rs5 brake pad recommendations (not what options I can google)

[ATL_RS5]

Hi all, for the b9/9.5 rs5 what brake pads do you guys have experience with? Suggestions, details, pros/cons? What made you choose that pad and why? Did they meet expectations? Why not? Why so?

Not looking for what options are available because that's an easy google search, but looking for real personal experience, pros and cons of the options that you have experience with.

[Ian@SEM]

I've ordered Hawk 5.0 pads for my sportback. I did so because I've used the same pad on previous vehicles and found it to be a decent compromise between performance, life, and not so squeaky. As soon as I install them I'll let you know how they feel/perform.

[deejayh]

akebono

[humphammer]

Hi all, for the b9/9.5 rs5 what brake pads do you guys have experience with? Suggestions, details, pros/cons? What made you choose that pad and why? Did they meet expectations? Why not? Why so?

Not looking for what options are available because that's an easy google search, but looking for real personal experience, pros and cons of the options that you have experience with.

I'm not sure if they make these for an RS5 or not, but I went with the PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Pads on my S5 and they are great. No squeaks or unwanted noises, excellent stopping power and as dust free as you're going to find.

[djmika]

I just did EBC Red Stuff on my factory rotors. I was around 15K miles on the clock and while I think the consensus is that I should have done rotors as well. I didn't and everything is working just fine. My car (2019 RS%% Sportback) is a daily driver and sees no track time.

Compared to stock, the Red Stuff pads make less brake dust. Also, the factory pads are soft, and I found them to be "grabby" at times. Especially during light braking at slow speeds. The Red Stuff do so much less than the OE pads. Overall stopping power is similar and I don't feel I lost any measurable performance with the Red Stuff. I also can't say I gained any though.

I had PowerStop Z26 on my previous car, a 2016 S6. They do not make Z26 for the RS5 or didn't when I was shopping a few months back. Just Z23. I think they're the same compound but the "backer plate" is different. I liked the Z26 on the S6. They were quiet and didn't grab at all. They also had an objectively tiny amount of brake dust. However, the Red Stuff do perform noticeably better. I remember noticing that I had to press the brake pedal much harder on the S6 after the Z26 were installed. It wasn't to a fault, but definitely noticeable.

I guess the one thing to know here is that, I believe, the EBC Red Stuff pad set I got is really "supposed" to be for an S6. Whatever. It works and I think this is just EBC not really being clear on their catalog. FYI, I got the pads from ECS. But, using that logic, I supposed that since I didn't check to see if the PowerStop Z26 was available for an S5, that they may indeed be. If that's true, you'd have another option.

To summarize, EBC performs better, has less brake dust than stock but has more brake dust than EBC. And I think Red Stuff also costs more. PowerStop (either option) will make less brake dust and probably last longer, but you'll lose some stopping power (think 20%-ish).

-MB

[ATL_RS5]

I've ordered Hawk 5.0 pads for my sportback. I did so because I've used the same pad on previous vehicles and found it to be a decent compromise between performance, life, and not so squeaky. As soon as I install them I'll let you know how they feel/perform.

Very helpful thank you!

I'm not sure if they make these for an RS5 or not, but I went with the PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Pads on my S5 and they are great. No squeaks or unwanted noises, excellent stopping power and as dust free as you're going to find.

Very helpful thank you!

I just did EBC Red Stuff on my factory rotors. I was around 15K miles on the clock and while I think the consensus is that I should have done rotors as well. I didn't and everything is working just fine. My car (2019 RS%% Sportback) is a daily driver and sees no track time.

Compared to stock, the Red Stuff pads make less brake dust. Also, the factory pads are soft, and I found them to be "grabby" at times. Especially during light braking at slow speeds. The Red Stuff do so much less than the OE pads. Overall stopping power is similar and I don't feel I lost any measurable performance with the Red Stuff. I also can't say I gained any though.

I had PowerStop Z26 on my previous car, a 2016 S6. They do not make Z26 for the RS5 or didn't when I was shopping a few months back. Just Z23. I think they're the same compound but the "backer plate" is different. I liked the Z26 on the S6. They were quiet and didn't grab at all. They also had an objectively tiny amount of brake dust. However, the Red Stuff do perform noticeably better. I remember noticing that I had to press the brake pedal much harder on the S6 after the Z26 were installed. It wasn't to a fault, but definitely noticeable.

