S4 B7 - Indy Brake Saga: Help PHers

[AJS77]

So, should have been a simple task. Local independent garage - done good work for us in the past so thought I'd talk to them about upgrading front pads and discs on the S4. They needed doing anyway and with Audi seemingly wanting £495 I thought I'd explore options. Garage recommended upgrading to EBC discs with greenstuff / yellowstuff pads. They could do it for around £400, so all seemed a no brainer.

Car booked in a month ago. Day came with call at lunchtime - discs appeared to fit but pads didn't. Car came back whilst they sought correct parts from their supplier!! Re-booked in last week. Call at lunchtime again! Pads fitted....but discs wouldn't!! Resisted temptation to say forget it and we agreed they'd source a standard OEM replacement disc which was fitted and car returned.

First trip out yesterday and I think I'm lucky to be back without damaging the car (or me and the kids). Once brakes warmed up the noises started; tipping, clunking, screeching...not on brake application but on general running - seemed worse when not under power and worse when turning right...possibly only right wheel.

Needless to say I have left an emotional message with the garage and shall be speaking with them tomorrow...

Surely brake upgrade on an S4 B7 shouldn't be complicated should it? They're nice cars but not that special or rare. Perhaps I should have just stayed with the stealers and paid the price...would have had the car back on the road a month ago now...

Any thoughts or advice gratefully received...

[Dr G]

Sounds like broken disc guard and/or pad-spring/anti-squeal pad fitted incorrectly. Did the pedal feel OK?

Allow them the opportunity to repair correctly and possibly even have a dealer or known specialist verify that all is well.

The fitment listings for aftermarket parts (even from large companies like EBC) are often incorrect but garage should really see that and be able to nip it in the bud.

[AJS77]

Thanks for the quick reply. Pedal felt a little soft but noise disappeared on brake application. I've spoken to them this morning and they'll come back to me with their thoughts...

[t400ble]

Check the wheel is tight for starters!

[SuperchargedVR6]

AJS77 said:

Garage recommended upgrading to EBC discs with greenstuff / yellowstuff pads.

That was the warning sign right there. Utter garbage and cheap(er) for a reason.

For the sake of £95, you now have all this hassle. Hopefully this experience will help reinforce the "Buy cheap, buy twice" mantra if nothing else.

[TimmyMallett]

I'm not sure what others may comment, and I'm sure you've done homework on an owner's forum but I wouldn't touch ebc with a fifty foot pole made of st.

I've had terrible issues in the past with pads, and both pads and discs.

I hope their QC has improved in the last ten years. Fingers crossed for you

[anonymous-user]

My B7 S4 has just had new discs and pads all round, opted for OEM parts to avoid this sort of issue. Still it is only the 3rd set on the front and 1st on the rear after 112k miles and cheaper than Audi.

[anonymous-user]

Not what you want to hear after the event but as above - poor choice of parts.

[AJS77]

Thanks for all the comments - after the event I agree...a mistake and I should have just stuck with OEM. Anyway car is now fixed and seems to be running smoothly and quietly. Needs a service and MOT now. Think I'll also ask Audi to cast a quick eye over the brakes to check everything is as it should be...