Thread: Pads and discs??

Hi,

I have an Audi A3 1.9tdi sport (130 bhp, 2002). Its done 80,000 miles and the brake pads need changing. I have also been advised to change the brake discs. I am wondering whether to stick to buying a set of standard pads and disks or buying sports pads and disks. How much difference will it really make? How much more expensive will it be and is it worth the money?

As i am also planning on putting a revo chip into the car will it be better to get the sports pads and discs? Also whats the difference between drilled and grooved discs and which is better?

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Discs: as you will already have the larger standard sized discs (288mm) you wont get that much extra benefit from buying replacement standard discs or drilled or grooved discs.

Pads: on the other hand can make a significant difference depending on the make and specification.

it is all dependant on what your budget is. but at the end of the day you need brakes. you can get a full car set of brakes off ebay for about £100 delivered (if you want cheap crappy pads which squeel under braking (I know this cos i've had them )
Or, you could get the cheaper range from GSF or Euro car parts for maybe £150 or thereabouts.
Or, you could spashout £300+ with the same retailer and get "sport" [designated "sport" as a generic term for discs which may be drilled, dimpled or grooved] discs and better pads

Then you also have the option to fit S3 discs and pads by buying the required callipers and carriers from an S3 or TT (or later golfs i think?) to upgrade the fronts, you'd not be able to fit S3, tt rears though as the hubs are different

there will be some good advice given in the A3 forum and as I'm an A4 owner i woul'dnt try to persuade you either way. only dont get the ebay ones unless it's your only option!

Good advice, std discs and spend a bit more on decent pads they do make a diff, if you wanted the calliper carriers VAG parts do them now for 90ish + vat for the bigger front disc option.

Cheers

Derek

GSF do some performace pads and Brembo groved disks. Do you guys think they will do the job much better than standard? Has anyone tried these and what are they like?

I have the following choice of brakes for my A3 1.9tdi (130bhp 2002):

Pads:
Pagid performance pads, ECB greenstuff performance pads, Mintex Extreme performance pads


Discs:
Bremo grooved discs, Zimmermann cross drilled discs


Please can you guys advise. I had had mixed views. I have been told by a lot of people to stay away from ECB and others say they are good. And i will probably go with Brembo discs.

Also i dont want loads of dust comming off the pads so please bare that in mind.

Thanks.

Ive only used redstuff (1 up from green i think) pads out of that lot and they were from memory ok, im sure som1 else can advise on the discs, i just stick with normal discs i.e. no grooves/drilled etc.