RS models only get 4k miles of pads?

[HarveyBirdman]

Hey all,

There's much more to this story but I will keep it brief with the main parts...

I have a 2019 RS3. I had the front brakes and rotors replaces just under a year ago. I have only driven 7k miles since then. My car takes me to my train and occasionally I drive into to work. This car is not a track car and does not have any mods to it (other than summer wheel set?)

so it's been less than a year and only 7k miles and the pad light came on. So I took it into my dealer. They told me I needed new pads and rotors. after 7k? The service director (I forget her name) told me it's normal for RS models to get even 4k miles on the pads.

The work apparently has a 12k miles 1 year warranty on it but they are saying what's happening is normal.

Am I taking crazy pills or are you guys changing your brakes once a year?

I have had many cars in the past and I never changed pads less than a few years at least!

Thank you..

EDIT: I service it at a certified Audi Dealer and have now opened a case with Audi of America on this issue as well.

[Potatohead_RS3]

That seems a bit absurd. My OG front pads lasted 24k and my second set are still going strong at 10k. My rears are still original. I also drive very little freeway.

[NapalmEnema]

Hey all,

There's much more to this story but I will keep it brief with the main parts...

I have a 2019 RS3. I had the front brakes and rotors replaces just under a year ago. I have only driven 7k miles since then. My car takes me to my train and occasionally I drive into to work. This car is not a track car and does not have any mods to it (other than summer wheel set?)

so it's been less than a year and only 7k miles and the pad light came on. So I took it into my dealer. They told me I needed new pads and rotors. after 7k? The service director (I forget her name) told me it's normal for RS models to get even 4k miles on the pads.

The work apparently has a 12k miles 1 year warranty on it but they are saying what's happening is normal.

Am I taking crazy pills or are you guys changing your brakes once a year?

I have had many cars in the past and I never changed pads less than a few years at least!

Thank you..

That sounds like the first shop that you took it to didn't change the pads as agreed. No way doing what you did any car would eat pads up in 4k unless you're doing non stop track duty imo. I'd lay eyes on the pads before / after the current change then start tracking use. I would wager the first place just adjusted your brakes and didn't do anything.

[Potatohead_RS3]

Also, there is a pad warning for both the front and rear. Is it possible you had the fronts done last year and now the rear tripped?

[HarveyBirdman]

It's definitely the fronts

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That sounds like the first shop that you took it to didn't change the pads as agreed. No way doing what you did any car would eat pads up in 4k unless you're doing non stop track duty imo. I'd lay eyes on the pads before / after the current change then start tracking use. I would wager the first place just adjusted your brakes and didn't do anything.

We're talking a certified Audi Dealer!

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That sounds like the first shop that you took it to didn't change the pads as agreed. No way doing what you did any car would eat pads up in 4k unless you're doing non stop track duty imo. I'd lay eyes on the pads before / after the current change then start tracking use. I would wager the first place just adjusted your brakes and didn't do anything.

We're talking a certified Audi Dealer!

[xeonoex]

Brake pad levels can be checked by just looking at them. You can do that in 2 minutes just to see if they're bullshitting you. Rotors shouldn't need to be replaced either unless you're running the car really hard.

If you're not driving it hard, and they do need to be replaced, then you shouldn't be using their pads. I've melted a shitty pad in one track weekend on my Focus RS - so about 300 hard miles. Better pads would last more like 600-1200 miles of track use for me. For non track use, you should easily get tens of thousands of miles.

I would buy my own brake pads and bring them to a shop to have them put them on.

[noseyp]

I have a 2019 RS3 purchased in Dec 19 that now has 20k miles on it. I'm still on the original rotors and pads. Not that much highway driving but I do like to engine brake for the fun noises.

