Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads for Your 2012-2019 Audi S8
Stop wasting money on dusty, noisy brakes and find the perfect aftermarket pads for your high-performance sedan.
- The rear electronic parking brake MUST be put into service mode with a diagnostic tool before replacement to avoid damage.
- Aftermarket ceramic pads from brands like Akebono or Bosch can significantly reduce the heavy brake dust common with OEM pads.
- Due to the S8's high performance, it's wise to inspect rotors during a pad change and plan to replace them every other pad set.
- Always have new brake pad wear sensors on hand for the job, as the old ones are fragile and often break upon removal.
Signs Your S8 Brake Pads Are Failing
Your Audi S8 is equipped with electronic wear sensors that will trigger a warning light on your dashboard when the pads are low. However, there are other symptoms to watch for that indicate it's time for a replacement.
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: High-pitched squealing when you first apply the brakes can be normal, but persistent squealing or a harsh grinding sound means the pads are worn down to the metal backing plate. This can severely damage your brake rotors, leading to a much more expensive repair.
- Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could be a sign of warped rotors, often caused by worn pads or excessive heat.
- Increased Stopping Distance: If you notice the car taking longer to stop than usual, your brake pads may have lost their effectiveness.
- Brake Dust: While factory Audi pads are known for producing a lot of dust, a sudden increase can indicate accelerated wear. Many owners switch to aftermarket ceramic pads specifically to reduce dust.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Pads for Your S8
The original equipment (OEM) pads on your S8 are designed for a balance of performance and comfort, but they are often expensive and produce significant brake dust. Aftermarket pads offer a wide range of options tailored to specific needs, often at a better price. Here’s a breakdown of common choices for the S8.
Brand & Quality Tiers
Premium Ceramic (Low Dust & Quiet Operation):
These pads are perfect for the daily-driven S8 owner who values clean wheels and quiet, smooth stops without sacrificing safety. They offer stopping power that is as good as or better than stock for street driving.
- Akebono: Highly recommended by Audi owners for their extremely low dust output and quiet operation. They provide a consistent pedal feel and are a popular OEM-alternative upgrade.
- Bosch QuietCast: A well-regarded option known for its quiet performance and advanced shim technology to reduce noise and vibration.
- Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic: A budget-friendly ceramic option that still provides good performance and low dust for everyday driving.
Performance Street (Enhanced Stopping Power):
For the owner who drives more aggressively or wants a noticeable improvement in braking bite and heat resistance. These pads may produce slightly more dust or noise than premium ceramics but offer superior performance.
- EBC Brakes (Redstuff & Yellowstuff): EBC Redstuff pads are a popular ceramic-based performance street pad offering low dust and improved stopping power. Yellowstuff pads are more aggressive, suitable for high-performance street use, but will create more dust.
- Hawk Performance (HPS & Ceramic): Hawk HPS (High Performance Street) pads offer increased stopping power over stock. Their Performance Ceramic pads are a good balance of performance and low dust.
- Brembo: As the manufacturer of the S8's brake system, Brembo's aftermarket pads are an excellent choice, engineered to meet or exceed original standards.
OEM-Equivalent (Stock Feel & Performance):
If you're happy with the original braking performance but want to avoid dealership prices, these brands are often the original suppliers to Audi.
- Pagid: A well-known OEM supplier for German vehicles, offering pads that will feel and perform just like the ones your car came with.
- Textar: Another top-tier OEM supplier, providing pads that match the factory friction formula for a familiar feel.
- Zimmermann: While known more for their rotors, Zimmermann also offers quality brake pads that are a solid OEM-level replacement.
A Note on Brake Rotors
The general rule for Audis is to replace the brake rotors every second brake pad change. However, given the S8's weight and performance, it's highly recommended to inspect the rotors for wear, warping, or damage whenever you replace the pads. If you're upgrading to performance pads, pairing them with new, high-quality rotors is essential for best results.
Cost of Aftermarket vs. OEM Brake Pads
| Category | Price Range (Pads Only, Front & Rear Set) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket | $70 - $760 | Price varies widely by brand and material. Our inventory ranges from $34.85 to $381.81 per axle. |
| New OEM (Dealer) | $350 - $1,200+ | Represents the highest cost, especially for parts purchased directly from a dealership. |
| Shop Labor | $170 - $250 | This is an estimate for pad replacement only. Costs will be higher if rotors are also replaced. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to change the brake pads on my S8?
Yes. The most critical special tool is a diagnostic scanner (like VCDS or OBDeleven) to put the rear electronic parking brake (EPB) into service mode. Attempting to retract the rear caliper pistons without doing this will damage the EPB motors. You will also need a 21mm socket for the front caliper bolts, a 13mm socket and 15mm wrench for the rear calipers, and a T30 Torx bit for the rotor set screw.
Can I reuse my brake pad wear sensors?
Technically, if the warning light has not come on, the sensor can be reused. However, they are often brittle and break during removal. Given their low cost in the aftermarket compared to OEM, it is highly recommended to have new sensors on hand before starting the job.
Why are my new brakes squeaking?
New brakes can squeak if they are not bedded-in properly, if anti-squeal shims or grease were not used correctly, or if there is an incompatibility between the new pads and old rotors. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) from Audi also notes that corrosion or pad material transfer on the discs can cause noise. Following the pad manufacturer's break-in procedure is crucial.
Are there any recalls on the 2012-2019 S8 brakes?
Searches on the NHTSA database did not reveal any recalls specifically for the disc brake pads on the 2012-2019 Audi S8. However, there have been recalls for other brake system components, like the brake booster and ABS control unit, on other Audi models. It is always best to check your specific VIN for any open recalls.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4H0-698-151-Q 4H0-698-451-K 4H0-615-115-AJ
The 2012-2019 Audi S8 (D4) typically uses 400mm front brake rotors and 356mm rear brake rotors. The front calipers are a multi-piston design made by Brembo. The rear calipers feature an electronic parking brake (EPB) that requires a diagnostic tool for service.
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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 S8: