Brakes on SQ5 vs Q5 - 2014/15 model years - replacement options - rotors & pads

[98_A6_28]

I'm looking at a Q5 of SQ5 and it looks like getting brakes is going to be a PITA for the SQ5 fronts, they seem much more expensive and much less options with pricing being 2-7x as much. I'm wondering if I'm missing something here and I wonder if the Q5's front brakes can perform as well as the larger SQ5's with better rotors and pads?

SQ5 Front rotors - 380mm or about 15"
Q5 Front Rotors - 345mm 13.6" (though many replacements list 330mm as replacements)
Rear rotors both models - 330mm or 13"

I was looking at different options for replacement rotors for the front brakes of SQ5's & Q5's and I've seen many places list the 13.6" rotors as fitting the SQ5 and there seem to be a lot of options in the 320-330mm range from $30 - 500 a piece with a lot of nice performance rotors in the $150-200 range.


From what I've found the SQ5 has 380mm or ~15" front rotors and there seem to be much less options for these and many sites don't even show pics of the rotors, they just like "OE" or "direct replacement" or something. Many are $500+ per rotor on many sites. The problem is I can't tell why these are so much more expensive b/c they aren't even as light as many of the much cheaper 320mm rotors.

The weight of some of the performance 320 rotors were 6-8lbs (even saw one at 4lbs, but it was an Amazon listing so it may have been wrong - they weren't even that expensive ~$140 IIRC so IDK, sounds too good to be true). Now these rotors for lower price range from 14-25lbs which is a huge difference in weight on the suspension compared to the 4-8lb rotors. IDK how much difference it would make in driving but I suspect it would be noticeable.

There was very little info on weight on many of the 380mm and 345mm rotors (front rotors) but the price for the 380mm were basically all really high.
Has anyone found good replacement rotors for the SQ5 in 380mm size? Would it make any sense going to 345 rotors up front and even swapping calipers and just buying better 345mm rotors?

[97B518TQM]

The reason you see 330mm and 345mm rotors for the Q5 is because these are the two options for the regular Q5. The 330mm rotors come standard on the Q5 with the 2.0t engine. The 345s are on the q5 with 3.0t engine. The calipers, while the internals are identical, have a different “frame” which positions the caliper out to accommodate the bigger 345mm rotors.


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[98_A6_28]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was really confused looking at the different rotors b/c I had the 3.0T prestige package selected for the Q5 but I think some of the sites didn't differentiate between the engines of the Q5.

[98_A6_28]

Also, does anyone know if the calipers are aluminum or cast iron?

[djn876]

You can buy a rotor for the SQ5 from FCP for 278 each. 500+ a piece is way high. Then in the future just send them the old one and get the new one for free, less return shipping. FYI, I'll probably get around 80k out of a set of front brakes, pads and rotors.

They are more expensive because it is an odd size and no one really makes them and other than the SQ5 and the A8, aren't used on many models and as you noted, no real aftermarket options. They are a semi floating rotor design. You can buy brembo or a couple other aftermarket options as a replacement, but that's a pretty big cost for not a ton of gain just for the street.

I haven't owned both so can't compare performance, but at least for the SQ5 I've never really felt like it needed more stopping power given you've got a good set of tires on.

Stuck a magnet to the caliper and it does stick, so don't know specific material, but not cast iron.

[Silver_Bullet]

Both brake setups are very solid with great stopping distances. The 3.0T with 345mm rotors and 4 pot Brembos are very reliable and lighter. The SQ5 uses heavier 2 pot calipers from the Audi parts bin that are not Brembos. The SQ5 380mm rotors are an innovative two piece design with radial pins connecting a lightweight hat to the ring. They are very inexpensive for a 2 piece design so they are a good value, but they are probably 6 lb heavier than the simple 345mm rotors.

If I was tracking the car I'd take the SQ5 brakes in a heart beat, the larger size will take more heat and resist fade better. For the street I'd take the 3.0T Brembos - strong performance, lighter rotors and lighter calipers, lots of pad choices, and cheaper brake jobs.

[S4'ed]

The SQ5 calipers are made by ATE.

[blkmz3]

what is the minimum required thickness on the SQ5 front rotors?

[choppstixxx]

Both brake setups are very solid with great stopping distances. The 3.0T with 345mm rotors and 4 pot Brembos are very reliable and lighter. The SQ5 uses heavier 2 pot calipers from the Audi parts bin that are not Brembos. The SQ5 380mm rotors are an innovative two piece design with radial pins connecting a lightweight hat to the ring. They are very inexpensive for a 2 piece design so they are a good value, but they are probably 6 lb heavier than the simple 345mm rotors.

