Brake pad recommandations

[Waffles_s4]

Hi guys, am looking to change the brake pads, and was wondering which pads do you recommend for an extra "bite" over oem. Please keep in mind it's a family car, am not trying to beat breaking records, but I would like a pad with low dust, and a bit more initial bite than the oem. It's a heavy car, and has already brembo calipers, they do a phenomenal job, so if you tell me oem pads is still the best option, I would follow suit.

On my s4 I went with akebono brake pads, the EUR1322A and 1018 which have much less brake dust than the oem brake pads. But on the q5, I didnot notice that much brake dust tbh.

Thanks in advance!

[asiwa]

Just did my fronts the other day. Went for Zimmerman Z-Coat rotors with Akebono pads. Bite is superior to the OEM pads I replaced, though I won't be able to comment on dust until I do some more driving. Would definitely recommend!

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[Waffles_s4]

Just did my fronts the other day. Went for Zimmerman Z-Coat rotors with Akebono pads. Bite is superior to the OEM pads I replaced, though I won't be able to comment on dust until I do some more driving. Would definitely recommend!

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Akebono makes great pads honestly. Which model or part number did you get please?

[asiwa]

Akebono makes great pads honestly. Which model or part number did you get please?

You mentioned the Brembo calipers so I assume we have the same system. They were EUR1663 I believe. I think they are on sale for like $80 at ECS right now - definitely a steal at that price.

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[RoofRails]

Hi guys, am looking to change the brake pads, and was wondering which pads do you recommend for an extra "bite" over oem. Please keep in mind it's a family car, am not trying to beat breaking records, but I would like a pad with low dust, and a bit more initial bite than the oem. It's a heavy car, and has already brembo calipers, they do a phenomenal job, so if you tell me oem pads is still the best option, I would follow suit.

On my s4 I went with akebono brake pads, the EUR1322A and 1018 which have much less brake dust than the oem brake pads. But on the q5, I didnot notice that much brake dust tbh.

Thanks in advance!

I'm going to go with Akebono for mine. Everything I have read states these have less initial bite at the top of the pedal than OEM. That isn't a issue for me because I'm not in love with how touchy my OEM pads are with that initial bite. I could live with it either way honestly but I was just looking for low dust. The Hawk HPS 5.0 seem to get a lot of good reviews if more bite is what you are after. It just seems that the rule of thumb here is the more bite the pads offer the more dust they will produce.

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[Waffles_s4]

I'm going to go with Akebono for mine. Everything I have read states these have less initial bite at the top of the pedal than OEM. That isn't a issue for me because I'm not in love with how touchy my OEM pads are with that initial bite. I could live with it either way honestly but I was just looking for low dust. The Hawk HPS 5.0 seem to get a lot of good reviews if more bite is what you are after. It just seems that the rule of thumb here is the more bite the pads offer the more dust they will produce.

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Hawk HPS 5.0 are very good pads too, the only issue is on ECS they mention that they support up to 2012, mine is a 2015 obviously, so not sure if they will fit or not: https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-Q5-Qu.../Braking/Pads/

Anyone can confirm?

[MSq5]

Brembo pads come in both NAO and low metallic composition. For street use the NAO have more initial bite and are quieter. NAO means non-asbestos organic. The lowmetallic pads are harder, last longer, work better when hot, and make less dust, although the NAO are very low dust, also.

These are real Brembo pads designed for the calipers and rotors.

I just replaced both front rotors and pads with Bermbo parts. I am quite pleased with quality and price. Shipping is free. Far more affordable than I expected.

https://www.brembostoreusa.com/produ...brembo-ceramic

[Waffles_s4]

Brembo pads come in both NAO and low metallic composition. For street use the NAO have more initial bite and are quieter. NAO means non-asbestos organic. The lowmetallic pads are harder, last longer, work better when hot, and make less dust, although the NAO are very low dust, also.

These are real Brembo pads designed for the calipers and rotors.

