I've done some research and am looking at swapping my stock brake pads for some Akebono Euro ceramics (2006 A4 2.0T quattro). My primary reason for doing this is to get rid of the annoying squeal from the stock pads (will be nice to get rid of some of that dust too). Planning to keep my stock rotors for now.

Here is a link to the pads:
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...amp;perfCode=P

Would love to hear some opinions on if this is a good choice for my car. I'm in the Seattle area, so lots of cool, damp conditions - moderate to aggressive street driving.

 

Pros:
1. Less brake dust
2. Less noise
Cons:
1. Higher pedal effort
2. More heat produced resulting in warped rotors
3. Due to higher heat, pads tend to chip and crack over time

I hate ceramics personally, but if you wanna eliminate dust and noise, then ceramics are for you, im a fan of functionality over looks.

 

I LOOOOOVE kevlar pads. Little pricey, but worth it. My wilwoods are semi-matalic race pads. Little loss in low temps but way better when warm

 

i have hawk ceramics and im not very fond of them but i drive my car pretty hard... however they do have a lot of pro's

no noise
hardly any dust
decent stopping power when warm
great for a daily driver

i like lots of initial grab though and these dont have it... i think im either going to try the Hawk HPS or carbotech bobcats next

 

Well the PBR ceramics do squeak when the brake dust builds up. But thats only when I don't wash the car for 3-4 weeks. Other than they're much better than stock.

 

Sounds like the ceramics are the answer. Too bad they might not have the same bite as my stock pads, but I guess there are tradeoffs.

 

I put ceramics on my rears for about $50 for the set at Advance Auto. Since it's winter, I haven't paid much attention to the looks of the exterior, so haven't noticed seeing less brake dust yet. The e-brake works fine, and the car still stops great. I plan on doing some typeof front brake upgrade this spring,but not sure yet. I'vegot 15's now, soI have to get some 17 or 18 inch wheels for the big brake upgrade.

 

No ceramics have more "bite" than stock pads, the trade off is brake noise. Ever heard a rally/track car with ceramics?

 

Seems to be a mix of opinions. Is anyone out there using the Akebono ceramics that I mentioned above (especially on an A4). I'd like to hear how you like them. Or if you can recommend an alternate pad for a 2006 A4 that is low noise, but braking power >= stock pads I would love to hear about them.

**Note: I use my car for standard - aggressive street driving. It's not a track car.

 

isnt a "higher pedal feel" a pro and not a con?

and for some reason the brake pads i have now produce A LOT of brake dust. do not know if they are stock brake pads or what because i just purchased the car 4 weeks ago.