A4 3.0 TDI Brake Upgrade

[ion2211]

Hi Guys,

My existing brakes have developed a bit of a judder under heavy braking.

I'm looking to replace front Discs and Pads with upgraded parts.

I'm not looking to fit bigger pads/disc/calipers .... I just want to find the best quality and best performing siscs and pads that are a direct replacement for OEM parts.

So far, I'm leaning towards EBC Redstuff pads ... but I have read that these can be quite ineffective when cold and really need to be warmed up well to perform. Does anyone have first hand experience of Redstuff pads?

As for theDiscs, I would really appreciate your recommendations!..

Thanks

 

[Misikee]

Hi Guys,

My existing brakes have developed a bit of a judder under heavy braking.

I'm looking to replace front Discs and Pads with upgraded parts.

I'm not looking to fit bigger pads/disc/calipers .... I just want to find the best quality and best performing siscs and pads that are a direct replacement for OEM parts.

So far, I'm leaning towards EBC Redstuff pads ... but I have read that these can be quite ineffective when cold and really need to be warmed up well to perform. Does anyone have first hand experience of Redstuff pads?

As for theDiscs, I would really appreciate your recommendations!..

Thanks

Hy,

Don’t need warming up the redstuff pads. I used redstuff for 40000km , and now i use yellowstuff pads. I don’t have issues with it. I can recommend for You! Ohh i forget, i ise ebc turbo groove disc

Regards
Misikee

(A6 4F 3.0TDI quattro)


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[desertstorm]

Redstuff pads are a great pad for a fast road. Ignore all the blurb about them taking a long time to warm up. That's the problem with the internet when you do a search you get stuff sometimes thats many years old. The Redstuff pads have gone through several compound changes over the years and are ECE90 specified which means they have the same performance as OE pads when cold, however significantly better when hot. Actually I would say they are just better all round.
Cheapest place I have found for them is carpartsforless.co.uk ust the fast10 discount to get them for £90 delivered.
They do the EBC discs as well for a reasonable price.

 

[RS5 JON]

Carparts4less - use SCARY16 discount code, but hurry, sale ends tonight.

site says it doesn't include performance parts but add you stuff to basket, enter discount code, and you've should get the EBC stuff cheaper than EBC can sell it, also free delivery.
Got myself some new EBC grooved & dimpled Disc's for my S5 using the above code.

JG

 

[RS5 JON]

Redstuff pads are a great pad for a fast road. Ignore all the blurb about them taking a long time to warm up. That's the problem with the internet when you do a search you get stuff sometimes thats many years old. The Redstuff pads have gone through several compound changes over the years and are ECE90 specified which means they have the same performance as OE pads when cold, however significantly better when hot. Actually I would say they are just better all round.
Cheapest place I have found for them is carpartsforless.co.uk ust the fast10 discount to get them for £90 delivered.
They do the EBC discs as well for a reasonable price.
View attachment 140287

Great minds think alike Karl.

JG

 

[desertstorm]

Just tried scary16 and scarier17 and they won't work with my order above. For £250 I think thats quite a reasonable price.

 

[bobby singh]

You need thicker disc's imo
I went through two sets of brembo s4 discs before going for the macan set up.
Maybe the EBC dics will hold up

 

[RS5 JON]

Just tried scary16 and scarier17 and they won't work with my order above. For £250 I think thats quite a reasonable price.

They must have clicked on to there mistake, I ordered mine Sunday and got the discount, but yes, £250 is still a good price, with free delivery too.

JG

 

[ion2211]

Thanks guys.

So the general consensus seem to be to go for the EBC Redstuff pads then yeah?

I have come across these on eBay and they seem like quite good value.

NEW EBC 320mm FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND REDSTUFF PADS KIT

Unsure of whether to go for the normal vented discs or something grooved or drilled?

 

[RS5 JON]

You need thicker disc's imo
I went through two sets of brembo s4 discs before going for the macan set up.
Maybe the EBC dics will hold up

I hope they hold up too Bobby, but if I don't get good miles out of them, I'll be onto EBC, especially as I"ll be using EBC pads with them.

Time will tell though.

JG

 

[RS5 JON]

Thanks guys.

So the general consensus seem to be to go for the EBC Redstuff pads then yeah?

I have come across these on eBay and they seem like quite good value.

NEW EBC 320mm FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND REDSTUFF PADS KIT

Unsure of whether to go for the normal vented discs or something grooved or drilled?

Grooved & Dimpled look better, IMO.

JG

 

[ion2211]

Grooved & Dimpled look better, IMO.

JG

The look of them is what I'm not sold on to be honest!!

I like dimpled and i like grooved, but not sure i like Dimpled AND Grooved.

Also, I'm not quite sure I like the look of the black coating on them ....