I just replaced both front rotors and pads with Bermbo parts. I am quite pleased with quality and price. Shipping is free. Far more affordable than I expected.

https://www.brembostoreusa.com/produ...brembo-ceramic

that site does not work, at least not for me

[MSq5]

that site does not work, at least not for me

It worked when I posted it a few moments ago. Maybe just a “down for maintenance” thing. We can check back shortly.

Edit: working now. My pads are actually the ceramic compound - P85133N.

[blkmz3]

Which pads have the least brake dust? The oem pads are terrible. 2 days after a car wash and the wheels are dirty.

[jomama229]

You mentioned the Brembo calipers so I assume we have the same system. They were EUR1663 I believe. I think they are on sale for like $80 at ECS right now - definitely a steal at that price.

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can be had for even cheaper, and with a lifetime warranty. i'm not proposing that one returns these for a new set when worn down, but it's a nice peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, FCP euro will replace it.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...ono-8r0698151l

as to OP's ques about dust? i haven't noticed any more on this setup than on OEM. i have akebonos all around, and zimmerman rotors (x-drilled in front, blanks in rear).

[Waffles_s4]

Fcp is not an option honestly with the amount of shipping they charge to Canada

[ILVTRANCE]

been thinking of changing mine.. I believe the previous owner put some cheap set on that squeaks at low speed

[MSq5]

been thinking of changing mine.. I believe the previous owner put some cheap set on that squeaks at low speed

The previous owner might just have not applied the required grease to the back plate of the pads, the part that contacts the caliper pistons. Or not enough. The entire back plate needs to be coated. Any pad will squeak if that was not done. It’s easy to pull pads from Brembo calipers and check. It also gets applied to the pins. Permatex makes a good one available at any auto parts store. Some pads come with a tube of grease.

[ILVTRANCE]

The previous owner might just have not applied the required grease to the back plate of the pads, the part that contacts the caliper pistons. Or not enough. The entire back plate needs to be coated. Any pad will squeak if that was not done. It’s easy to pull pads from Brembo calipers and check. It also gets applied to the pins. Permatex makes a good one available at any auto parts store. Some pads come with a tube of grease.

Thanks for the info much appreciated!!

[Tone-Dogg]

Reviving... Big thank you to MSQ5 for posting Brembos part numbers. Etc...

I ordered mine this morning.
3 technical questions:
1. How long can I drive once the light comes on?
2. What kind of lube/grease do you guys use for the back of the pads? Brembo's is backordered...
3. Do you use the same grease on the pins as you use on the back of the pads?

TIA

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[MSq5]

Reviving... Big thank you to MSQ5 for posting Brembos part numbers. Etc...

I ordered mine this morning.
3 technical questions:
1. How long can I drive once the light comes on?
2. What kind of lube/grease do you guys use for the back of the pads? Brembo's is backordered...
3. Do you use the same grease on the pins as you use on the back of the pads?

TIA

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1. If the light has come in, that means that the pad backing has contacted the sensor wear strip. Continued driving will likely soon cause the rotors to be damaged. You will also need to replace the wear strip sensor. We reuse them if contact has not happened. But once that happens they have sacrificed themselves to save the rotors.
2. A packet of grease was included with pad set I got from BremboUSA. But, any disc brake pad grease at your local auto parts store will work.
3. Yes, same lube on back of pads and on the pins. Also on the parts of the calipers the pins touch. Apply liberally, completely coating the back of each pad and the full shaft of the pins, but keep it off of anything that might touch the surface of the rotors.

[Tone-Dogg]

1. If the light has come in, that means that the pad backing has contacted the sensor wear strip. Continued driving will likely soon cause the rotors to be damaged. You will also need to replace the wear strip sensor. We reuse them if contact has not happened. But once that happens they have sacrificed themselves to save the rotors.
2. A packet of grease was included with pad set I got from BremboUSA. But, any disc brake pad grease at your local auto parts store will work.
3. Yes, same lube on back of pads and on the pins. Also on the parts of the calipers the pins touch. Apply liberally, completely coating the back of each pad and the full shaft of the pins, but keep it off of anything that might touch the surface of the rotors.

