stoptech pads will imprint on the rotors, and then brake judder.

Other than that silliness, I'm happy with the Stoptech pads on stock rotors.

[musanoadsaba]

My stock pads do the same, unless the previous owner used STSP's

[Mistro]

What were the track conditions? Based on my experience with them I can't see them holding up well for anyone on track. Unless it was maybe wet or I was only drivin at 70-80% which means not really putting much heat in the rotors.

They've been through a variety of conditions, wet, dry, mildly moist. The hottest day was probably 28 C. The track I tend to go to has at least two corners which require braking from the top of 4th down to 2nd.

I usually cool down after 3 or 4 laps though.

has anyone found somewhere you can purchase them cheaper than the dealershp?

Just noticed your location. Check your PMs.

[bangoman]

i think im going to stick with OEM rotors, but has anyone found somewhere you can purchase them cheaper than the dealershp?

Check in with Neil Brands at Owasco Audi. Mention AZ and you'll get a discount. I haven't found a cheaper Canadian source for OEM stuff.

[bangoman]

Quiz: name that rotor

[daytonars4]

[QUOTE=Mistro;9266589]They've been through a variety of conditions, wet, dry, mildly moist. The hottest day was probably 28 C. The track I tend to go to has at least two corners which require braking from the top of 4th down to 2nd.

I usually cool down after 3 or 4 laps

Cooling down after 3-4 laps is very likely your saving grace. Usually takes me about 3-4 laps to really get everything to full temp. The OEM definitely cracks faster but the cracks don't make them jump. I would probably get another 4-6 track days outa those bangoman. If the crack is under about 1/2" I still run it but know it'll be going sooner rather than later. The girodisc rotors are suppose to be the best of all works. More of an upfront cost than the JHM but similar disc replacement cost. From what I've seen so far they hold up even better than OEM so they are definitely next on my list.

[badbluers4]

Stoptech makes a rotor in oem size, that looked interesting as well.

[NY07RS4]

Any rotor type/brand can develop stress cracks. Most can be avoided too. Choosing the proper pad, matching them up from the beginning (new pads with new rotors/face) and bedding them properly will all help prolong rotor life. If you have a pad that is too aggressive for the rotor and are constantly over heating the rotor and probably the caliper as well it will lead to premature failures and cause components to break down faster. Slotted and drilled rotors require a bit of maintenance too. Clearing out the build up of brake dust and debris helps prolong component life.

My OEM rotors were replaced at 48K miles with the JHM LW rotors (all four corners). The OEM rotors were fine, just worn. The JHM rotors are still on my car (87K+ miles now) with no crack or issues. On my 2nd or maybe 3rd set of front pads and 2nd set of rear pads.

There are lots of decent options out there. I think the most important factors are pairing the correct rotor and pad together for your intended use. Then making sure you maintain those components with whatever maintenance is required. That combo would lead to a long rotor life span and good braking performance. Just my $.02.

[BIG_blu]

Any rotor type/brand can develop stress cracks. Most can be avoided too. Choosing the proper pad, matching them up from the beginning (new pads with new rotors/face) and bedding them properly will all help prolong rotor life. If you have a pad that is too aggressive for the rotor and are constantly over heating the rotor and probably the caliper as well it will lead to premature failures and cause components to break down faster. Slotted and drilled rotors require a bit of maintenance too. Clearing out the build up of brake dust and debris helps prolong component life.

My OEM rotors were replaced at 48K miles with the JHM LW rotors (all four corners). The OEM rotors were fine, just worn. The JHM rotors are still on my car (87K+ miles now) with no crack or issues. On my 2nd or maybe 3rd set of front pads and 2nd set of rear pads.

There are lots of decent options out there. I think the most important factors are pairing the correct rotor and pad together for your intended use. Then making sure you maintain those components with whatever maintenance is required. That combo would lead to a long rotor life span and good braking performance. Just my $.02.

Which pads did you go with?

[NY07RS4]

I've tried a couple, I've been the most satisfied with Hawk HPS and Stop Tech. I currently have Hawk's up front and Stop Tech on the rear, nice balanced feel.

[RS4now]

my stock setup was gone up front at 40k miles. i have JHM LW slotted rotors at all 4 corners now.
for street use, i use Centric posi-quiets up front, which are more than adequate. i have Hawk HPS in rear, which are quite dusty, but i leave them in for track use, too; and just swap out the front pads with Hawk DTC 70s.

[daytonars4]

I've never seen a Vert RS at the local events I've attending. What groups do you normally run with?

[RS4now]

i just picked it up a few months ago, after i totaled my E39 M5. i only got it out once at the end of Sept. i usually run with NASA Northeast. my Audi friend told me that Audi won't let me run with them.

[daytonars4]

Audi club is pretty serious about safety and I just noticed the vert has absolutely no rollover protection so I guess I'm not surprised. I'd probably be pretty scared to track ur car. Definitely wouldn't be pushing nearly as hard as I do if I did.

[BenSti]

Audi club is pretty serious about safety and I just noticed the vert has absolutely no rollover protection so I guess I'm not surprised. I'd probably be pretty scared to track ur car. Definitely wouldn't be pushing nearly as hard as I do if I did.

I believe it has the pop-up roll bars. There were Audi convertibles without aftermarket roll hoops at te last Audi Club event in Sonoma.

[JimmyBones]

I believe it has the pop-up roll bars. There were Audi convertibles without aftermarket roll hoops at te last Audi Club event in Sonoma.

Yep the cabs have pop up bars. The Potomac chapter is pretty anal though.