4M Q7 Brake pad options

[Charles.waite]

Hey all,

I'm admittedly new to the Q7 platforms, and the 4M in particular. Anyway, I've been on the hunt for some brake pads to replace my OEM pads. In the past I've always fitted Akebono Ceramic pads as I like the linear feel and nearly zero dusting. In that search I've pretty much failed to find any real options for non-OE pads for our cars, aside from Centric Posi-Quiets. Now I'm fine with Centric, they're high quality stuff, but are there ANY other options? Most performance pad companies don't even list the newest gen Q7 at all. Are there other chassis that use the same Akebono brake calipers as us that I could try to cross-reference?

And just to post up my findings:

Centric 105.18940 is the Posi-Quiet Ceramic pad for the fronts. Their page lists the 350mm fronts only, but the 375mm fronts use the same pad based on my research. I'm not sure what brakes NA 4Ms were specced with but I know my 3.0t Prestige with Towing has the 375mm fronts.

Centric 105.18950 is the Posi-Quiet Ceramic pad for the rear w/ 350mm rotors.

Obviously they have metallic pads as well, but low-dust Ceramics are what I'm after. The Metallic pad part numbers start with 104 vs 105 for ceramic, in case anyone is googling.

[SQ57]

Just had these (OEM) beauties installed. Did not notice the pattern. Dealer honored the TSB on pads, had to pay for rotors&install.
Was outsidegrace period, les than 4mm, lots of shuddering, not to mention the squealing.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[Timtheguru]

I was sad about Akebono not being available for the 4L Q7 either.. as I loved these on my S4, and switching to 17Z I already knew I couldn't run them.

For my Q7 I went with some Powerstop Carbon-Ceramic pads, these things are awesome, low dust, and great stopping power. Installed back in April, so far so good.

Z26 Street Warrior; Carbon-Fiber Ceramic; Includes Hardware
Power Stop extreme pads are made for high performance street drivers who demand shorter stops under the most demanding conditions. The Z26 brake torque is consistently higher than OE pads with outstanding thermal stability. Power Stop Extreme Performance pads are best suited for high horsepower cars and big wheel upgrades. The Z26 friction compound is a carbon fiber and ceramic hybrid that resists fade to 1500 degrees. With Z26 pads, you can count on superior pad bite without dusty wheels.
Features
Carbon Fiber infused Evolution ceramic formula for superior braking power
Pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
Chamfered and slotted like the OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
Powder coated backing plate extends life by resisting rust and corrosion
Premium stainless steel shims provide virtually noise-free braking
Premium stainless steel hardware kit for easy, problem free installation

[greasykid]

Installed HAWK Street Performance 5.0 pads on my 2016 Q5. Great stopping power & not a dust problem. Better than Audi pads.

[RAUDIRS6]

I was sad about Akebono not being available for the 4L Q7 either.. as I loved these on my S4, and switching to 17Z I already knew I couldn't run them.

For my Q7 I went with some Powerstop Carbon-Ceramic pads, these things are awesome, low dust, and great stopping power. Installed back in April, so far so good.

Z26 Street Warrior; Carbon-Fiber Ceramic; Includes Hardware
Power Stop extreme pads are made for high performance street drivers who demand shorter stops under the most demanding conditions. The Z26 brake torque is consistently higher than OE pads with outstanding thermal stability. Power Stop Extreme Performance pads are best suited for high horsepower cars and big wheel upgrades. The Z26 friction compound is a carbon fiber and ceramic hybrid that resists fade to 1500 degrees. With Z26 pads, you can count on superior pad bite without dusty wheels.
Features
Carbon Fiber infused Evolution ceramic formula for superior braking power
Pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in
Chamfered and slotted like the OE pad to ensure noise-free braking
Powder coated backing plate extends life by resisting rust and corrosion
Premium stainless steel shims provide virtually noise-free braking
Premium stainless steel hardware kit for easy, problem free installation

Bringing this back from the grave. How did these hold up over the years?

[DansB6]

Bringing this back from the grave. How did these hold up over the years?

FYI they now sell Akebono pads for the 4M. Just installed this set on my 4M over the weekend. https://eeuroparts.com/product/akebono-euro/EUR1894