recommendations for brake pads and rotors

[alnoor15]

Just installed some goodyear eagle sport tires on my b8 a4 and now I need some new brake pads and rotors and I need some recommendations. I have been doing some research on the different types of pads and rotors but I need some more insight. I was leaning towards akebono ceramic brake pads, and as for rotors, I was going to go for Zimmerman but will slotted or cross drilled provide more performance? Besides from ceramic pads, what other pads provide really good performance for daily drivers with just a little bit of aggressive braking. Also, I was thinking about throwing in some stainless steel brake lines, any suggestions and comments on that? thanks.

[audrobotic]

Just installed some goodyear eagle sport tires on my b8 a4 and now I need some new brake pads and rotors and I need some recommendations. I have been doing some research on the different types of pads and rotors but I need some more insight. I was leaning towards akebono ceramic brake pads, and as for rotors, I was going to go for Zimmerman but will slotted or cross drilled provide more performance? Besides from ceramic pads, what other pads provide really good performance for daily drivers with just a little bit of aggressive braking. Also, I was thinking about throwing in some stainless steel brake lines, any suggestions and comments on that? thanks.

Ceramics are good to cut down on dust. (I pretty sure my OEM stockers are cerarmic akebonos and I never see dust).

Dont waste time or money on fancy brake pads or rotors. (Unless you are tracking). For street driving it just comes down to pedal feel, dusting, and longevity. Any decent brake pad will lock up your rotor just as good as any other. (Save for ABS).

SS brake lines would also just be a pedal feel thing.

[Spawne32]

Hella Pagid high carbon rotors from rockauto.com are by far the best far the best bang for the buck rotor you can buy short of buying EBC or another high performance brand. I use powerstop Z16/Z17 on alot of vehicles these days, they make a really nice ceramic pad for the money, but I have also found wagner thermoquiet, bosch, and bendix make a good pad.

[jfo]

Slots and holes do nothing for performance..just an aesthetic that some people like.

[old guy]

Slots and holes do nothing for performance..just an aesthetic that some people like.

While I tend to agree with you there is one situation where I find I prefer slotted rotors. i do a lot of interstate driving. When driving in slushy winter conditions I have found that the slotted rotors tend to eliminate that 1/2 second of "Oh Shittttt!!!" panic when I have to brake quickly. The slotted rotors seem to keep the surface a little "cleaner" and provide quicker bite. Other than that I really can't tell any difference other than slotted are definately noisier.

[alnoor15]

Ceramics are good to cut down on dust. (I pretty sure my OEM stockers are cerarmic akebonos and I never see dust).

Dont waste time or money on fancy brake pads or rotors. (Unless you are tracking). For street driving it just comes down to pedal feel, dusting, and longevity. Any decent brake pad will lock up your rotor just as good as any other. (Save for ABS).

SS brake lines would also just be a pedal feel thing.

Yeah I think I will throw on some ceramics and SS brake lines, thanks!

[jfo]

While I tend to agree with you there is one situation where I find I prefer slotted rotors. i do a lot of interstate driving. When driving in slushy winter conditions I have found that the slotted rotors tend to eliminate that 1/2 second of "Oh Shittttt!!!" panic when I have to brake quickly. The slotted rotors seem to keep the surface a little "cleaner" and provide quicker bite. Other than that I really can't tell any difference other than slotted are definately noisier.

It's been awhile since I tried them. I was living in the flatlands then and driving mostly highways. I can't recall any difference in the Volvo I was driving at the time. The holes in the drilled discs I tried also rusted quickly and looked bad after the first winter. I found no difference in performance in the mountains where at times long descents can cause heat buildup. I no longer believe in the claims.

[porwal22]

Performance wise, the only thing that cross-drilled and slotted rotors do is disperse heat. It keeps the rotors from warping, and to an extent, improve stopping distance. It does nothing as far as pedal feel. I used a set of cryogenic treated cross-drilled and slotted rotors, Akebono ceramics, and braided lines, on my last car ('08 Honda Accord ex-l) and got almost 6 years out of them before they started to warp. Before those, best I'd get out of a set of rotors was 2-3 years. They do work, but it depends on your driving habits. They are great if you're an aggressive driver.
I will say one thing though, the ceramic pads make brake dust almost non-existent, and the braided lines improved the brake pedal feel. It's just that the initial bite (when applying they brakes) is not there like the OEM pads. They do stop well, but you've got to get them warmed up.

[LmG7119]

Zimmermann and akebono combo never fails.

Just ordered it from FCP

[BeerBrent]

I love the Akebono pads. Wish I would of put them on a long time ago. Almost zero brake dust is awesome. No more cleaning my wheels twice a week.
I put slotted/dimpled rotors on also, but hated the ticking sound the rears made so I replaced them with regular rotors. Still have the slotted/dimpled on the front. I got them from BrakePerformance.com