Brake Pads - Talk to Me

[Habitual]

Hey All,

I've done a search and there's nothing specific to my question.

My brake pads are due on my 2009 A3 1.9 TDI.

I know this because a light came on, on the dash. This indicates that there's a sensor on there somewhere...

So, question 1: Can I change the brake pads on this car or will it need to be a specialist job?

Then, I looked around for some brake pads. The only time I bought brake pads before they were Red Stuff, so I knew they were good. However, this is a 1.9 TDI - I won't need Red Stuff... Whilst looking around I've seen pads from £10! They're probably made from cheese.

So, question 2: What good brake pads can people recommend for my car, without breaking the bank whilst retaining the ability to stop the car?

Thanks in advance,

Tom.

 

[S3Alex]

I've tried EBC and didnt like them at all.

If you can get either Ferodo DS2500 or maybe equivelent Mintex pads you should find an improvement.

 

[Habitual]

Hey Alex, thanks for the reply.

My car is only 100hp. :| Are those Ferodo DS2500 nessesary? I know people who used those on 200hp tin can track cars.... >.<

However, the Mintex seem like they're the other end of the spectrum at only £20.

Audi A3 2 8P (2003-) Mintex Brake Pads - Mintex Online - Mintex Brakes Online

It seems like you basically said "Buy these for £120, but failing that, try these for £20".

Surely they can't be near similar....

Sorry man, I'm a little confused by your post - grateful all the same - just confused.

 

[S3Alex]

I should have put in the type numbers,but didnt have the time...I use Mintex pads,but something along the lines of 1144 pads may be useful to you if you can find them in the correct fitting.

 

[Ben S3 8P3]

Just been reading that Ferodo DS2500 pads are not road legal, is this the case?

 

[S3Alex]

Just been reading that Ferodo DS2500 pads are not road legal, is this the case?

Not sure although they may not have the correct EC reg,but in any case,I can safely say I'm not using them now!.....in which case maybe the Mintex's instead.

 

[davc]

Hi Tom,

I just fitted Pagid discs and pads from Euro Car Parts at the weekend. Cheaper than what the stealer charges and after a couple of hundred miles they seem very good. Worth a try IMO.

 

[Habitual]

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go with some Pagid pads from Euro Car Parts.

I would have gone to Mintex, had they been easier to find on a website that made certain they fit my car.

Euro Car Parts was just too easy.

Besides, if they can stop your S3, they can stop my A3 TDI.

Edit: Even better, got a 20% discount and can collect them tonight from work. They're 2 miles from me!

Never heard of ECP before, but they're full of win.

Cheers guys!

 

[_G_]

IIRC a specialist wind up tool is required to set the callipers properly after this. Someone correct me if I have it wrong.

 

[S3Alex]

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go with some Pagid pads from Euro Car Parts.

I would have gone to Mintex, had they been easier to find on a website that made certain they fit my car.

Euro Car Parts was just too easy.

Besides, if they can stop your S3, they can stop my A3 TDI.

Edit: Even better, got a 20% discount and can collect them tonight from work. They're 2 miles from me!

Never heard of ECP before, but they're full of win.

Cheers guys!

I've used Pagid before on my old Cosworth....I think you'll be happy.

 

[Lee540]

I've used Pagid before on my old Cosworth....I think you'll be happy.

Used Pagid on my BMW 540i 4.4 V8.. managed to stop that barge pretty good.. I believe Pagid (discs) and Textar (pads) were OEM BMW brake suppliers.

I'll be putting these on my car when they are due before next MOT.

 

[Habitual]

Cheers fellas.

IIRC a specialist wind up tool is required to set the callipers properly after this. Someone correct me if I have it wrong.

I've just called audi and they use a tool to wind the calipers back, is what he said.

However, I feel like he was being careful in his wording to make me feel like I needed to go there, without saying it. How did you guys sort yours out? Will I be okay to attempt this myself?

 

[_G_]

the local indy has the same tool but can do it for less than audi.

 

[Habitual]

indy?

 

[davc]

Independent.

You made a good choice mate and saved a few quid in the process. Remember you'll need to bed-in the pads if you're fitting them to your existing discs as they may have a lip on them.

 

[Habitual]

Cheers man, will do.

Any ideas on how much independent garages are charging for fitment only?

 

[Mikemc]

I used a g clamp on my old car, worked a treat!

 

[Habitual]

What model was it?

 

[_G_]

I recently had both front pads done with genuine audi parts for £120 at an independent in Coventry. That price included a full strip down and rebuild too because one was squeaking. So that gives you an idea of cost.

Also good to change brake fluid every 2 years as well.