I've heard going to a ValueBrakes or Meineke may not be a good idea since they give you cheaper brake pads, etc. Is this true? Is it more cost effective to go to a specialized Audi shopsince they will last longer? Where should I go to get them installed along with rotors? Please help! -Thanks

You're better off doing the brakes yourself, if you're mechanically inclined. If you do a search, you'll find lots of posts on how to change the pads & rotors. Not sure on the quality of the Meineke pads, though. You'll save a ton of $ by DIY rather than having someone else change them for you. Plus... it'll be a learning experience.

I am not that comfortable doing it myself, plus time is an issue. So...with that said, what type of pad do you recommend?Standard, Premium, Semi-metallic pads? And the rotors? I notice that Value Brakes and Meineke says they "resurface" the rotors. They don't replace them.

Thanks for the help...

i just had my fronts replaced with oem pads and rotors(mec. said rotors can't be resurfaced) and i paid $500
260 for parts and 240 for labor.
this is in san diego so the price might be more here(like everything else!)
01 a4 quatto

you should really look into doing it yourself... its so much cheaper, and its probably the most simple thing you can do to your car besides checking the oil. if you can change a tire and turn a ratchet left and right, you can change your brakes.

I'll consider doing it myself if it isa matter of just working the ratchet! I just don't want to mess up my car, that's all.

I would appreciate it if I could be lead to a "Do it yourself" link on changing the pads and rotors...THANKS!

Take your pick. GL.

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/content_wheel.shtml#a4

its a simple install that will save you $$. i haven't had to change the brakes on my audi yet, but i did the brakes on my ex gf's jetta a few months back, and it took me well under an hour for all 4 (minus cigarette breaks). once you actually take the wheel off and get the caliber off of one of them, you'll realize how easy it is. its really not something you can mess up.

All cars' brakes are going to be a little bit different. The degree of difficulty of changing brakes/rotors is probably up there with changing the oil & filter. A cinch. So far, I've changed brake pads & rotors on many different cars over the years:
a VW New Beetle, MBZ C230, Mitsu Montero Sport, Honda Civic, Nissan Pathfinder. All real easy to change. I recommend to DIY. You can use the $ which you saved towards gas.

For the rotors, if you have enough rotor left (thickness), it'll be cheaper for the shop to just re-surface it. If there's not much rotor left, you gotta replace it.

i'm pretty sure the jetta had the brakes off the a3 cause those are the pads that i used cause nobody had the pads for the vr6.