[brobst]

I have heard they do pads and rotors. If the only did pads maybe it was uneven rotor contacts or something that ate the pads

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[sleepy_rs3]

My front pads (replaced twice so far) lasted between 18k-20k miles before sensors tripped...I haven't heard of them lasting much less mileage than that. Front rotors only needed replacement at around 40k miles. Dont let them talk you into replacing the front rotors unless they are heavily lipped or if you're feeling lots of shaking upon brake application. My original rear pads and rotors are still working (sensor not tripped yet) after 43k miles...probably will trip soon. If you plan to keep the car for a while do yourself a favor and order replacement pads from FCP Euro - you will have free replacements for as long as you own the car...also a front pad replacement on the RS3 is EXTREMELY easy to DIY...

[NapalmEnema]

It's definitely the fronts

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We're talking a certified Audi Dealer!

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We're talking a certified Audi Dealer!

I've had 'certified' dealiers do the following -

Improper torque specs for swapping differential fluid in my M2 - took a breaker bar to do it when I went to change it myself (I was taking advantage of their 'maintenance' - never again)
My wife's old X5M they overfilled the oil consistently
X5M the dealership wanted 5500 for a brake job - I did it myself - pads and rotors for 1100 - yeah - 4500 difference on that one!
And countless other things.

These guys are trained but they don't care and they will lie to pad the bottom line.

This is also why I intend to do all maintenance on my RS3 and told them to keep the 3300 dollar line item for 'Audi care' since that's my approach. Oil changes and brake pad changes are easier and easier the 'nicer' or higher performance a vehicle is, it's been my experience. Our cars are designed to swap pads quickly for track use, so I wager you could assess, and do your own, brakes if you were so inclined. (it's a lot easier than you think!)

Good luck, but this smells off. Unless you're Ken Block shooting non stop hooning videos back to back week after week - your brake pads will last longer than 4k no matter what you do. If you're so inclined you should take it back to the first guys that did it and have them look for issues with the brake system as that is not normal. They should also stand behind their work - if the car is back in 4k with new brakes needed, and the guy driving isn't Ken Block, they should try and find out why. You may just have a faulty brake sensor and not need brakes at all. Have you looked at your brake pads?

[tegxsi]

OEM pads having crappy life span isn't unheard of. It really depends on how you drive the car...

I have 20k on the original pads and they still have some meat on them.

[HarveyBirdman]

So the Audi Dealer that did the last brake job is the dealer that told me this is normal and RS models go through pads 4k-7k miles. I shit you not. They are the same dealer that did the work. This all started because I was hearing the front brakes making noise when I was near a curb or side wall on the highway. They all told me that the sound was normal.

[RS3URQ]

New pads are thin to begin with, rotors should take two sets of pads if you aren't tracking them. Poorly trained techs often recommend pads when they are really ok.Make them show you the parts.

[sleepy_rs3]

So the Audi Dealer that did the last brake job is the dealer that told me this is normal and RS models go through pads 4k-7k miles. I shit you not. They are the same dealer that did the work. This all started because I was hearing the front brakes making noise when I was near a curb or side wall on the highway. They all told me that the sound was normal.

So the buzzing sound you hear near a wall is normal for drilled rotors. 4-7k miles on OEM pads is fully NOT normal…unless you’re ONLY tracking the car. As previously stated - get some jack stands and new OEM pads from FCP euro and DIY.

[o1turbo30v]

Have you checked the connection and pad thickness yourself? Maybe the connector/wiring is damaged just pop the wheel off and check them out then go from there.

[NapalmEnema]

Take to different dealership / never let them touch your car again.

[HarveyBirdman]

I definitely can see them worn down myself. I rechecked the paperwork from last year and it definitely said new pads and rotors but it’s almost as if they didn’t change the pads

[HarveyBirdman]

The dealership that told me 4k miles for RS pads is Audi of Westmont (Autonation) in Illinois.

[HarveyBirdman]

Just heard back from Audi of America they talked to the dealership and support a 20% off of the job.

Guys what options do I have here? Something is off.

[Skunkwerx]

Harvey...

I think the consensus opinion that you're getting on the topic that you asked for is:
- Dealer didn't change pads when you thought
- Sensors broken
- Incorrect pads or installed incorrectly, which you should have noticed when driving
- Find a new dealer

Option's beyond that...
- Chew on the dealer that said its normal and that may be not owning a possible oversight
- Find a new dealer
- Change to a non OEM pad and see that you'll get way more that 4k
- Find a new dealer
- Litigate
- Find a new dealer

[o1turbo30v]

Just heard back from Audi of America they talked to the dealership and support a 20% off of the job.

