Choosing the Right Disc Brake Pads for Your 1992-1999 Audi S4
This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the correct new aftermarket brake pads for your C4 or B5 generation Audi S4.
- You MUST correctly identify your car as a C4 (1992-94) or B5 (1997-99) generation before ordering parts.
- For this performance vehicle, high-quality aftermarket brands like ATE, Brembo, and Akebono are strongly recommended over basic economy pads.
- If your brake warning light is on, you must replace the wear sensor along with the pads.
- For best safety and performance, always replace brake rotors at the same time as the pads.
First, Identify Your S4 Generation
The most important step when buying brake pads for a 1992-1999 Audi S4 is knowing which car you have. This year range covers two completely different models. Ordering pads for the wrong one means they will not fit.
- C4 generation (Ur-S4): 1992–1994. Based on the larger Audi 100/A6 chassis.
- B5 generation: 1997–1999. Based on the smaller Audi A4 chassis. There was no S4 in North America for 1995 and 1996.
Visually check your car and model year to ensure you are buying for the correct platform.
Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads
Your S4 will give you clear signs when its brake pads are nearing the end of their life. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs.
- Brake Warning Light: Most S4 models have a brake pad wear sensor on the driver-side front inner pad. When the pad wears down, the sensor makes contact with the rotor, breaking a circuit and turning on a warning light on your dashboard. This is the most direct indicator.
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal when you brake is often caused by a built-in wear indicator. A louder, more aggressive grinding noise means the pad material is completely gone, and you have metal-on-metal contact between the caliper and the rotor. This is a critical situation that requires immediate attention.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal feels less responsive or goes down further than usual, it can be a sign of worn pads or a problem with the brake fluid.
- Vibrations When Braking: A pulsing or vibrating feeling in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake often points to warped brake rotors, which can happen when pads are worn thin.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If the car pulls left or right during braking, it could mean a caliper is sticking or the pads on one side are significantly more worn than the other.
Pro Tip: C4 Caliper Check
Early C4 S4 models (1992) were equipped with complex "UFO" style front brake rotors and calipers. Later models used a more conventional Girling G60 dual-piston caliper. Parts for the UFO brakes are very difficult to find. Visually inspect your front calipers before ordering to ensure you get the correct pads.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
Original Equipment (OEM) pads for Audis are often made by high-quality brands like ATE or Pagid. Aftermarket pads offer a wider choice of materials and price points to suit your driving style.
Tier 1: OEM-Quality & Performance Brands
These brands meet or exceed the performance of the original pads. They are ideal for spirited driving and for owners who want the best performance.
- Brembo: A world leader in performance braking, offering excellent stopping power and heat management.
- ATE: A German brand known for being an OEM supplier to Audi. Their pads provide a factory-like feel and performance.
- Pagid: Another common OEM supplier, offering reliable performance and quality.
- EBC Brakes: A popular performance choice with some debate among owners. Their 'Yellowstuff' pads are for aggressive street use, while 'Redstuff' is a ceramic option for lower dust. Some users report great performance, while others have found them to feel less effective than other brands.
Tier 2: Excellent Daily Driver & Low-Dust Brands
These pads focus on providing a quiet, clean, and comfortable ride without sacrificing safety. They are perfect for daily commuting.
- Akebono: Highly recommended by S4 owners for their ceramic pads, which produce very little brake dust and are very quiet.
- Bosch: Known for their QuietCast pads, which are engineered for quiet operation and solid, reliable stopping power for everyday use.
- Dynamic Friction / Centric: These brands offer a huge range of pads, from basic replacements to performance-oriented lines like the Centric Posi-Quiet, which are a good balance of value and quality.
Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Options
These brands provide safe, basic transportation at a lower cost. They are suitable for drivers who are not focused on performance and are looking for a functional, affordable replacement.
- Raybestos: A long-standing brand offering reliable, standard replacement pads.
- Powerstop: Often sold in kits with rotors, they provide a convenient and affordable all-in-one solution.
- Total Stopping Solutions: A value-focused brand for basic brake replacement needs.
A Note on Wear Sensors
When your brake pad warning light comes on, the sensor has been destroyed and must be replaced. Many aftermarket pad sets come with a new sensor. If the set you choose does not, you must purchase one separately. Do not ignore a faulty sensor, as you will lose the advance warning for your next brake change.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
Searches of the NHTSA database and other records show no specific recalls for the disc brake pads on the 1992-1999 Audi S4. While other recalls for these model years exist, they do not pertain to the brake pads themselves. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are sometimes issued to address common, non-safety issues like brake noise. For these older models, the most common issues are related to faulty wear sensors giving false readings or noise from pad and rotor corrosion, which are generally addressed by replacing the components.
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (This Product) | $19.67 - $111.24 |
| Shop Labor for Installation | $150 - $250 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between C4 and B5 S4 brake pads?
They are completely different. The C4 (1992-1994) and B5 (1997-1999) are built on different platforms with different brake calipers and rotors. You must order the set that is specific to your vehicle's model year and generation. The B5 S4 uses a dual-piston HP2 front caliper, while the C4 used either the early "UFO" brake setup or the later G60 calipers.
Should I choose ceramic or semi-metallic pads?
It depends on your priorities. Ceramic pads (like Akebono or EBC Redstuff) are known for being very quiet and producing minimal brake dust, keeping your wheels cleaner. Semi-metallic pads generally offer slightly better performance in extreme cold and can handle heat better during very aggressive driving, but they are often noisier and create more dust.
Why is my brake warning light still on after changing the pads?
This is a common issue. The cause is almost always related to the wear sensor. Either the new sensor was not installed, the new sensor is faulty, or there is a break in the wiring leading to the sensor. Check the connection at the caliper and ensure the new sensor was installed correctly.
Do I need to replace my brake rotors at the same time?
It is highly recommended. If your old pads were worn down to the metal, your rotors are likely damaged. Even if they weren't, installing new pads on a worn, uneven rotor surface will reduce braking performance and cause the new pads to wear out much faster. For best results, always install new pads and rotors together.
Technical Specifications
Brake pad fitment is specific to the vehicle generation (C4 or B5) and, for the C4, the type of front caliper (UFO or G60). All setups use a wear sensor, typically on the front left inner pad. Pad material can be ceramic or semi-metallic.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Audi S4:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- First, Identify Your S4 Generation
- Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads
- Pro Tip: C4 Caliper Check
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Tier 1: OEM-Quality & Performance Brands
- Tier 2: Excellent Daily Driver & Low-Dust Brands
- Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Options
- A Note on Wear Sensors
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off