New Brake Pads - Worth Doing?
10-02-2012, 03:59 PM
#1
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New Brake Pads - Worth Doing?
For those technically minded, would someone please comment as to whether new/different pads would make a difference in the brake feel. Lots of negative comments regarding this topic which I happen to agree with. Looking for a simple and relatively inexpensive way to improve the current feel if that even exists. If there is another alternative which could be implemented for <$1000, I would be very interested. Thanks for the help.
10-02-2012, 04:25 PM
#2
The pads are the cheaper part of the braking system, and this being my first Audi. I think the rotors will be able to put up with a more resilient pad without burning or warping.
I think it'll make a big difference, but it's also possible that the car's coding that allows for the brake to be soft. So the early pressure accounts for less than the usual feel in a pneumatic only braking system.
Example:
20% pressure = 10% braking power
30% pressure = 20% braking power
50% pressure = 60% braking power
Getting a new pad will help with the early braking for sure.
I think it'll make a big difference, but it's also possible that the car's coding that allows for the brake to be soft. So the early pressure accounts for less than the usual feel in a pneumatic only braking system.
Example:
20% pressure = 10% braking power
30% pressure = 20% braking power
50% pressure = 60% braking power
Getting a new pad will help with the early braking for sure.
10-02-2012, 07:31 PM
#4
Please be aware that it might not be possible to change them your-self, since it requires a reset for the pad thickness. Otherwise you may have error codes. But do read up and post later for future Sixers.
10-03-2012, 04:50 AM
#5
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Few Audi owners went with ceramic pads from:
http://www.hawkpadsdirect.com/
Also in some cases dealer installed them. They also produce less brake dust. I would not set my expectations too high when you replace pads, braking is a system & pads are one part of that system, so some improvement may be seen, not sure about cost involved & how big of an improvement this will make.
http://www.hawkpadsdirect.com/
Also in some cases dealer installed them. They also produce less brake dust. I would not set my expectations too high when you replace pads, braking is a system & pads are one part of that system, so some improvement may be seen, not sure about cost involved & how big of an improvement this will make.
10-03-2012, 05:23 AM
#6
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Also in some cases dealer installed them. They also produce less brake dust. I would not set my expectations too high when you replace pads, braking is a system & pads are one part of that system, so some improvement may be seen, not sure about cost involved & how big of an improvement this will make.
Some of these so-called "hi-performance" pads won't stop the car when they're cold.
10-03-2012, 05:41 AM
#7
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This is not good news unfortunately. Clearly from your comments there is no "easy fix" to the issue. I just can't understand why the brake feel on my Q5 is great and on my A6 it's terrible.
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10-03-2012, 06:16 AM
#9
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Addy, that's not going to give you the improvement you seek. I've done that mod and noticed no difference at all.
10-03-2012, 08:19 AM
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Drats, this is looking more & more like "accept it or leave it." Shame, it's literally my only real complaint about the car. My dealer is saying I'm the only one to complain so far but here on the forum, it's pretty common place. Guess the pads won't help much either. Running out of cost effective options.