Rubbish Brakes

**DBSK** · 05-07-2009,01:03 AM

Hi,

Got a 2004 A4 Avant 1.9 tdi 130. Went on holiday the other week and had a clio rental car, and when i got home i realised how shocking the brakes in the A4 are.

It had new disks and pads not long before i bought it 15,000 miles ago, but they seem to overheat really quickly after a few quick stops and the pedal goes a long way down before any real brakes starts to happen, and generally feel like they dont have much bite.

Are all a4 brakes like this or are these just come cheap discs and pads?

I was thinking about putting EBC disks on and green stuff pads and getting the brake fluid changed, does anyone think this will help?

Cheers,

D.

**spartacus 68** · 05-07-2009,12:20 PM

A brake fluid change should make some difference. Ideally should be done every 2 years. I fitted Zimmerman discs and Febi Bilstein pads. No complaints from me.

Front discs are vented and rears are solid. Upgrading flexible brake hoses to stainless-steel braided ones will 'firm-up' the brake pedal action too.

Haven't tried them before - but Rossini discs seem to get a good write-up. They're vented, grooved and cross-drilled to increase heat dissipation and reduce glazing on the pads. Expect to pay £100 for a pair of discs.

**onzarob** · 05-07-2009,04:14 PM

Originally Posted by DBSK

Are all a4 brakes like this or are these just come cheap discs and pads?

D.

I found my A4 brakes were very good, if a little harsh. I would suspect you have a sticky calliper. Does one wheel get hotter than the rest?

paul20v · 05-07-2009,04:50 PM

My brakes are all stock work fantastic and a very tight pedal ,
i would think you have an issue with loads of travel .

**DBSK** · 05-07-2009,06:02 PM

Okay thanks, ive checked the brake fluid and the level is fine. Both front discs seem to get incredibly hot after a few stops but if i drive normaly there isnt any excessive heat so i dont think its a sticking caliper. I had just assumed it was cheap discs and pads.

Do you think maybe its a problem with the master cylinder then?

The brakes really are shocking im going away in it at the end of the month and want it sorted by then when im fully loaded 5 up with camping gear.

There really isnt any bite and didnt think much of it until a 1.2 clio can stop on a dime.

Thanks.

**RSVr** · 05-07-2009,08:11 PM

Originally Posted by DBSK

Okay thanks, ive checked the brake fluid and the level is fine. Both front discs seem to get incredibly hot after a few stops but if i drive normaly there isnt any excessive heat so i dont think its a sticking caliper. I had just assumed it was cheap discs and pads.

Do you think maybe its a problem with the master cylinder then?

The brakes really are shocking im going away in it at the end of the month and want it sorted by then when im fully loaded 5 up with camping gear.

There really isnt any bite and didnt think much of it until a 1.2 clio can stop on a dime.

Thanks.

Check the pad carriers are not dirty as this can cause sticking pads

**DBSK** · 05-07-2009,08:53 PM

Originally Posted by spartacus 68

Haven't tried them before - but Rossini discs seem to get a good write-up. They're vented, grooved and cross-drilled to increase heat dissipation and reduce glazing on the pads. Expect to pay £100 for a pair of discs.

Just had a look at the Rossini pads, looks quite cool with the 'Rossini' in the pads, they are coming out at £139 + VAT though which is quite expenses.

**RickT** · 05-07-2009,11:06 PM

Hi,

is the brake pedal soft??

i would start with a fluid change first of all,

I have recently (well yesterday) got my A4 out of the garage and drove it for the first time in 10 months... and the brakes are so much better than the Mk5 Golf i have.

Rick

**Turbokiisseli** · 06-07-2009,06:46 AM

I have Zimmermann discs and EBC Green Stuff pads in the front. I want to do the rears as well since the combo seems to work very well in the front.

Brake fluid will collect moisture over time, which makes it boil sooner and this leads to problems like you describe. I suggest a fluid change as well, which should be done every 2 years like someone here already pointed out.

**spartacus 68** · 06-07-2009,09:04 AM

If you're mechanically minded - you could strip down the brakes front and rear, apply a little Delphi Lockheed red grease under the piston dust sleeves, lubricate the slide pins, clean the carriers and do a brake fluid change. Good opportunity to check the brake pipes and check all is as it should be. Remember to apply a smear of Copper Ease to the backs of the pads and the edges - where they make contact with the brake carrier.