Brake set, purely for vanity

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derbyguy

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Hi All,

MOT has pointed out that my pads need replacing soon and potentially discs not too far after that (although would need a better check for that as MOT doesnt take the wheel off).

I've been thinking about getting a cosmetic upgrade to the brakes just for vanity really, The discs get rusty at times and the calipers are just a brown mess.

I asked the garage to quote me for new pads and discs as OEM front and rear and they said £400 including fitting. I also asked for a quote for something at the bottom end of the grooved/drilled end. The said they cheapest they could find for those and pads was about £500 just parts.

It's not their wheelhouse to be honest, and neither is it mine.

Does anyone have a good recommendation of a cheap pretty looking discs? With regards to the calipers I'm thinking of just having them painted black or silver. I like them subtle but swish and I dont want to pay for new calipers just for looks.

Any other thoughts? I see caliper covers around, its that worth thinking about?

I'm a rookie so any down to earth advise more than welcome.

Car is a Phantom Black 2012 sportback, 3.0 TDI Quattro.

Cheers
 
Is that £400 for genuine Audi parts ? . You can buy a lot cheaper quality parts . I presume your car has 320mm brakes. My 3.0 TDI had as standard.
Just spent 2 minutes on Fleabay.
Quality standard parts.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-A5-F...SC-320MM-AND-PADS-2008-ONWARDS-/232370409154?
Not sure where they are looking for parts. looking for something a bit more sporty.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-DIA...0mm-Drilled-Grooved-KBD1517COM-/400885715311?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-A4-B...rooved-Sport-FRONT-Brake-Discs-/350548801735?

You can get EBC grooved and dimpled discs from car parts for less for just over £150 using the 14% discount code.
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l...-car-parts/performance-brake-discs/?926446341
A set of red stuff pads is about £86
Just added them to a basket and applied the discount PAYDAY all in delivered discs and pads £241. I think the garage is ripping you off a bit.

Upload 2017 7 31 17 38 27


Karl.
 
Hi Karl,

Thanks for looking at that for me.
Yes the £400 was for genuine audi front and back discs and pads, fitted. The £500 was just parts of some performance discs and pads. I looked at that link, once I add on front and rear from that website it comes to just about £500. So the garage isn't far off?

I do like the black discs though. Could look great
 
Sorry I missed the front and rear. That isn't a bad price then. The black coating on the discs stops the discs rusting and because the discs aren't drilled through you don't get issues with cracks appearing.
 
Is cracking an issue for drilled discs? Are there any other downsides to the performance disks? Do they wear out the pads quicker? Noise?
 
Also whats the general feeling about caliper covers on here?
 
derbyguy said:
Also whats the general feeling about caliper covers on here?
Click to expand...
Calliper covers are a bit naff imho.

Black discs are only black until you hit the brakes, at which point the black is removed wherever the brake pads make contact.

I'm not aware of any cracking issues with drilled discs. I've heard of some increased brake noise due to drilling, but can't remember the manufacturer involved.
 
Covers aren't great but seem an easy way to cover up the rusty looking calipers. Im not after bright red or anything, just black or silver to look swish but subtle. Do you think that painting is the best way forward then?

Black discs wear that easily? Why make them black if it disappears so quickly?
 
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