Hey Everyone,

My girlfriend has an 06 A4 quattro and her 'replace front pads' light is on. I removed her front wheel and checked the pads/rotors.

Now, i want to change the rotors and pads. Iv read that some models have upgraded S4 brakes which require bigger rotors.

I believe she has the stock A4 rotors, but how could i be sure? does anyone have any pictures or specifications that could help me? Also, im pretty sure that the brake pads are the same in either case..?


I appreciate the help.

 

You need to measure the rotors, across the diameter, in millimeters. Mine are the 319 to 322 mm (depending upon who the rotor maker is). I think I remember seeing some 285's as well.

 

I just ordered rotors 321mm x 30mm. Do you know the size of the caliper star bolts. Theres also a tiny star bolt holding the rotor on..?

lastly, i noticed there is something called an anti-rattle spring. Do i need to replace those or can they be re-used?

 

You can re-use the anti-rattle spring.

 

My light has come on as well. Or it has flashed the brake icon once in the last week. I'm driving my Mini at the moment. I need to do brakes as well, what to get for good quality standard stuff? I'm sure both of ours are daily drivers used for transportation and not track days and such. Sorry didn't mean to hijack.

 

It sounds like you have the same brake package I have. To remove the caliper, look for the two plastic plugs on the inside of the caliper. Pull the plgs out using your fingers. The guide pins are 7mm hex, not torx (at least mine are, and the manual supports that. The "star" bolts on the caliper do not need to be removed.

The star (torx) screw on the rotor is a T15 I believe. Give this item a good spray with PB Blaster or liquid wrench right afet yoiu pull the wheels and let soak as you pull the rotors.

The spring clips can be re-used.

 

If it just flashed, it was probably moisture in a connector. Happend to me once, and the pads were not worn to the sensor. If they do wear to the sensor the icon will stay on solid light.

I have been using Rock Auto for parts(rockauto.com) and have been reasonably satisfied. The Centric PowerSlot Rotors worked out well when used with Powerstop pads.

 

If you do not want to upgrade the rotor size you can swap in some EBC 3GD rotors. They are stock sized and they will outstop the S4 rotors. Get a set of EBC green stuff pads and you will be good. All 4 are about $600. The dealer charged over $900 for OEM replacements.

EBC 3GD Rotors

I have them on my F-150 and the difference is amazing. I am running EBC Yellow stuff carbon kevlar pads though. The Cadillac SRX will be getting the fronts done soon.

 

Over the weekend I did a complete brake job on my A4. Started Sat evening and realized Autopartswarehouse had the incorrect front pads listed on their site for my car. They were sent back this week. I ordered akebono ceramic pads and zimmerman rotors. The rotors seem fine three days later, I had to scamper around Sunday to find pads frt & rear. Ended at autozone who was the only one who had ceramic in stock for my car. It sucks but i'm rolling again.

 

If the rotors aren't warped and within spec there is no need to replace them. Other then the "cool" factor there is no technical reason to install any hi-performance rotors on a street car. The difference in stopping is not appreciated by the street driver. The OEM design is more then adequate to stop these cars during normal use. The benefit gained by going to a ceramic pad is the great reduction of brake dust caused by the OEM pads. The down side is they will wear down the rotors at a greater rate. Good luck.