Hi guys!

I just got my orange light for brake pads on. I tried to use vag-com to determine which wheel is it from but i was unable. I tried every single controller and no luck. Has anyone tried this before?

Coming back to the braking pads and rotors. All of my rotors have a lip at the exterior. Is that a bad thing or is it normal? I'm thinking just to buy some brake pads and replace but I need your advice to what's better. Any websites you guys recommend for parts?

Feel free to give as many choices.

Is is ok to replace just the pads on the old rotor or should i replace both the rotor and pads? I got 78 k miles on it. I don't know if they've ever been replaced. I bought the car when it was at 68 k.

Just got a quote from the dealer. Less than $300 for labor and parts to replace just the front pads. Is this a good price?

Thank you

 

There is a window on the caliper that will allow you to check which one is warn. From my knowledge there are no ware indicators on the back of an A6 so this means your fronts are the issue. frankly you need to replace them all, I just did this last weekend it did not take long at all. I fitted Hawk HPS pads $147 shipped from tirerack.com

 

Brake pads for the front. Obviously you do both sides. As for the rotors, many prefer doing rotors the same time as the pads, others prefer just turning the rotors as long as they are above the spec thickness. I for one, prefer the 1st method.

 

Both front and rear pad sets have wear indicators and the only way of telling is by inspection. Yes, you can get away with just pads. Or, you can have the rotors turned. If you go the replacement rotor route, stay away from "Made in China" rotors as you will not be happy with them.

Bob

 

What year is your A6? Older A6's do not have brake pad sensors on the rear pads.

I've replaced new pads on old rotors with lips on them and have had no problems.

 

The brakepad display came on the other day. It has previously gone on as well, but every time it ends up going off (usually after the car is shut off and sits a bit). Any ideas why this would be happening.

If all else fails I will just take it in and have the shop look at the brakepads, but it seems like an unnecessary expense if the light keeps going off. Anyone had this happen before?

Also, do ceramic brakepads have noticeably less stopping power for an average driver - meaning some city but mostly highway (and not stop and go traffic)? Or would you only notice the difference for higher speed breaking?

 

Soon the brake pad display will be on constantly. You should jut do the brakes. As for the ceramic brake pads, as long as you get a reputable brand, it is fine for everyday driving.

 

Yes and no to the ceramic pads... heres why.... sure ceramic pads are used in race scenarios and on various cars for everyday driving but by nature ceramic pads work better when hot. if you are driving in snow or rain the pads will not get a chance to heat up to optimal brake temp. which will in ture reduce your braking performance. By all means they are just fine and a hell of alot better than other types of pads under normal conditions but please factor in the weather when you decide what pads you are going to purchase. I personally stick with a semi metallic pad becasue of its consistancy.

 

Maybe you misunderstood my point. It is my understanding that the ceramic pad that DtTall is referring to are street ceramic compound pads. These are not the same as the RACE ceramic pads and rotors that come with high performance cars. Street ceramic compound pads are designed to work on lower temperature application, and you are incorrect in saying that all ceramic pads are designed to work better when hot.

Also can you explain what you mean by considering the weather in regards to the pad selection?

 

If I understand correctly, it is just relating to weather keeping the pads cooler. If cooler pads impact performance then I guess it could be an issue. From most things I read it sounds like ceramic will be the way I go. Any rec's as to which one or brand? And are the shims important to get with it?

Here is what I'm looking at http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...b&refValue=All

Thanks for all the help to a new member (and new 02 A6 Audi owner!)