I have looked around and wanted an some more input. Can I just change the front break pads or is it better to change the rotors at the same time? I wanted to just change the pads but was unsure.

 

you dont need rotors unless they are warped of have a lip from excessive use.... 9 out of 10 times all out need are just pads. if you are unsure then have the mech give the rotors a quick visiual inspection when they take the wheel off to change the pads.

 

Conventional wisdom says always replace or at least turn the rotors when you replace pads. Real wisdom on this forum says replace rotors, as they are too thin to turn. Dummies, like me, had the front rotors turned (rears had to be replaced) at 101k miles and still running fine at 140k miles, no pulsing or issues.

I also had just the pads replaced on my A4 3.0l without new rotors or turning. The pads were lightly worn. No problems on this vehicle either.

In summary, it depends on the condition of your rotors. If you waited too long and they've badly worn or gouged, they need to be replaced.

 

Ya know, you can get the rotors 'resurfaced' as opposed to 'turned'... a resurface is a lighter cut than what most consider for a turned rotor - 2-4 thousands instead of the normal 10+. It basically just breaks the glazing allowing the new pads to seat in better. $10 at most garages.

 

If the current stops are smooth just remove the lip with a small grinder and replace the pads...

 

I just took my a6 in today to do the front brakes... the rotors did have a lip but it couldnt be resurfaced becasue of how deep they went... ended up paying $420 for 2 rotors a new set of pads a brake fluid flush and a basic oil change/tune up... I dont think that was too bad given that i was quoted about 800 just for the brakes and rotors at audi. I got aftermarket light weight rotors for REALLLLY CHEAP and posi quiet pads... it runs GREAT

 

Thanks for all the tips, looks like I will replace both the brakes and rotors when it is time.

 

Audi rotors tend to wear very fast, I recommend changing the rotors with every set of brakes. I did my front brakes last year at 58,000 miles and my rotors were shot with a huge lip. You really don't want to get cheap when it comes brakes, they are the most important safety system on your car.

 

please dont take it the wrong way when i said they were cheap... cheap meant 130 each but thats considered cheap when your talking performance rotors

 

Damn --I'll have to tell my Audi that the brakes should not work.. I'm on the third set of pads without changing the rotors... But then I only have 230K on it. I did the same on my 200QT got to 350K before I changed vehicles.

Maybe you have to wait until you get high milage on your vehicles before you stop changing the rotors everytime you change the pads