Guys what options do I have here? Something is off.

Buy a set of pads and do it yourself for under $100, very easy.

[HarveyBirdman]

It just sucks because I feel they need to own up for their original job. Going forward I’m going to take the advice I found here today on the lifetime warranty pads.

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Buy a set of pads and do it yourself for under $100, very easy.

You mean 1k right? 100$?

[NapalmEnema]

Buy a set of pads and do it yourself for under $100, very easy.

Winner.

Pads are cheaper than you think man, and the job easier than you think. You could do with a jack stand and floor jack doing one corner at a time.

Average high performance brake pad change without rotors ~350 bucks maybe? It's not a grand.

[Potatohead_RS3]

It just sucks because I feel they need to own up for their original job. Going forward I’m going to take the advice I found here today on the lifetime warranty pads.

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You mean 1k right? 100$?

You can DIY for double digits when it comes to front pads. I did mine for under $20.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ght=brake+pads

[NapalmEnema]

It just sucks because I feel they need to own up for their original job. Going forward I’m going to take the advice I found here today on the lifetime warranty pads.

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You mean 1k right? 100$?

You're not going to get a stealership that encourages this level of lying and swindling to admit anything man. Take it to another dealership if you are so inclined, and get their opinion if the brakes had been done in the last 4k miles. If they say no - talk to Audi corp and say you want one proper brake job covered by this other dealership and they should investigate the other.

Trying to get the crooks to fix their intentional mistakes is not going to go anywhere.

Good luck!

[HarveyBirdman]

You're not going to get a stealership that encourages this level of lying and swindling to admit anything man. Take it to another dealership if you are so inclined, and get their opinion if the brakes had been done in the last 4k miles. If they say no - talk to Audi corp and say you want one proper brake job covered by this other dealership and they should investigate the other.

Trying to get the crooks to fix their intentional mistakes is not going to go anywhere.

Good luck!

You’re absolutely right. This kind of scumbaggery makes my blood boil.

[HarveyBirdman]

You can DIY for double digits when it comes to front pads. I did mine for under $20.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ght=brake+pads

Holy crow. I was looking at the other pads others suggested with the lifetime replacement and those were 1k for full front

[NapalmEnema]

Holy crow. I was looking at the other pads others suggested with the lifetime replacement and those were 1k for full front

Lifetime replacement drives that cost - they figure anyone will buy a car then maybe keep it 4-5 years and change the pads twice? At that point they just made 600+ dollars because the subsequent owner probably won't know about, or capitalize on, the replacement brake pads for life.

Pretty sweet deal / way to print money!

[o1turbo30v]

Couple guys on here run these, $119 https://www.europaparts.com/brake-pa...v0698151m.html

Rockauto has Dynamic Friction? For under $100

If you are handy save even more money and get B7 RS4 pads, same pad just different M/F connectors, those are really cheap

I run the Porterfields ~$250, Feroda is also a good choice

[sleepy_rs3]

Lifetime replacement drives that cost - they figure anyone will buy a car then maybe keep it 4-5 years and change the pads twice? At that point they just made 600+ dollars because the subsequent owner probably won't know about, or capitalize on, the replacement brake pads for life.

Pretty sweet deal / way to print money!

Agreed, only a good deal if you know how much you’ll be driving the car and how long you’ll keep it! I’m at 43k miles since buying new in June 2020. FCP lifetime pads at $1k work for me. Already on my second pair and many more to come. I fully support and recommend the lower cost pads for people who are concerned about cost, leasing, planning for low mileage, or don’t plan to keep the car for long.

[JRitt@Essex]

If you're looking for a good alternative to OEM, try the Ferodo DS2500 (the pads o1turbo30v is alluding to above). They are a fantastic road, AutoX, light-duty track pad. You can see a detailed description of them in this article: "Which Ferodo Brake Pad Compound is Right for Me?"

