I have been a bit lazy and am finally getting around to replacing my brakes since the wear sensor turned on about 3 months ago. I plan on replacing the brakes myself, so because of my laziness the rotors will probably need replacing as well.

I'm not a racer, but I would like to get a decent set of rotors and pads. I would like to keep the same braking performance, but reduce the amount of brake dust if possible.

Any suggestions on brands for the pads and rotors I should be looking at? Or does anyone know of a good online store where I can get good parts at a reasonable cost?

Thanks.
-B

 

Ceramic pads will reduce brake dust, but they also increase pedal effort, increase heat applied to the rotor, the crack and break off etc. Not worth it in my opinion. EBC makes a variety of pads to choose from, just stay away from full ceramics.

www.ecstuning.com
www.purems.com

Maybe some other members can recommend some other sites.

 

Do you always have to change your rotor when changing brakes? Can they be turned like on regular cars?

 

I've used ceramic pads on my last three A4's and never had any issues with them. They work great and I run the car hard as hell most days. They are still crazy dusty as far I am concerned.

 

If the rotors are not scored or warped, it is not necessary to put on new rotors with each brake pad change. Rub the disk surface with your finger and if it fells relatively smooth then the rotors are OK.

 

....what if they're not smooth and you don't replace them, what are the conciquences?? And can they be turned??

 

They can be turned. You know they are warped if you have any vibration when stopping. Being scored usually come from the queel tab digging in too long or the pad completely getting to bare metal. Its not a bad idea to turn them anyway as they can get glazed meaning they will be slicker than normal and it will affect stopping distance.

On my b6 A4 my rear pad grinded into the rotor about a 1/4 groove. I just slapped on some new pads since the rear brakes do the least amount of braking.