Hi,

I just installed new front pads and rotors on my 96 a4 last weekend. They seem to be wearing down at an angle with the least wear toward the center of the tire, and the most wear away from the tire as shown in the pic below. When resting, the inside edge of the pad is just touching the rotor, and the edge on the outer radius is 1/8 to 1/4 inch away. This wear is the same on both left and right fronts.

I am a bit surprised that they have worn down in such a way in just a week's time, so am questioning whether I might have done something wrong on the installation. You wouldn't normally expect to see this as normal bedding wear, right? The pads are mintex red box if it matters. Any tips or assurances would be appreciated. I'm still a novice to the DIY arena, but trying...

Thanks,
Brian


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LOl,

I know what you mean. I just replaced my pads with mintex red box as well.

Dont worry about it.

the pads are angled on the ends. Once the middle part of the pad wears down to match the ends, it will appear normal.

The pads are kind of a convex shape, kind of strange, but thats the way mine were also.

I just looked at them again, and there is still the gap there, after about 3 weeks. Eventually, they will be flat all the way around!

Anyway, mine seem to bite as well as they did before i changed them, It still feels like i can stop from 60-0 in like 20 feet, so i am not too concerned, you shouldn't be either.

 

yea my ebc red stuff are the same way i know it seems kinda odd i thought there was something wrong with mine when i first put them on but the car stopped like a champ and didn't make any noise so i left them alone and all has been good with them

 

sorry to jack this thread... but can someone ball park me on a brake job, just parts not labor, (rotors and pads)... if you upgraded let me know what you upgraded with and price. im just sick or my goddamn brakes sqeeeling everytime i stop, oh and low dust pads would be great im also sick of cleaning my wheels inbetween washes haha

 

I went with mintex red pads, about $44.

Dont know on the rotors, check ecstuning.com.

The have some low dusting pads as well, ceramic, but I have not tried them.

 

OK, just want to officially put this one to rest... it is in fact the bevel on the edge giving it this appearance. It is a real optical illusion. Had to take the tire off today and take a look to convince myself it was all good. Thanks for the help acetrebo (&kraylon).

I was a bit paranoid on that first real DIY job. Feels good to know a bit more of what is going on. Now to figure out my suspension... :P I've got at least one bad upper front control arm on the right side and probably some other things to look at (tie-rods?) so I'll be searching the archives again tonight.

Brian

 

Glad to see another DIY'er starting out.

Just take your time, ask questions, get a haynes or bentley manual, and a code reader or vag-com are great to have.

Welcome to the forum.