They aren't the cheapest available option, but they are one of the best, most versatile options on the market today and they should last longer/take considerably more abuse than OEM.

Front Ferodo DS2500 pads for RS3 (note you need one box per front caliper): https://www.essexparts.com/ferodo-ds2500-brake-pads664
Rear Ferodo DS2500 pads for RS3: https://www.essexparts.com/ferodo-fc...brake-pads3103

[TheContrarian]

If you know dealership economics, then this is all understandable.

Dealerships make 5-10% profit margin selling cars and 50% profit margins fixing them. Dealerships exist to sell you cars that you have to subsequently repair. Warranties are just a trap to keep you paying a high price for services so they don't void it.

[steven5210]

Couple guys on here run these, $119 https://www.europaparts.com/brake-pa...v0698151m.html

Rockauto has Dynamic Friction? For under $100

If you are handy save even more money and get B7 RS4 pads, same pad just different M/F connectors, those are really cheap

I run the Porterfields ~$250, Feroda is also a good choice

The europaparts pads are the ones I'm running. I was told they are pretty much the OEM pads. Had them for a few thousand miles and feels pretty same to me. No noise, barely any brake dust or have any issues so far. Can't really beat the price. I have a separate set of pads for the track but these are good for daily driving.

[Fixeroh]

Running the carbon ceramic brake package on my 2018. Have read horror stories about wear, noise, etc. Not experienced any of that myself. Some squealing from time to time but not bad. Zero dust and face planting stopping power. Only 20K on my car however. Sure it will be pricey when a brake job is required. 4K on a set of pads is just crazy. No way that is realistic unless the driver was literally applying brakes while applying the throttle. That would not make for a very sporty ride at all! Good luck resolving the issue brother.

[S3DUDE]

There are two things that are lasting forever on my car. I am at 27k miles and I have 20k on my stock tires and these suckers wouldn't wear as fast as I wanted to. I did 13k on the OEM tires and switched Re71/neuspeed then to stock again. The other thing is the brakes. I put 17000 miles on the stock pads to later replace it with Carbotech 1521 and 2 piece rotors. The problem is that they original pads had like 50-60% life left when I removed them.

For now I put my oem rotors and pads aside to resuse them in the future. I can take a picture and post them if you want me to. The rotors on the other side they are thick but developed a lot of hot spots from very early miles.

[quickshifter]

I'm surprised nobody else mentioned FCP Euro. Lifetime replacement on the pads. Haven't paid for a single brake job since I got the car, went thru around 6 sets. OEM too!

[UberDave]

Couple guys on here run these, $119 https://www.europaparts.com/brake-pa...v0698151m.html

Yep, I bought these exact pads, they were under $100 at the time. Swapping pads is really easy on this car, I checked the rotors and they were still like new, no lip at all. So my brake job cost less than $100 and took me a couple hours, and only took that long because I was taking my time.

[sleepy_rs3]

I'm surprised nobody else mentioned FCP Euro. Lifetime replacement on the pads. Haven't paid for a single brake job since I got the car, went thru around 6 sets. OEM too!

I mentioned FCP and I'm with you...a good deal for ppl like us who drive our cars a lot

[Rod Paine]

I have 39,007 on our 2019 RS 3 and they are through with 3 mm of tread remaining on 245/40/18 Michelin
A/S3+ on new Neuspeed RSe10 18x8.5 wheels we installed immediately after buying it. Tire use is 28,085
miles of fast country back road runs made 10am-2pm weekdays only weather permitting. New Michelin Pilot
Sport 4S 245/40/18 going on this week. This tire size has withstood some really poor road surface conditions,
that the stock 235/35/19 failed within 150 miles of use on the country back roads we've been running since
1975!

[afrancke]

I mentioned FCP and I'm with you...a good deal for ppl like us who drive our cars a lot

And they carry Ferodo DS2500 - buy once, cry once (and pick up some compound-compatible track pads from Essex). There's not much point in cheap pads on an RS - live a little!