If I was tracking the car I'd take the SQ5 brakes in a heart beat, the larger size will take more heat and resist fade better. For the street I'd take the 3.0T Brembos - strong performance, lighter rotors and lighter calipers, lots of pad choices, and cheaper brake jobs.

+1 not to mention if your just doing a pad change you can remove/replace on the Brembo's from the top, simple slide out and slide in.

[djn876]

34mm, should be 36mm new.

what is the minimum required thickness on the SQ5 front rotors?

[MSq5]

Brembo 345mm OEM pillar vented replacement front rotors from Brembostoreusa.com are only $71 each. These are real Brembo rotors designed to work with my OEM four pot calipers. They are heavy, but identical to OEM. The matching ceramic Brembo front pads are $78 a pair from the same source.

Shipping is free. My rotors and pads have arrived. I plan to do the job later this week or this weekend.

[Shaggymatt]

I bought (IIRC) Zimmerman rotors and Brembo pads from a seller on eBay for about $500 for the set when I did it on my SQ5. At the time it was the best deal by far.

[Clun9]

There was another member saying they were running 380mm RS5 2 piece rotors on their SQ5? No one else has been able to get an answer for sure as we don't know the offset of the top hat between the SQ5 vs the RS5. Would be awesome to be able to run a 2 piece though.

[blkmz3]

Brembo 345mm OEM pillar vented replacement front rotors from Brembostoreusa.com are only $71 each. These are real Brembo rotors designed to work with my OEM four pot calipers. They are heavy, but identical to OEM. The matching ceramic Brembo front pads are $78 a pair from the same source.

Shipping is free. My rotors and pads have arrived. I plan to do the job later this week or this weekend.

Let us know how they perform. I checked Brembostoreusa.com but it looks like front rotors are no longer in stock.

[vdubjetta02]

carfax said my brakes were replaced at an audi dealership 2,000 miles before I purchased it... So 12,000 miles I've put on the brakes and I really wish my front brakes were better. Comparing to all my other Audi/VW cars, this car does Not brake well in my opinion.

I was going to dig into replacement options, but never realized we had such a weird size

[Silver_Bullet]

You guys want to take it to the next level? Voshmods has front 6 piston Brembos and 390mm Girodiscs for $2750. His rear kit is 4 piston Brembos with 356mm Girodiscs for $2250. 5K to say "Bad Mother F@#ker" on your Q. This would be the track setup I'd pick for these porkers!

https://voshmods.com/collections/b8/...irodisc-rotors

https://voshmods.com/collections/b8/...r-356mm-rotors

[dubgli]

Bringing this back up.

So it's time for brake maintenance and definitely am tired of spending $1K to replace rotors/pads on all 4 corners.

I'm looking to use the $1k this time around and switch to the Q5 brembo fronts with rotors/pads.

From searching it seems that I can literally just remove the sq5 calipers, rotors and bolt on the brembo setup. I can leave the same dust shields in place, use the same brake lines and everything.

Anyone here completed this swap and can help confirm that I don't need to swap anything else other than calipers, rotors,pads?

- dubgli

[S4'ed]

AutohausAZ has the Zimmermann 380mm front discs for $222 each, free shipping.
Zimmermann pn = 100 3363 75 replaces Audi pn = 4H0 615 301AN
I just picked up a pair for my SQ5.

[RoofRails]

Bringing this back up.

So it's time for brake maintenance and definitely am tired of spending $1K to replace rotors/pads on all 4 corners.

I'm looking to use the $1k this time around and switch to the Q5 brembo fronts with rotors/pads.

From searching it seems that I can literally just remove the sq5 calipers, rotors and bolt on the brembo setup. I can leave the same dust shields in place, use the same brake lines and everything.

Anyone here completed this swap and can help confirm that I don't need to swap anything else other than calipers, rotors,pads?

- dubgli

I can't help on the swap part but I would be very interested in seeing you make this swap and reviewing how the Brembo 4 pots compared to the SQ5's massive front set up. Both in weight, feel and performance.

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[dubgli]

AutohausAZ has the Zimmermann 380mm front discs for $222 each, free shipping.
Zimmermann pn = 100 3363 75 replaces Audi pn = 4H0 615 301AN
I just picked up a pair for my SQ5.

That's what I told myself last time and I just bit the bullet and made the purchase. Not from autohaus, but the same mind set.

All 4 corners with the brembos cost the same if not less than these 2 380mm rotors alone. Lol.

- dubgli

[dubgli]

I can't help on the swap part but I would be very interested in seeing you make this swap and reviewing how the Brembo 4 pots compared to the SQ5's massive front set up. Both in weight, feel and performance.

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Maybe I can do a few 60-0 dragy runs pre and post.

