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Hi

I've decided that my front pads need replacing (well the car has decided) so I'm looking for the best pads to get. I only do normal road driving so no track stuff. I'm looking for a pad that gives good performance in terms of stopping power with no fading but will also last a good few miles. Any thoughts on which to go for?

Also, is it a simple process to change them, i.e. as per a normal car or are there special tools needed to wind the pistons back in and do you need to do anything through VCDS?

I'm fairly competent in terms of changing the pads, just that I don't have a shed full of special tools (but I can get them )

Cheers

OE pads from Stoke Audi.

Very easy to change. Easier than a normal car with floating calipers.

You will probably want to have a pad fitting kit (pins and springs) handy in case yours are unserviceable.

MarkPRS6 wrote: I've decided that my front pads need replacing (well the car has decided)

Sounds like you will need to replace the sensor as well if you've let it wear down to the point it activates.

How much are the OE pads from stoke Audi (roughly of course)

I found the ferodo DS2500's (FCP1664H) to be a very good pads, they even coped with a bit of track work but they are a little dusty. However, as you need two sets (4 pads per set so 8 pads total) they work out to be around £300 for all 8 pads.

I can't fault the OEM pads from audi - they certainly used to be one of the RS compounds from Pagid, and have stood up to much abuse by my right foot on the Scottish single-tracks. I've seen smoke coming from both front wheel arches, still with a good pedal feel.

You can certainly go down the route of alternatives, but beware of aggressive pads when cold (ie. not driving like a fookin loon), as they can induce brutal wear on the discs.

OEM (from Audi / TPS, NOT aftermarket via ECP etc etc...) are a great balance of road / loon ability in my opinion.

IanH755 wrote:I found the ferodo DS2500's (FCP1664H) to be a very good pads, they even coped with a bit of track work but they are a little dusty. However, as you need two sets (4 pads per set so 8 pads total) they work out to be around £300 for all 8 pads.

DS2500 are very good for everyday use, and occasional track days. They have good bite, and work from cold. We offer DS2500 for RS246 forum members with discount 35%, so final price is £240 incl. VAT and UPS shipping.

sweegie wrote:I can't fault the OEM pads from audi - they certainly used to be one of the RS compounds from Pagid, and have stood up to much abuse by my right foot on the Scottish single-tracks. I've seen smoke coming from both front wheel arches, still with a good pedal feel.

You can certainly go down the route of alternatives, but beware of aggressive pads when cold (ie. not driving like a fookin loon), as they can induce brutal wear on the discs.

OEM (from Audi / TPS, NOT aftermarket via ECP etc etc...) are a great balance of road / loon ability in my opinion.

occasional track days as well.

It is true, but new non-ceramic compound, offer very aggressive inital bite, and are very kind for discs.
We tested DS1.11 from Ferodo, and we couldn't believe how they work on track.
This compound is based upon a chemical family known as Siloxanes. Unlike carbon based materials, siloxane chains do not decompose at high temperatures and so DS1.11 keeps on working up to the highest temperatures a brake pad could ever see. That means it won't fade and has excellent life, the best in the Ferodo Racing range. Moreover the performance remains exactly the same throughout the pad's (long) life. It is formulated to provide a very flat friction profile at a medium/high level of friction. The pad compression is very low, always, and so pedal travel is short and consistent.

What about the Brembo pads from ECP?

Might as well use toilet paper.

Last time I changed pads I used EBC yellowstuff pads. I wasn't too fussed on disc wear from non-OEM pads as I knew I would be changing discs and pads this time around. That time has now arrived and I have ordered new Brembo discs, but like the OP I'm not sure what to do on pads either. Whilst I was happy with the performance of the EBC's I'm tempted to go OEM now I have nice new discs. Keen to hear thoughts of other members on pad choice...