I've done some research and am looking at swapping my stock brake pads for some Akebono Euro ceramics (2006 A4 2.0T quattro). My primary reason for doing this is to get rid of the annoying squeal from the stock pads (will be nice to get rid of some of that dust too). Planning to keep my stock rotors for now.
Would love to hear some opinions on if this is a good choice for my car. I'm in the Seattle area, so lots of cool, damp conditions - moderate to aggressive street driving.
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Pros:
1. Less brake dust
2. Less noise
Cons:
1. Higher pedal effort
2. More heat produced resulting in warped rotors
3. Due to higher heat, pads tend to chip and crack over time
I hate ceramics personally, but if you wanna eliminate dust and noise, then ceramics are for you, im a fan of functionality over looks.
I LOOOOOVE kevlar pads. Little pricey, but worth it. My wilwoods are semi-matalic race pads. Little loss in low temps but way better when warm
__________________ FACTS > followers 197whp and 292wtq with no chip on stock ic, airbox and catback AEG crank +Scat rods + 83mm Wiseco pistons = CincyTT Version 2.0T
i have hawk ceramics and im not very fond of them but i drive my car pretty hard... however they do have a lot of pro's
no noise
hardly any dust
decent stopping power when warm
great for a daily driver
i like lots of initial grab though and these dont have it... i think im either going to try the Hawk HPS or carbotech bobcats next
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APR 1+ Stasis StreetSports/Center Diff Neuspeed Exhaust/TP Podi w/ VEI Digital Gauge JHM Short Shifter Southbend FE SS Racetec FMIC Apikol Snub 6000k HIDs
Well the PBR ceramics do squeak when the brake dust builds up. But thats only when I don't wash the car for 3-4 weeks. Other than they're much better than stock.
I put ceramics on my rears for about $50 for the set at Advance Auto. Since it's winter, I haven't paid much attention to the looks of the exterior, so haven't noticed seeing less brake dust yet. The e-brake works fine, and the car still stops great. I plan on doing some typeof front brake upgrade this spring,but not sure yet. I'vegot 15's now, soI have to get some 17 or 18 inch wheels for the big brake upgrade.
Seems to be a mix of opinions. Is anyone out there using the Akebono ceramics that I mentioned above (especially on an A4). I'd like to hear how you like them. Or if you can recommend an alternate pad for a 2006 A4 that is low noise, but braking power >= stock pads I would love to hear about them.
**Note: I use my car for standard - aggressive street driving. It's not a track car.
and for some reason the brake pads i have now produce A LOT of brake dust. do not know if they are stock brake pads or what because i just purchased the car 4 weeks ago.
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2002 Audi A4 3.0L Quattro Tiptronic
Black on Black
R8 reps 18"
Chrome Side Mirrors
6000k ProLumen Hids in lowbeams