- dubgli

[RoofRails]

Dont you dare let these unreasonable people talk you out of this experiment. Just look at that drip !!

That's what I told myself last time and I just bit the bullet and made the purchase. Not from autohaus, but the same mind set.

All 4 corners with the brembos cost the same if not less than these 2 380mm rotors alone. Lol.

- dubgli

20200530_135515.jpeg20200530_101221.jpeg

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[dubgli]

Dont you dare let these unreasonable people talk you out of this experiment. Just look at that drip !! 20200530_135515.jpeg20200530_101221.jpeg

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Are those your brakes?

- dubgli

[RoofRails]

Are those your brakes?

- dubgli

Yes. I have a 3.0T Q5 so all I had to do is have them painted and add a decal.

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[dubgli]

Yes. I have a 3.0T Q5 so all I had to do is have them painted and add a decal.

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Maybe you can buy my sq5 380mm setup, install, drive, and let us know what you think compared to the brembos?

Haha jk

- dubgli

[RoofRails]

Naaaaaa, I just got my set up exactly how I want it. I'm extremely happy with it. I'm sure you can sell your calipers after your swap and recoup a bunch of your costs.

Maybe you can buy my sq5 380mm setup, install, drive, and let us know what you think compared to the brembos?

Haha jk

- dubgli

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[MSq5]

I can't help on the swap part but I would be very interested in seeing you make this swap and reviewing how the Brembo 4 pots compared to the SQ5's massive front set up. Both in weight, feel and performance.

Sent from my SHT-W09 using Audizine mobile app

Not sure I’d call 380mm rotors with two pot calipers, massive compared to 345mm rotors with four pot Brembo calipers. Only 35mm increase in rotor diameter against much stronger clamping power of four pot rotors and less weight. Might be a wash.

[blkmz3]

AutohausAZ has the Zimmermann 380mm front discs for $222 each, free shipping.
Zimmermann pn = 100 3363 75 replaces Audi pn = 4H0 615 301AN
I just picked up a pair for my SQ5.

Gotta be the cheapest site that offers these 380mm Zimmermann rotors. Haven't seen them lower than $222 each.

[CTquattro21]

AutohausAZ has the Zimmermann 380mm front discs for $222 each, free shipping.
Zimmermann pn = 100 3363 75 replaces Audi pn = 4H0 615 301AN
I just picked up a pair for my SQ5.

While not as cheap as Autohaus, you could get the rotors from fcp euro and never pay for them again.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...at-4h0615301an

However I’d definitely be interested to see someone do that caliper swap. I considered it briefly before I just ended up getting the zimmermans.

[dubgli]

While not as cheap as Autohaus, you could get the rotors from fcp euro and never pay for them again.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...at-4h0615301an

However I’d definitely be interested to see someone do that caliper swap. I considered it briefly before I just ended up getting the zimmermans.

explain the part - "never pay for them again". How do you never pay for them again? That sounds way too good to be true if you never have to pay for rotors again. haha. especially these 380 rotors.

I was in the same boat last time i did my brakes. I just bit the bullet and paid roughly $1k for all corners. This time around I don't want to do that. All 4 corners if I had brembo fronts is under $500.

[Norskie]

explain the part - "never pay for them again". How do you never pay for them again? That sounds way too good to be true if you never have to pay for rotors again. haha. especially these 380 rotors.

I was in the same boat last time i did my brakes. I just bit the bullet and paid roughly $1k for all corners. This time around I don't want to do that. All 4 corners if I had brembo fronts is under $500.

FCPEuro has lifetime replacement on everything they sell, including wear items like pads, rotors, oil, etc.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee

Complete brake kit is $816: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...4h0615301ankt3

[dubgli]

FCPEuro has lifetime replacement on everything they sell, including wear items like pads, rotors, oil, etc.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee

Complete brake kit is $816: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...4h0615301ankt3

WTF? I never knew that nor have I ever heard of that. Thanks! I wonder why everyone isn't buying from FCP if wear items are replaced for free.

When I switch to the brembos, i'll definitely buy my next rotors from FCP! (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...-4g0615301kt12)

Half of the SQ5 kit. nice.

[Norskie]

WTF? I never knew that nor have I ever heard of that. Thanks! I wonder why everyone isn't buying from FCP if wear items are replaced for free.

When I switch to the brembos, i'll definitely buy my next rotors from FCP! (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...-4g0615301kt12)

Half of the SQ5 kit. nice.

Some don't want the parts FCP stocks, and you do have to pay shipping to send your used stuff back to FCP.

[dubgli]

So depending if I can sell the macan/q5 kit, I may not be able to compare.

If no one bites then I may throw them on.

