Hey all,

Just wanted to see if you have any recommendations on brake pads for our cars? I have an 03 A4 1.8T and want to go ahead and replace these since I just got it and they are a little low. Moreover, I want to know if there any special tools I might need to do this work on my own.

Thanks
Osmer

 

Depends what you want to use them for....just as a daily driver I'm assuming, right? I love EBC Greenstuff. Better bite than OEMs, and I've never had a problem with squealing. Pretty low dust too.

The pads are pretty easy to change. You'll need a jack and jackstands (duh) and a hex key or hex socket to get the front caliper pins out. The rears are a bit more difficult, as you'll need a crescent wrench to keep the pin assembly from spinning while you remove it....I think its a 13mm. You'll also need a special tool called a brake pad retractor to push the rear pistons. The front pistons just push in, but for the rears, you have to turn them clockwise while pushing in on them. There's a tool you can rent from Autozone, or you can buy one for $20.

Definitely search the archives for more detail....there's definitely several detailed walkthroughs on Audiworld.

 

Jazz pretty much covered it. Just buy that tool, its pretty cheap and you can use it on both the rear and front caliper pistons. Its nicer than trying to use a C clamp or equivalent on the fronts.

I usually recommend Akebono Euro ceramic pads, which is what I put on mine. Seriously low dust, good bite, no squeel at all. They are on the pricey side, but I love them. My rims never look dirty anymore.

Whether you get the Akebonos or not, I def recommend ceramic pads over organic or metallic. The dust is much lower.

 

i use the EBC's red stuff with ECS's slottled and drilled stops really fast with out sqealing the tires

good place to find EBC brakes
http://ajusa.com

place for rotors
http://ecstuning.com

 

I've got greenstuff in the front and EBC's OEM style in the rear and they've been fine for me.

 

Does autozone sell that tool as well? I saw the one on ECS but it was a bit costly for what it does.