I have a 2000 A8 with about 48,000 miles. I need to replace my front breaks (although the censor hasn't tripped yet) and have been quoted between $650 to $850 for replacement pads and rotors. However, I see online that there are generic pads and rotors that are a fraction of the Audi price. Is there a catch? Can anyone give me advice on how to replace my front breaks for $300 or less?

 

Sure do it yourself!

how-to

 

Make sure you swing by EBAY and get THIS, first. It's much quicker than the "C-Clamp & Channel-lock" method, and will be teh BEST quarter you've EVER spent, believe you me!!!

 

I have replace my fronts twice with factory pads and still have the original rotors. I had my fronts replaced at a local Chicago Audi dealer for about $400.00, they sanded the rotors. I had the pads replaced at 27K and 65K which is not bad for a lot of city driving. The last time I had the fronts replace I did have a jiggle in the brake pedal when I slowed from high speeds this went away after the first 1000 miles. I would also recomend having the break fluid changed as well.

 

My local Audi dealer wants about $700.00 for the procedure, (bloodsuckers!!!).

Going to get new front pads and rotors tomorrow at 70K miles at a small Euro cars specialist for $535.00. I'm sure I could get it done for somewhat less elsewhere, but dont want to spend the time and nerves.

 

Okay, front pads and rotors replaced for $560.00, lol. Car feels better now, comes to a stop more smoothly, but best of all - the beeping sound at startup is gone.

 

When having an alignment done this week it was discovered that one of the front tie rods had frozen in place due to an improper installation (at an Audi dealer, btw).

$320.00 for new front tie rods, oil grease fingerprints on the cloth part of the interior, steering wheel, armrests a no-cost extra

 

I really doubt the installation was incorrect

Were they ever replaced before

Its kinda hard to mess up a tierod installation

 

Records indicate that they were replaced about 10,000 miles ago (the car was under a diff owner). Somehow, the left one was not bolted on properly, which allowed water to enter some part of it and eventually solidify into rust. The left wheel was misaligned and was causing excessive tire wear. The mechanics were thinking of attempting to loosen the tie rod by heating it a little, but decided against it, so I had no choice but to replace them.

I would have gone to the dealer who performed the service on the car, but that's two hours away, I would have to schedule an appointment, drive over a hundred miles to get there, etc. Arranging to have them replaced (preferably for free) at a local Audi dealer would have taken days of "debate" over the phone, and the price of simply getting new tie rods installed was less than the amount which I would have to spend on the corresponding amount of aspirin necessary to get a dealer over in Boston to agree to pay for their replacement.

So, in 2.5 months (and 3,000 miles) of ownership I have spent close to $900.00 "rectifying" stuff that a $115 inspection at an Audi dealer failed to identify as possibly needing replacement.

But it's okay, I think having an A8 is worth it. After all, you only live once.

 

I have had the front a back pads disc zimmerman slotted in front and hawk hp plus pads SS brake lines withh motul brake oil. for aboutless then 700$ installation and parts included.