Standard brake performance question

[999pooch]

I have had my S4 for a few weeks now and I have to say the one thing I am disapointed with is the brakes.

Now I know there is a thread regarding upgrading to bigger brakes, but my question is more to do with general day to day performance. They just don't seem to have the right amount of modulation.

When travelling normally at speeds from 10-70mph the first inch of brake pedal travel does very little, and then after that it doesn't fill you with confidence. I have to really apply a good bit of pressure on the pedal to get any real stopping power. By this time the car does stop quickly. But thats the problem, there is little in between.

On my previous VAG car (Skoda vRS) the breaks were great, although not for track days. But they were very useable and pulled you up quickly and could be easily judged.

It this normal for the S4's brakes or is there a problem.

Your views very much appreciated.

[Nickyboy]

I think this is normal, took me ages to get used to the S4 brakes coming from the VRS. The S4 brakes are better and over time you will get used to them.

[999pooch]

I think this is normal, took me ages to get used to the S4 brakes coming from the VRS. The S4 brakes are better and over time you will get used to them.

Cheers Nicky, I'm constantly finding that the car isn't pulling up quick enough, and then having to brake sharper than I would normally like to in order to compensate. It just doesn't feel very intuitive & spoils the driving experience.

[evojkp]

For daily driving with a little hooning now and again I find the std brake setup fine, pulling up with good bite and feel, but would not fancy continual hard stopping track style, as they would go to mush, but they're not really designed for that.

[Bacardi Jo]

I think this is normal, took me ages to get used to the S4 brakes coming from the VRS. The S4 brakes are better and over time you will get used to them.

I experienced the same coming from a mercedes sl but after a while you get used to them and dont even think about them now.

[gangstarrrrr]

I think this is normal, took me ages to get used to the S4 brakes coming from the VRS. The S4 brakes are better and over time you will get used to them.

Cheers Nicky, I'm constantly finding that the car isn't pulling up quick enough, and then having to brake sharper than I would normally like to in order to compensate. It just doesn't feel very intuitive & spoils the driving experience.

This is spot on for me. I find the car is not stopping at lights and have to poke the pedal pretty hard to make it stop. Was more of a problem before so I think I'm adjusting. Bit disappointing.

[999pooch]

Cheers guys, sounds like most seem to have similar opinions of the brake setup. I guess it all depends on how good the brakes on your last car were.

Mine were super sensistive but I like them like that. I know when SWMBO used to drive it she would just about put us through the windscreen on the first few stops

Just while I'm on a whinge, anyone think the car suffers from over-sensitivity to road camber / uneven road surface?

Aside from those two gripes I actually really like the car

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

Are u running on 19s or 18s?

[999pooch]

Are u running on 19s or 18s?

Standard 18's on P7's.

Checked the tyre pressures after a couple of days from picking up from the stealers, they were inflated to 32psi all round

Put them to 39 at the front and 34 at the back (from info on door jam). This made a slight improvement, improved general handling. Just lost a little comfort, but 32 seemed way too low.

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

Cool, you covered the obvious bits I was going to mention. Good man!