I guess the one thing to know here is that, I believe, the EBC Red Stuff pad set I got is really "supposed" to be for an S6. Whatever. It works and I think this is just EBC not really being clear on their catalog. FYI, I got the pads from ECS. But, using that logic, I supposed that since I didn't check to see if the PowerStop Z26 was available for an S5, that they may indeed be. If that's true, you'd have another option.

To summarize, EBC performs better, has less brake dust than stock but has more brake dust than EBC. And I think Red Stuff also costs more. PowerStop (either option) will make less brake dust and probably last longer, but you'll lose some stopping power (think 20%-ish).

-MB

Very helpful thank you!

[initiala4]

Hi all, for the b9/9.5 rs5 what brake pads do you guys have experience with? Suggestions, details, pros/cons? What made you choose that pad and why? Did they meet expectations? Why not? Why so?

Not looking for what options are available because that's an easy google search, but looking for real personal experience, pros and cons of the options that you have experience with.

I use Endless MX72 in the rears. It my opinion it does meet my expectations compared to stock pads. FYI my fronts are OEM carbon ceramics. No noise, just dust..

[hamaker08]

I just did EBC Red Stuff on my factory rotors. I was around 15K miles on the clock and while I think the consensus is that I should have done rotors as well. I didn't and everything is working just fine. My car (2019 RS%% Sportback) is a daily driver and sees no track time.

Compared to stock, the Red Stuff pads make less brake dust. Also, the factory pads are soft, and I found them to be "grabby" at times. Especially during light braking at slow speeds. The Red Stuff do so much less than the OE pads. Overall stopping power is similar and I don't feel I lost any measurable performance with the Red Stuff. I also can't say I gained any though.

I had PowerStop Z26 on my previous car, a 2016 S6. They do not make Z26 for the RS5 or didn't when I was shopping a few months back. Just Z23. I think they're the same compound but the "backer plate" is different. I liked the Z26 on the S6. They were quiet and didn't grab at all. They also had an objectively tiny amount of brake dust. However, the Red Stuff do perform noticeably better. I remember noticing that I had to press the brake pedal much harder on the S6 after the Z26 were installed. It wasn't to a fault, but definitely noticeable.

I guess the one thing to know here is that, I believe, the EBC Red Stuff pad set I got is really "supposed" to be for an S6. Whatever. It works and I think this is just EBC not really being clear on their catalog. FYI, I got the pads from ECS. But, using that logic, I supposed that since I didn't check to see if the PowerStop Z26 was available for an S5, that they may indeed be. If that's true, you'd have another option.

To summarize, EBC performs better, has less brake dust than stock but has more brake dust than EBC. And I think Red Stuff also costs more. PowerStop (either option) will make less brake dust and probably last longer, but you'll lose some stopping power (think 20%-ish).

-MB

Do you have the link of which you purchased? thanks

[djmika]

Just ping ECS. I think it's the same kit for the S5. They'll help you.

[c99]

There is not very known info, there are 2 OE pads options for RS4/RS5 front steel brakes. It depends what brake codes You have.

Your car can have "ordinary" brake pads 4M0698151BK (front brakes code 1LZ, 1LY) or Pagid Racing brake pads 8W0698151BJ (which is PAGID Racing HP306 GG (HP=high performance)) (front brakes code 1LM, 1LX) for cars with Dynamic package or higher speed limter with steel rotors (rotors are the same for both).

These Pagid brake pads are 2 times more expensive and they are very good. I am still on these Pagid pads, but I have had a chance to buy them for half price (due to short time error in price list).

If You want to buy non-OE pads, try to find equivalent to 8W0698151BJ.

[sthulin]

I'm getting ready to chuck these brand new EBC Yellow stuff pads. They make a metallic squeal like crazy and it's only getting worse (not better) as i put miles on them. I put new OEM rotors on and replaced all the bolts and clips that audi said to replace (even though they were probably still fine). It seems to be fine right in the beginning but once they get a little heat in them (say 10 minutes of driving) they are crazy loud. If i get a lot of heat in them like i'm bedding them or getting ready for a track day they start to quiet until they cool down again, but i just can't generate that amount of heat on normal day to day driving. EBC says they shouldn't need bedding, but there is a track bedding procedure i can do. I'm not confident that will fix the issue though

[c99]

I'm getting ready to chuck these brand new EBC Yellow stuff pads. They make a metallic squeal like crazy and it's only getting worse (not better) as i put miles on them. I put new OEM rotors on and replaced all the bolts and clips that audi said to replace (even though they were probably still fine). It seems to be fine right in the beginning but once they get a little heat in them (say 10 minutes of driving) they are crazy loud. If i get a lot of heat in them like i'm bedding them or getting ready for a track day they start to quiet until they cool down again, but i just can't generate that amount of heat on normal day to day driving. EBC says they shouldn't need bedding, but there is a track bedding procedure i can do. I'm not confident that will fix the issue though

Bedding always fix noise/squeal issue of brake pads.