 

[ion2211]

Just reading on the EBC website regarding their discs and I came across the following:

One point to consider before making your choice of sport rotor is the air noise that can be noticed with sport rotors. With all slotted rotors there will be an increase in air noise as the rotor passes beneath the pads under normal driving and braking. Some people like this kind of “Turbo” sound and others do not.

For this reason EBC produce two ranges of sport rotors, the 3GD or GD series being discussed here are the noisier of the two designs, our sister range the USR sport rotor range is much quieter yet offers similar performance values.​

Ohhhh , I quite like the look of these USR rotors..... I think I will try go for these matched with Redstuff pads!

 

[RS5 JON]

Just reading on the EBC website regarding their discs and I came across the following:

One point to consider before making your choice of sport rotor is the air noise that can be noticed with sport rotors. With all slotted rotors there will be an increase in air noise as the rotor passes beneath the pads under normal driving and braking. Some people like this kind of “Turbo” sound and others do not.

For this reason EBC produce two ranges of sport rotors, the 3GD or GD series being discussed here are the noisier of the two designs, our sister range the USR sport rotor range is much quieter yet offers similar performance values.​

Ohhhh , I quite like the look of these USR rotors..... I think I will try go for these matched with Redstuff pads!

Yes, I read that info, think the sound of my Supercharger should drown that out.

USR ones look good, both are much better on the eye than flat faced disc's.

JG

 

[desertstorm]

If you want plain EBC rotors CP4L do them £55 cheaper than the Ebay price.

The USR discs are the same price as the Grooved and dimpled. Slotted discs do make more noise than normal plain discs. I had some cheap slotted discs once on my Passat, I had to take them off after less than a month as the noise was doing my head in.

 

[ion2211]

Slotted discs do make more noise than normal plain discs

From what I’m reading, Slotted discs do make more noise than plain discs but LESS noise than the Grooved & Dimpled discs.

From EBC website: “The finer slot pattern is what makes these sport rotors more silent in operation whilst still offering pad degassing and removing dirt dust water and debris from the braking area”

I also think the slotted discs look a lot better than the grooved and dimpled!
So its a win/win for me

All things considered I’m confident I will go for the slotted EBC USR Discs + Redstuff pads .... unless there are any objections?!

 

[jetty]

How are you guys finding the EBC pads on Carparts4less ?
I've punched in my number plate for both the A3 and A6 and the brands I'm seeing are eicher, pagid, bosch, textar, brembo and ATE?!
Tried my old A4 and the same brands appear.

 

[V6_Man]

They are under Performance Parts @jetty.


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[jetty]

Perfect, thanks - found them for the A3 but no products for the A6 which is surprising!

 

[V6_Man]

Perfect, thanks - found them for the A3 but no products for the A6 which is surprising!

Not sure which reg you have but I have just checked for an A6 C7 and it shows EBC and Brembos

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[ion2211]

I notice that some of the discs have a diameter of 314mm and others of 320mm

Have also seen 330mm on certain eBay listings

Are these all interchangeable or is there a specfic size i should go for?

 

[Cristiano]

They are not interchangeable, your calipers + brackets are designed with a specific disc size in mind.

Unfortunately it seems to be an Audi "feature" - there are quite a few variants of parts that won't drill down even if you put in your reg number.
Safest way is to get a ruler out and measure the discs on your car. Alternatively, there should be a paper sticker in the spare wheel well with a bunch of codes - one of these will confirm which braking system your car has.

Last but by no means least - if you are looking for an upgrade I'd suggesting getting a pair of S4/S5 caliers off eBay. They will use 345mm discs, and in the future you can keep the discs and thrown in some Q5 Brembo 4 pot calipers on them without having to change the discs.

Prices vary a lot, but I managed to pick up a complete set a few weeks ago for less than £300 delivered. This would also help you get rid of the tiny solid discs on the rear.

 

[desertstorm]

314mm discs are the front discs fitted to lower power 1.8 ,2.0 and diesels . The 3.0 TDI has 320mm discs as standard on the front and the 345mm discs are for the S4. On the rear nearly all cars have 300mm discs and the more sporty s4 330mm discs.
The calipers on a car with 320mm brakes are the same as the ones on cars with 345mm brakes, the caliper mounting brackets are different to space the caliper out further and the brackets are not available separately, the calipers come with the brackets.

 

[ion2211]

314mm discs are the front discs fitted to lower power 1.8 ,2.0 and diesels . The 3.0 TDI has 320mm discs as standard on the front and the 345mm discs are for the S4. On the rear nearly all cars have 300mm discs and the more sporty s4 330mm discs.
The calipers on a car with 320mm brakes are the same as the ones on cars with 345mm brakes, the caliper mounting brackets are different to space the caliper out further and the brackets are not available separately, the calipers come with the brackets.

