adamvincent617

So my car was in for service and the dealership mentioned that the pads and rotors are getting close to needing replacement. The quote for the front and back was $3600 for replacement pads and rotors.

Obviously that factors in the dealership premium, but was surprised to see according to online retailers the parts alone are $1500 for OEM options. Thoughts on good replacement options for pads and rotors and cost if I went independent for installation.

GDawgA4

OEM parts are still costly for the Q7 however if you search enough, you can find online parts dealers with decent prices. I'm pricing out front pads and rotors and considering staying OEM for rotors, undecided on pads. I'm able to get the pads and rotors for $746 before shipping at Audi USA Parts (audiusaparts.com). I've ordered from them before and had a good experience. For all 4 corners, you're looking at $1,107 before shipping.

Front Rotors: $272 4M0-615-301-AS https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...sc-4m0615301as
Front Pads: $202 4M0-698-151-BJ https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...ng-4m0698151bj

Rear Rotors: $133 4M0-615-601-P https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...ear-4m0615601p
Rear Pads: $95 4M0-698-451-R https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...ear-4m0698451r

A note on the front pads. The previous part number was 4M0-698-151-BD and is discontinued now. You can still find some retailers listing it and costs a bit less than the updated version, 4M0-698-151-BJ.

PlainsOil

Might want to try this before getting robbed at the dealer: Audi Ultimate Brake Kit (Q7 4M) 015652 by Europa Parts | Europa Parts

mhoran89

I am on cheaper energit pads and have no issues as far as I can tell. The rotors are not cheap as you mentioned. I used Fremax last time and the whole job was under 600 with rotors, pads, clips, sensors but I am not thrilled with the anti-rust qualities of the fremax rotors.

this is a hell of a deal. it also takes all the guesswork out of it and will include sensors, clips, rotor screws, etc.

I have bought brake components from ebay, FCP euro, europa parts, rock auto, local dealer, etc. it all depends where you can get the best deal.

GDawgA4

That's a great all in cost for the front. I don't mind spending a little more for the OEM rotors if it means I don't have to look at rusty rotors. At $272 a piece, it's cheaper than some of the aftermarket alternatives. The OEM pads comes with the clips which is nice. I think most aftermarkets will include clips as well. Hell, even Advance Auto pads (which their Euro ones are actually pretty good) come with clips! Short story on AA pads... I ordered pads for the A6 from FCP and they sent the wrong pads (even with my VIN)...twice even though their site says it'll fit! The car was already down for 1.5 weeks at that point and I needed pads so I decided to try Advance Auto's Platinum euro line as a temporary solution. You know what? They stop just as well, if not better than the OEM ones and don't spew any more dust than before either! Took them on a 500 mi road trip and had no issues. For the cost and lifetime warranty, can't beat it. I know there may be a stigma on using auto parts store parts but sometimes the higher premium options they offer can be good alternatives.

mhoran89

NO that was an all in cost for all 4 corners. so at this point I don't care if the rotors are a bit rusty.

GDawgA4

Wow, even better! I still don't know if I could stand looking at rusty components haha.

Playr158

I just got SHW rotors for the front like 540 from tirerack. Still need to find pads 🤔

mhoran89

After doing nearly 20K miles a winter I don't really care. At this pace I think I will have to do a brake job after two winters due to mileage.
I do think zimmerman makes a significantly better rotor in terms of corrosion resistance which I would benefit from.

GDawgA4

Yes, if aftermarket I'll always go Zimmerman. I think last time I checked they didn't have one for the 4M yet but I could be wrong.