[Ian@SEM]

So the Hawk 5.0 Street pads with the 034motorsports rotors are a great combo. The brake feel improved significantly over the factory setup, no fade (so far), no squeaks, low dust, very pleased 1.5 weeks into driving it around.

[sthulin]

Bedding always fix noise/squeal issue of brake pads.

Sorry i wasn't clear. EBC says they shouldn't need bedding for street use because of the coating they have on them. I did a street bedding procedure as outlined in their documents but still getting lots of noise. There is a track bedding procedure, but i don't have the high temp paint it requires and i shouldn't have to do something that extreme just to get rid of noise.

[mrfingerfast]

Sorry i wasn't clear. EBC says they shouldn't need bedding for street use because of the coating they have on them. I did a street bedding procedure as outlined in their documents but still getting lots of noise. There is a track bedding procedure, but i don't have the high temp paint it requires and i shouldn't have to do something that extreme just to get rid of noise.

Exactly the same story as with my EBC Yellow Stuff, the noise is getting me crazy!
I left my car today at friendly workshop where they will add EBC anti-squeal shims and ATE Plastilube on contact points - we will see if that will change anything.

[sthulin]

Exactly the same story as with my EBC Yellow Stuff, the noise is getting me crazy!
I left my car today at friendly workshop where they will add EBC anti-squeal shims and ATE Plastilube on contact points - we will see if that will change anything.

What shims are you talking about? It looked like these came with shims on the back of them already so i'm curious what you're adding.

[mrfingerfast]

What shims are you talking about? It looked like these came with shims on the back of them already so i'm curious what you're adding.

I am talking about those: https://www.ebay.pl/itm/LARGE-EBC-AN...-/222026723334

But do not bother with that - my workshop installed those stickers plus added ceratec on pads contact points.
I would say that it got bit better but still it is noisy as hell.

[sthulin]

I am talking about those: https://www.ebay.pl/itm/LARGE-EBC-AN...-/222026723334

But do not bother with that - my workshop installed those stickers plus added ceratec on pads contact points.
I would say that it got bit better but still it is noisy as hell.

Yeah so those are for the older pads. EBC pads used to not come with any shims and you had to get the universal stickers and cut them to shape. Anything that was newly designed in the last 5 - 6 years i believe now comes with them. for grins i took apart mine to look at them and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Added more of that same stuff you did on the contact points and everything seems to move nice and well. Thought it had fixed it when i went for a test drive that night, but sure enough when i put some heat into them the next day it came back just as loud. At this point i've emailed EBC warranty claim and i'll call them if i don't hear back in a business day or so. I'm not sure what they will do though. I might just have to chalk this up to a loss and switch to a different brand. Its a shame though, the stoping power is fantastic, but the noise is just unbearable. Everyone just turns their head and looks at me (and not in a good way) when i come to a red light or pull into a parking space.

[sthulin]

To Follow up on this, i spoke with EBC today. They recommended i switch to the red stuff pads and are sending me new fronts and rears as long as this is a daily driver and not a track monster. They offered to also replace them with a new batch of yellow stuff, but they think the kevlar compound is what's making the noise and that it wouldn't necessarily go away. I also brought up the Hawk 5.0 pads and they said the friction coefficients put them in between the red and the yellow pads, which makes them probably a good alternative for street driving.

[c99]

To Follow up on this, i spoke with EBC today. They recommended i switch to the red stuff pads and are sending me new fronts and rears as long as this is a daily driver and not a track monster. They offered to also replace them with a new batch of yellow stuff, but they think the kevlar compound is what's making the noise and that it wouldn't necessarily go away. I also brought up the Hawk 5.0 pads and they said the friction coefficients put them in between the red and the yellow pads, which makes them probably a good alternative for street driving.