Interesting, I'm actually quite tempted to go for S4/S5 brakes but I think they would be overkill for my needs at the moment.

Also, I wouldn't want to bring on any issues with the rear electric parking brake.

 

[Cristiano]

They bolt right up, I've upgraded mine a few weeks ago based on Karl's build thread.
Parking brake connector plugs right in, I was also weary of it so decided to rebuild the second hand rear calipers before fitting them.
Personally I don't think it's overkill, the 3.0 TDI is quite a heavy car and solid discs one the rear are quite a disappointment. I know most of the braking is done by the fronts, but still...

 

[Banger 115]

Hi Peeps. are these the correct rear caliper carriers for the rear brake upgrade

cheers
Paul

TRW Carrier, brake caliper
Number of article: BDA929

• Colour:Black
• Paired article numbers:BDA930
• Brake Disc Thickness [mm]:22
• Manufacturer Restriction:TRW
• for PR number:1KE
• Vehicle Equipment:for vehicles with electric handbrake
• Fitting Position:Rear Axle, Left

TRW Carrier, brake caliper
Number of article: BDA930

• Colour:Black
• Paired article numbers:BDA929
• Brake Disc Thickness [mm]:22
• Manufacturer Restriction:TRW
• for PR number:1KE
• Vehicle Equipment:for vehicles with electric handbrake
• Fitting Position:Rear Axle, Right

 

[Cristiano]

The carriers look right, they are the correct ones for the S4/S5 brakes.
However, I'm fairly sure the standard A4 rear calipers will not fit on them, because they were initially designed for use with single solid brake discs, rather than the vented discs on the S4 which are significantly thicker.

You can reuse your front calipers with the S4 carriers and 345mm discs, but for the rears I reckon you will need both calipers & carriers. The S4/S5 calipers & cariers can be bolted on with no other modification.

 

[forty3]

I've got a complete front and rear S4 brake setup for sale in the trading post if any of you guys are interested in doing a complete upgrade.

 

[ion2211]

So just an update on this.. I was browsing eBay when I came across a set of S4 Calipers with 345mm EBC USR Slotted discs and Redstuff pads - only 7oo miles on them.

Couldn’t resist!

 

[GarethS4]

So just an update on this.. I was browsing eBay when I came across a set of S4 Calipers with 345mm EBC USR Slotted discs and Redstuff pads - only 7oo miles on them.

Couldn’t resist!

I was literally about to message you to say I have a complete s4 set up available next week .ah well least your sorted now .good choice you have made to go the s4 route .

 

[ion2211]

I was literally about to message you to say I have a complete s4 set up available next week .ah well least your sorted now .good choice you have made to go the s4 route .

Argh. How much will you be asking for the complete set out of curiosity?.... I only bought the front set.

 

[forty3]

November 13th

I've got a complete front and rear S4 brake setup for sale in the trading post if any of you guys are interested in doing a complete upgrade.

 

[ion2211]

November 13th

I did offer to buy your front set but you said you wouldnt split.

Cant belive you haven’t sold them yet!

 

[forty3]

Sorry pal. Sounded like you were after a full set from your post above, not just the fronts.

May be a Bad time of year. Also had people on gumtree making silly offers and expecting postage to be included. Would rather they sat in the garage than giving them away.

 

[ion2211]

Hi Guys,

My brakes have arrived, I gave them a good clean and I'm anxiously looking forward to getting them fitted this coming weekend.

Can anyone tell me what I should be expecting in terms of braking feel?

I was under the impression that EBC Redstuff pads are one of the best pads that you can get but I have just read this thread and now it has cast some doubt in my head :-/

Also, should I expect more noise / vibration from the USR slotted discs in comparison to standard faced discs?

Feeling a little paranoid that I will regret my decision to upgrade. Can anyone put my mind at ease please

 

[GarethS4]

Hi Guys,

My brakes have arrived, I gave them a good clean and I'm anxiously looking forward to getting them fitted this coming weekend.

Can anyone tell me what I should be expecting in terms of braking feel?

I was under the impression that EBC Redstuff pads are one of the best pads that you can get but I have just read this thread and now it has cast some doubt in my head :-/

Also, should I expect more noise / vibration from the USR slotted discs in comparison to standard faced discs?

Feeling a little paranoid that I will regret my decision to upgrade. Can anyone put my mind at ease please

Why would you ever regret doing a brake upgrade.the most important parts on your car .remember bigger is better .

 

[Ginge247]

Why would you ever regret doing a brake upgrade.the most important parts on your car .remember bigger is better .

Nothing wrong with redstuff pads, I can't comment on the discs though

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[xpoweruk]

You will be fine.The discs do give a touch more noise,but nothing crazy

 

[ion2211]

Thanks, I guess Im just suffering from "buyers remorse" and was thinking I should have played it safe and just bought OEM Discs and Pads instead