ok, so it looks like the ol' front brake pads are toasted. I got some serious miles out of em, so it's time to replace. So, the question is, what brand do you guys recommend? I'd like to keep the brake dust to a minimum (who doesn't??) ;-), but I was looking at some on ECStuning, and saw some Hawk pads. anyone know if they're any good? Also, on a 2000 A4 1.8t (quattro), do most of you use the sensors or not??

thanks!!

 

Hawks are well known and have a good reputation.
Others:
Mintex Red Box
Paggid
Porterfield
If the pads have the sensors, I'd use them.
Many guys don't worry about the lack of sensors because they regularly check the pad wear.

 

I would advise against mintex red box, I currently have them and they suck! Bad brake dust and they don't perform any better than stock.

 

I recently got the mintex redbox front and rear and for a daily driver there same as new stock. I think they hold up better to hard driving IMHO, but my stock pads were old so it might not be fare to compare the two

For the kind of drivin I do I would want something better though