Awesome man, thanks so much for your prompt response...
The dealer installed new rotors and pads at all 4 corners when I bought my Q5 sitting at a tick over 31K.
At my last service around 48K (was late on my 45K) the rears were at 9mm pass front 8mm and driver frt 5mm.
I'm now at 51K and the light just came on so 20K I think wasn't bad. I have been told they sometimes wear at different rates on the front. My theory is they didn't lube the pins enough. I have done my share of wrenching but thought it was odd that the driver front was hanging up a pinch. It is what it is.

Last question, the pads come with that wear sensor, correct? I might have read your reply wrong? Also, sorry, The packet of lube that comes with the pads, is that enough or should I buy the permatex stuff additionally?

Thanks a million brother.

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[seanf86]

Brembo pads come in both NAO and low metallic composition. For street use the NAO have more initial bite and are quieter. NAO means non-asbestos organic. The lowmetallic pads are harder, last longer, work better when hot, and make less dust, although the NAO are very low dust, also.

These are real Brembo pads designed for the calipers and rotors.

I just replaced both front rotors and pads with Bermbo parts. I am quite pleased with quality and price. Shipping is free. Far more affordable than I expected.

https://www.brembostoreusa.com/produ...brembo-ceramic

I just put the Brembo pads/ Zimmermann rotors on mine and they dust like crazy. I'm fairly sure they are the NAO ceramics since they had the red shims on the backside, they work great I'm just less than pleased with the dust, the OEM pads that were on mine were way better for dust.

[Tone-Dogg]

I just put the Brembo pads/ Zimmermann rotors on mine and they dust like crazy. I'm fairly sure they are the NAO ceramics since they had the red shims on the backside, they work great I'm just less than pleased with the dust, the OEM pads that were on mine were way better for dust.

Good to know...

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[seanf86]

Good to know...

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Right? I have terrible luck with brake pad choice especially since I've got Rotiform BLQ in silver on mine so they show the dust like nobodies business and are a pain to clean. If they weren't a month old I'd be swapping them for another pad.

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[MSq5]

I just put the Brembo pads/ Zimmermann rotors on mine and they dust like crazy. I'm fairly sure they are the NAO ceramics since they had the red shims on the backside, they work great I'm just less than pleased with the dust, the OEM pads that were on mine were way better for dust.

Yes, these, despite being NAO ceramic are dusting more than I thought they would. Initially they did little, but now that they are well-bedded, the dust is a bit disappointing. Otherwise, they perform splendidly.

[MSq5]

Awesome man, thanks so much for your prompt response...
The dealer installed new rotors and pads at all 4 corners when I bought my Q5 sitting at a tick over 31K.
At my last service around 48K (was late on my 45K) the rears were at 9mm pass front 8mm and driver frt 5mm.
I'm now at 51K and the light just came on so 20K I think wasn't bad. I have been told they sometimes wear at different rates on the front. My theory is they didn't lube the pins enough. I have done my share of wrenching but thought it was odd that the driver front was hanging up a pinch. It is what it is.

Last question, the pads come with that wear sensor, correct? I might have read your reply wrong? Also, sorry, The packet of lube that comes with the pads, is that enough or should I buy the permatex stuff additionally?

Thanks a million brother.

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No, they do not come with the wear sensor. If you look at the photo I posted above of the red back of the pad you will see the clip to the right of center top part of the photo. The sensor fits into that clip. I’ve not had to purchase them yet. Probably widely available at auto parts stores, dealers on in the ‘net.

One quick example:

https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-...-front/audi/q5

[Tone-Dogg]

No, they do not come with the wear sensor. If you look at the photo I posted above of the red back of the pad you will see the clip to the right of center top part of the photo. The sensor fits into that clip. I’ve not had to purchase them yet. Probably widely available at auto parts stores, dealers on in the ‘net.

One quick example:

https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-...-front/audi/q5

Appreciate it, just bought that one, just in case... (I know see the clip, you for that)
Very impressed with packaging wow, TKS for your share, I might have opted for other options via FCP but this is a win, and the price was super...


