Which Brake Pads?

[mmdr7qam]

My brake pads are getting quite low and I am looking to change them. I have had a price from Audi for the Pagid pads but feel they are over priced. I was wondering what brake pads people have tried and would recommend? I don't race the car or take it on track days as such, but I do enjoy and indulge in some spirited driving!

My requirments include :
1 - Similar or slightly better performance than the standard Pagid pads.
2 - Not too noisy.
3 - Decent friction from cold.
4 - Minimal dust.
5 - Reasonable cost.

I have heard good things about Ferodo DC2500 but feel they may be more than I need if I am not tracking the car and a little pricey? Some advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated. I am new to the forum and this is my first time posting, so please excuse me if this topic has been covered before.

Thanks.

[dace]

DS2500's every time. They are superb when warm. Similarly priced to oem pagids, however do not work quite as well from cold. I am on my second set and really do like them.

[mmdr7qam]

Thank you for your reply Dave. Have you had any issues with squealing from the DS2500's? It is just that I have heard from some people that they can be a little noisy. How aggressive do you think they are on the disks compared to the OEM pads? Where would you recommend I buy them at the best price.

Thanks,
Qasim.

[rjkflyer]

Have heard that they can be noisy. Also they may rattle in the calipers as they're lacking the factory shims. I bought some for 280 GBP but sent them back for that very reason.

Ended up with EBC yellowstuff but not without hassle as you can't buy the RS4 ones yet (eve though some places list the parts) so you have to the RS6 ones and file them slightly to fit. Not for the novice, as you really need to paint/passivate the bit you file out to prevent it rusting and potentially sticking in the caliper.

[duud40]

The ds2500 look like a great option.I`ve had them on for 100 km and no noise, the diy job takes less than 45 minutes if you know the right side of the wrench to use. )) hint: USE LOTS OF BRAKE CLEAN SPRAY !!!!!

[dace]

Thank you for your reply Dave. Have you had any issues with squealing from the DS2500's? It is just that I have heard from some people that they can be a little noisy. How aggressive do you think they are on the disks compared to the OEM pads? Where would you recommend I buy them at the best price.

Thanks,
Qasim.

No issues with squeal whatsoever, however I use the shims of the oem pagids and lots of copper grease. IMO they are less aggressive on the discs than the pagids.

Performance Braking in Monmouth are reasonable on price with excellent service. Part number is FCP1664H. Make sure you order two boxes, as unlike the pagids they are supplied in boxes of 4 pads.

[skywriter]

i have just bought a set of ebc yellow stuff what fileing needs to be done

[rjkflyer]

It is the cutout on the inside edge of the pad. In the caliper there is a bar over which the cutout engages, or rather doesn't as for some stupid reason the Brembos on the '4 have a very slightly larger diameter bar than the RS6.

It is a stupidly small amount different - like 20 thou. That's 0.5mm.

So, use a fine round file and open it up slightly - be careful to open the WIDTH of the cutout (not the DEPTH) until the pad engages over the bar. Check the pad does not extend over the outer edge of the disc, and if it does or is very very close, file the bottom of the pad slot slightly. This isn't terribly important but just want to be sure that the pad wipes up to the edge of the disc, but not OVER it.

I actually touched in the bare metal with some caliper paint to prevent it rusting, which could cause binding. Any VHT paint will do - after all you don't see it.

[matthew.lewis2]

I use Carbotech Bobcat 1521, they are similar to stock.

I had isses with the cut out not being big enough for the RS4, and needed filing down. Carbotech took my comments on board and have now enlarged their cutout.

However, next time, I would go for the Carbotech AX6 as they are slightly better than stock. I think this next level of pad is really needed for the heavy (and potent) RS4.

[rjkflyer]

Reason that the 1521's don't fit properly is that Carbotech too are showing the RS6 and RS4 pads the same (as EBC did/do depending on who's website you look at).