Strange, in Europe EBC says 2 thing about RS5 pads on their web:

1) no red pads for RS5, only yellow and blue

2) yellow are not for track, but for streets only, blue are for street and track

[Kyokio]

Strange, in Europe EBC says 2 thing about RS5 pads on their web:

1) no red pads for RS5, only yellow and blue

2) yellow are not for track, but for streets only, blue are for street and track

ecs tuning has the ebc red pads

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ebc-part...7c-space-~ebc/

[Kyokio]

what's strange is the ebc red rear pads don't fit the rs5.. doesn't it share the same rear calipers/rotors as the a5/s5?

https://www.moddedeuros.com/products...-pads-dp32254c

[Lionheart_CHP]

Not wanting to hijack, but I'm looking at replacing my pads for the first time on this car ('19 RS5 SB). I've change pads plenty of times on previous vehicles, but this being my first German auto and knowing how Audi likes all work done at the dealership I'm looking for confirmation that this is a simple drop and replace. Coming from the Cadillac CTS-V platform, I could swap my pads in 20 minutes before and after a weekend autocross.

Any issues with collapsing the calipers? No special tools or ridiculous need to do it electronically?

Anything computer wise that needs to be reset?

[c99]

ecs tuning has the ebc red pads

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ebc-part...7c-space-~ebc/

I think EBC as producer knows better what is suitable for RS5 than any dealer. But of course its up to You. By the way there are rear pads too.

https://ebcbrakes.com/vehicle/usa/AUDI/RS5/

[c99]

Not wanting to hijack, but I'm looking at replacing my pads for the first time on this car ('19 RS5 SB). I've change pads plenty of times on previous vehicles, but this being my first German auto and knowing how Audi likes all work done at the dealership I'm looking for confirmation that this is a simple drop and replace. Coming from the Cadillac CTS-V platform, I could swap my pads in 20 minutes before and after a weekend autocross.

Any issues with collapsing the calipers? No special tools or ridiculous need to do it electronically?

Anything computer wise that needs to be reset?

There is no special difference, but for rear pads removal You need fully open electric hand brakes by VCDS/ODIS/OBDeleven etc. Maybe it is possible without it but I didn't try.

You can see video for rear brake pads change here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFZJj39FZ3s

[Kyokio]

I think EBC as producer knows better what is suitable for RS5 than any dealer. But of course its up to You. By the way there are rear pads too.

https://ebcbrakes.com/vehicle/usa/AUDI/RS5/

it may be that ebc changed the redstuff applications recently bc when i was searching a few months ago, redstuff was listed to fit our cars (on multiple vendor sites). also, why would ebc recommend the redstuff to sthulin if they didn't fit.

[sthulin]

it may be that ebc changed the redstuff applications recently bc when i was searching a few months ago, redstuff was listed to fit our cars (on multiple vendor sites). also, why would ebc recommend the redstuff to sthulin if they didn't fit.

I'm told its because the RS5 is a track capable car. They don't recommend green or red pads for anything with a high HP or track capable is what they said after i reminded them that they didn't have red stuff listed for the RS5 but did for the S5. But they told me if i don't track the car the red stuff should be fine and @djmika is running them fine as well. I put the red stuff fronts on and it seems to stop fine, though my rears are still squealing horribly. the red rears are still on 4 week back order. If i had to do this all over again, i probably would just go with the hawks as they said those are in between the red and yellow.

[Kyokio]

I'm told its because the RS5 is a track capable car. They don't recommend green or red pads for anything with a high HP or track capable is what they said after i reminded them that they didn't have red stuff listed for the RS5 but did for the S5. But they told me if i don't track the car the red stuff should be fine and @djmika is running them fine as well. I put the red stuff fronts on and it seems to stop fine, though my rears are still squealing horribly. the red rears are still on 4 week back order. If i had to do this all over again, i probably would just go with the hawks as they said those are in between the red and yellow.

thanks for clarifying.. but ebc's explanation doesn't really make sense. if it were true that redstuff pads aren't suitable for high hp / track capable cars, why does ebc list it for other cars like the bmw m3/m4 or even the b8 rs5 on their website.

[c99]

thanks for clarifying.. but ebc's explanation doesn't really make sense. if it were true that redstuff pads aren't suitable for high hp / track capable cars, why does ebc list it for other cars like the bmw m3/m4 or even the b8 rs5 on their website.

Every car has different brakes. RS5 brakes have pads with higher friction coefficient (mainly cars with Dynamic package with no ceramic brakes with Pagid racing HP306 pads) and they are suitable for high temeperatures. Redstuff is not good in that, they are Low Dust Ceramic pads. Ceramic pads generaly are comfort oriented (low dust, low noise), but they are not good for sports cars and high temperatures (they have bad heat transfer).

That is what I know.

[mrfingerfast]

Guys, I just want to make some update as squealing brakes are still killing me. Literally the most annoying thing I have found in RS5 so far.
Will leave my input, it might be helpful for others.

