deb

My dealer is telling me that I need this work done and they are going to charge me $740 for the front brakes.

It seems ridiculous that I would need new rotors at 35k. I didn't question him about it, but when I told a friend, he said that this didn't seem right.

Anyone have any input for me.

Thanks.

CharlieG

Not necessarily out of the ordinary for an Audi. In general the rotors wear just like the pads and they just aren't meant to be cut like they were in the past (distant past). You should be able to get this done for less (a good deal less) at an independent using either OEM or aftermarket parts (check ECS for example).

jagtoes

I don't know your skills but if you work on cars this is not a difficult job. If it were me I would first measure the rotors and verify the thickness against the spec. The thickness range is listed on the rotor center hat. If they are greater then half worn I would replace them. They are easy to do and I'm sure you can find a youtube video on how to change them. Also check them for run out . I would also look at pad thickness and if they have worn equally then just replace them with a good ceramic type. Front pads should run about $100 for the pair. Rotors would go between $50-$100 each. Should take about 1 hour to service each wheel. By the way unless the wheel is vibrating during braking I would not have the rotors machined. Just my 2 cents

AvantMore

Just had mine done. Dealer and independent both told me rotors needed replacing (of course) but figured even if I could stretch them for a while, just for convenience/timing and peace of mind, I bit the bullet during 35K service appointment with the convenience of a loaner. Interestingly, independent wanted to charge about $650, using oem parts, and was really obnoxious when I tried to negotiate a bit off. Audi had a 15% off coupon and so I came in somewhere around $630 at the dealer. So, dealer it was.

Always a trade off on how much time you spend finding cheaper options, stretching things and getting caught when it's absolutely necessary to get done when totally inconvenient, versus paying a little more for ease and peace of mind.

If I had more spare time and had tools, this does not seem like it would be beyond a beyond even my limited ability, but alas...

Good luck.

Audirings4

35k for front pads/rotors is normal.

If you're able to do them yourself cost will be under $300 with OEM parts.
I changed out all four pads/rotors on our Q5 with Stoptech parts for $450.

gunsmoker

I'm at 25k miles and the front pads' thickness is 9mm. Does anybody know what the thickness of a new OEM pad is?

jagtoes

You should be good down to 3mm

gunsmoker

I asked about the original thickness. Is it 1.2mm or other?

jagtoes

Sorry the pads new should be around 15mm

Turbo Freak

Just bought this tool to measure the remaining thickness of my brake pads:


http://www.otctools.com/products/brake_pad_gauge

http://workshop.search-autoparts.com...407/31710.html