- dubgli

[RoofRails]

It looks like now the world may never know how the 380mm compare to the 345mm. I'm glad you recouped your money though !!

So depending if I can sell the macan/q5 kit, I may not be able to compare.

If no one bites then I may throw them on.

- dubgli

[luciddream]

Great thread and good info, but it's been hard to keep track if everything. Can we get a breakdown of the best option for the 2.0, 3.0 and sq5?

I have a Q5 2.0t prestige plus and am looking for an upgrade that won't break the wallet. Hopefully caliper upgrade to front and rear. Has anyone checked out or heard of rotorlab.com? They told me they have a 356mm kit, calipers and discs, for the front that is direct bolt on for $975. They also have 330mm rear disc to match the front for $150. They don't give much info because people take it and piece their own kit and don't buy from them. They are very apprehensive about this. It's the wife's daily driver so I don't need anything over the top, just something that feels better.

By the way, shop quoted me $750 just for the rear brake job, so I will gladly pay this for the upgrade kit from rotorlab.

Thanks

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[MSq5]

Great thread and good info, but it's been hard to keep track if everything. Can we get a breakdown of the best option for the 2.0, 3.0 and sq5?

I have a Q5 2.0t prestige plus and am looking for an upgrade that won't break the wallet. Hopefully caliper upgrade to front and rear. Has anyone checked out or heard of rotorlab.com? They told me they have a 356mm kit, calipers and discs, for the front that is direct bolt on for $975. They also have 330mm rear disc to match the front for $150. They don't give much info because people take it and piece their own kit and don't buy from them. They are very apprehensive about this. It's the wife's daily driver so I don't need anything over the top, just something that feels better.

By the way, shop quoted me $750 just for the rear brake job, so I will gladly pay this for the upgrade kit from rotorlab.

Thanks

Sent from my SM-N960U using Audizine mobile app

Seems like the larger rotor Brembo kit for the Q5 and Macan (shared) would be a good choice. Don't you have Brembo calipers now? I think you will need new ones for the larger rotors, though.

Bear in mind that your car is lighter than the 3.0T Q5, so your stock brakes may be fine with better pads and possibly stainless lines.

[CHEFS6]

So depending if I can sell the macan/q5 kit, I may not be able to compare.

If no one bites then I may throw them on.

- dubgli

Sorry to revive an old thread but....
Dubgli did you ever pull the trigger on converting from 380mm to 345mm 4pot brembos?
I'm going to assume you didnt and just went with Zimmerman 380? But idk its possible you maybe just didnt have time to post your results of the conversion?

I'm in the same boat now where I have to replace front rotors and pads at 52k miles on OEM.
I'm moving across a few states in 4 weeks so have to sort this situation out pretty soon.
For anyone close to needing to change front brakes there are actually a few other 380mm front rotor options listed on CariD that are less than Zimmerman's so I may be the guinea pig in hopes of being able to bring to light other approachable options to the SQ5 platform.
One in particular to note is Centric "Premium High carbon" rotor for $150ea versus $220ea for Zimmermans. Centric is the maker of Stoptech brand so holds some weight and at $150 it sounds like the best value/performance out there.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has actually went forward with this conversion...in theory it sounds like it would be more advantageous in straight line braking performance (I'll never track an SUV).

Edit: And is 52K miles on OEM front discs acceptable or is that premature?

[vdubjetta02]

I am order the Zimmerman from FCPEuro today.... really need new brakes on my car before winter hits in CO (Just had our first snow storm this week)

[dubgli]

Sorry to revive an old thread but....
Dubgli did you ever pull the trigger on converting from 380mm to 345mm 4pot brembos?
I'm going to assume you didnt and just went with Zimmerman 380? But idk its possible you maybe just didnt have time to post your results of the conversion?

I'm in the same boat now where I have to replace front rotors and pads at 52k miles on OEM.
I'm moving across a few states in 4 weeks so have to sort this situation out pretty soon.
For anyone close to needing to change front brakes there are actually a few other 380mm front rotor options listed on CariD that are less than Zimmerman's so I may be the guinea pig in hopes of being able to bring to light other approachable options to the SQ5 platform.
One in particular to note is Centric "Premium High carbon" rotor for $150ea versus $220ea for Zimmermans. Centric is the maker of Stoptech brand so holds some weight and at $150 it sounds like the best value/performance out there.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has actually went forward with this conversion...in theory it sounds like it would be more advantageous in straight line braking performance (I'll never track an SUV).

Edit: And is 52K miles on OEM front discs acceptable or is that premature?

I just went with FCP OEM brake replacement. They offer a lifetime replacement deal on the rotors and pads. (Really on almost everything).

They're also in CT, so dropping off the old brakes isn't much of a hassle.



- dubgli