I started with OEM pads and rotors (no dynamic package) just to realize that squeaking is unbearable. According to Audi Center this is common thing and mainly caused by holes filled with dust from brakes.
Some users says to drive it like you stole it while others are just cleaning those holes - none of those solutions helped in my case.

I switched to EBS YellowStuff based on users reviews, apparently the older model as it came without anti-noise shims which I installed later - nothing changed in terms of squealing but braking was definitely better than OEM.
What is important I installed those pads on OEM rotors without any resurfacing of the discs which was stupid as I heard later.

Then I changed to Zimmermann Formula Z discs and Hawk HPS 5.0 as few different guys recommended this setup as noise-free and similar to OEM stoping power.
Horrible choice, braking seems to be softer and it is noisy, not only from low speed but higher speed as well!

Therefore I am about to order new pads and put them together with resurfaced OEM discs.
I am currently thinking about PowerStop Z23 or Girodisc Magic Pads.

Any suggestions?

[Lionheart_CHP]

I had Powerstop Z26 pads on my CTSV and loved them (though admittedly the bite was not as firm as the stock Brembos). When I replace my pads on the RS5 I plan to go with the Z23s as they're supposedly essentially the same pad as the Z26.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[2021RS5]

Thanks for the recommendation, they do have carbon fiber brake pads that fit the B9.5 RS5. Wow is that really all you have to do to eliminate brake dust, upgrade the pads to carbon fiber/ceramic? Much cheaper than upgrading the the rotors lol What would be the benefit of upgrading the rotors to ceramic?

[sthulin]

So i finally switched over from yellow stuff to red stuff (they took forever to get in) and now that i've had some time to drive around on them i have a few thoughts. I still have squealing, but it's not as loud, not as long (goes away much faster) and it's not as often. I'd say its about 80% better than when i had the yellow stuff pads.

[and12e]

EBC yellow stuff. Braking performance better than oem, dust seems to be more, and squeaks at slow braking. Would I go with yellow stuff over oem again? Yes.

[JohnEnglish]

What about Hawk Performance Ceramic pads? I know a few people here use them and really seem to like them.

[MerakiAutoworks]

EBC and Hawk are popular sellers for us.

-Josh

[Mav281]

Need to replace the brake pads on my 2019 RS5 after being told by Audi that “you’ve put some serious heat cycles through those”. LOL! Pads are still functional and seem OK but I knew they had been cooked - the result of a single lap of the Nordschelife and a 15 minute session on the Nurburgring Ring GP track 🤷

Anyway, I am planning on doing some more track sessions and generally like to drive the car hard anyway so was contemplating going for either Ferodo DS2500 or EBC Bluestuff. Can’t justify the cost of the Endless MX72’s but they would probably be my first choice.

Regardless I’m struggling to find rear pads for either the Ferodo DS2500 or EBC Bluestuff. What have others done for the rear and where did you get them from. I’m UK based, so ideally a UK reseller if anyone knows one, but any suggestions appreciated 👍

[mrfingerfast]

I have just changed my Hawk HPS 5.0 to Powerstop Z23.
Note that this is short update after first day only, of course I made bed-in procedure and rotors are resurfaced.

Initial bite is way better that HPS 5.0 which is surpising for me considering all the reviews here and there.
Also the raise of stopping power seems to be way better.
So far pads are completely silent but also rotors are clean now so we will see in next days.
Overall I would rather compare braking feeling to EBC Yellowstuff (sic!) than HPS 5.0.

[TJUNER_RS4]

I would like to share my impressions as well.

3'200 miles ago changed disc and pads on my RS4 B9. Replaced the OE system with discs from SHW, for pads I went with Endless MX87 and the Endless RF-650 brake fluid.

I use the car as daily and drive sometimes on very twisty mountain roads in the Swiss Alps. My impression is, that this is one of the best "daily" brakes I've drove so far. It's more quiet than stock - so far no squeaking - and the initial bite is crazy. I needed a moment to get familiar with the strong initial bite. But now I don't want to miss this brake setup!

[mrfingerfast]

So I am after first week with Powerstop Z23 and... I love it!
First of all, those pads are COMPLETELY QUIET!!!

Of course I did resurfaced my OEM rotors and followed bed-in procedure provided by manufacturer.

The feeling of brakes/grip is very similar bit better than OEM, similar to Yellowstuff and waaaay better than Hawk HPS 5.0.
Braking power itself on OEM level, but compound of Powerstop get and keep temperature more than OEM which I think might be the problem on track.

Personally I do not track this car so for daily spirited driving I could definitely recommend those pads.
And considering the price it is a real gem!