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[MSq5]

I’m sure other premium pads are great. I used Hawk HPS 5.0 pads on other vehicles with good results, but those vehicles did not have Brembo four pot calipers. I just thought “who better to design and make pads for Brembo calipers than Brembo, itself?” They know brakes. It’s their forte and they have the reputation. No doubt they use their own pads for internal testing, research and development.

As stated above, they are a bit more prone to dust than I had hoped, but they perform quite well . . . Stopping power and fade resistance is impressive, and price was unexpectedly modest.

And, I have an official Brembo sticker on my tool box lid now! (ha ha)

Glad to see they packaged the anti-squeak lube. It’s good stuff. Apply carefully, but use it all.

If you indicator light is on, you’ll need new sensors to turn it off. Fortunately, they are cheap.

[Silver_Bullet]

I went with a different stock Brembo pad, 8RO 698 151 L. I’ve never had a squeak and they seem low dust, but you guys might be more sensitive. Nothing like the M3 that dusted like crazy. I think they are great but I’m also not heavy on the brakes so your mileage may vary.

[Raacerx]

In my opinion it is silly to go with more aggressive and harder wearing pads because rotors on the SQ5 are extremely expensive and 2 piece, whereas pads are $60 and take 30 minutes to swap if you have a 9mm and a piston spreader. I'd much rather replace my brake pads a few times than replacing my 15x more expensive rotors. I can go 8/10 on the track and they recover quick, and the rotors last for years.

Stoptech Street or Centric Posi Quiet (same thing) are like $50, they perform very well and better than OEM, they last decently enough, they are my personal favorite. Combined with stainless lines and a good performance fluid bleed, they are enough to handle 8/10 track use. I used to run race pads on my track cars, but after awhile I found that I could get nearly the same performance, with a fraction of the cost of race pads, and with quiet street performance.

You'll also get better overall performance by replacing your pads early and keeping pad material thickness high.

[MSq5]

As an update, two observations after the Brembo rotors and ceramic pads have been in use a month now:

1. The friction from the new Brembo rotors and these "Red" Brembo ceramic compound pads on my 3.0T Q5 is very impressive. I may use my Dragy to measure deceleration, although I still have the OEM rear brakes. I'm at about 62,000 miles on the odometer. They are very linear. I really like that. The harder you press the brake pedal the more grip you get. I prefer this to the OEM pads that have a lot of "bite" initially but less and less as you apply more pressure.

2. I continue to be a bit disappointed with the dust. It turned out to be more than I would have expected for a ceramic pad. Seems a bit more dusty than the OEM set, which surprised me. They are fully bedded now and have a thousand miles on them, so a little dust is going to be the "new norm."

All-in-all, the improvement in stopping power and smooth linear response are worth a little more dust. I just felt like reporting the dust, as most ceramic compound pads I've used before were essentially dust free.

[DTM_SQ5]

In my opinion it is silly to go with more aggressive and harder wearing pads because rotors on the SQ5 are extremely expensive and 2 piece, whereas pads are $60 and take 30 minutes to swap if you have a 9mm and a piston spreader. I'd much rather replace my brake pads a few times than replacing my 15x more expensive rotors. I can go 8/10 on the track and they recover quick, and the rotors last for years.

Stoptech Street or Centric Posi Quiet (same thing) are like $50, they perform very well and better than OEM, they last decently enough, they are my personal favorite. Combined with stainless lines and a good performance fluid bleed, they are enough to handle 8/10 track use. I used to run race pads on my track cars, but after awhile I found that I could get nearly the same performance, with a fraction of the cost of race pads, and with quiet street performance.

You'll also get better overall performance by replacing your pads early and keeping pad material thickness high.

I like the way you think. So how often are you replacing the pads? My SQ5 just hit 32k miles. Bought it at 28k. I am assuming I’m still on the original pads. No tracking for my SQ5 but I am pretty hard on the brakes. This is my first suv, first vehicle with more than 2 doors.