Choosing the Right Aftermarket Disc Brake Pads for Your 2008-2017 Audi A5

Signs of Worn Brake Pads

Your Audi A5 is designed to tell you when it's time for new brake pads. The most obvious sign is the brake pad warning light on your dashboard. This light is triggered by a small sensor embedded in the brake pad. When the pad wears down to a certain point, the sensor makes contact with the metal rotor, completing a circuit and turning on the light. You might also notice other symptoms:

• Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal when you brake is often the first sign. If you hear a grinding sound, it means the pads are likely worn down completely, and you are hearing metal-on-metal contact, which can damage your brake rotors.
• Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could be a sign of worn pads or warped rotors.
• Reduced Stopping Power: If your car takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be at the end of their life.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads

When replacing your A5's brake pads, you don't have to use expensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts from the dealer. The aftermarket offers a wide range of quality options that can save you money and even improve performance. Aftermarket pads are generally categorized by their friction material, most commonly ceramic or semi-metallic.

• Ceramic Pads: These are a popular upgrade for many Audi owners. They are known for being quiet, producing significantly less brake dust than OEM pads, and being gentle on rotors. For daily driving, they offer smooth, consistent stopping power. Brands like Akebono, Bosch, and Wagner are well-regarded for their ceramic options.
• Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads offer excellent performance, especially for spirited driving, as they handle heat well. However, they tend to be noisier, create more dust, and can wear rotors faster than ceramic pads. Performance-focused brands like Hawk and EBC Brakes specialize in these types of compounds.

Brand Tiers for Your Audi A5

With so many brands available, it can be tough to choose. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Premium & OEM-Equivalent: Brands like Akebono, Brembo, Pagid, Textar, and Zimmermann are often original suppliers to Audi and other German carmakers. They offer quality and fit that is equal to or better than the original parts, making them a safe and reliable choice for any A5 owner.
• Performance-Focused: If you enjoy spirited driving, consider brands like EBC Brakes, Hawk Performance, and StopTech. Their pads are designed for better bite and fade resistance at high temperatures, but may create more dust or noise during normal driving.
• Quality Standard: Brands like Bosch, Centric, Raybestos, and Wagner offer a great balance of performance, low noise, and value. They are a solid choice for daily driving and are often available in ceramic formulations for low dust.
• Economy: Brands like Dynamic Friction, Pronto, and Powerstop offer budget-friendly options. While they meet safety standards, they may not offer the same longevity, low noise, or low-dust characteristics of more premium brands. Powerstop is well-known for offering complete kits with pads and rotors.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While there are no major recalls for the 2008-2017 Audi A5 brake pads, several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued for brake-related noises like squealing or grinding. TSB 2033674/2 specifically addresses squealing from the front brakes on 2008-2013 models with 2.0T engines and PR-1LA or 1LB brakes, recommending the application of anti-seize lubricant to caliper guide pins. Another TSB, 2061403/2, notes that on some 2017+ models, the brake pad wear indicator can come on prematurely due to an improperly crimped sensor wire. Owners also report issues with the electronic parking brake (EPB) system, which can sometimes fail due to corroded wiring or faulty control modules.

DIY Replacement vs. Professional Installation

Replacing brake pads on an Audi A5 is a manageable DIY job for someone with mechanical experience and the right tools. However, there's a critical step for the rear brakes: the electronic parking brake (EPB). You cannot simply press the rear caliper pistons back in. You must use a diagnostic scan tool (like VCDS or OBDeleven) or the car's MMI system (on some models) to put the EPB into "Service Mode" first. Failing to do this will damage the electronic caliper motors. The front brakes do not have this system and are more straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions