Brakes

[discojools]

Brake pad check light and warning just come on in my D3. Anybody got any idea how many Ks I've got before I'm down to the metal? I know it depends on how i drive it but some idea would be good.

[justinc]

Must likely the edge of the pad is already almost touching the edge of the rotor. They wear some pretty deep grooves in these, expect 40 to 50K absolute max from brake discs and pads city driving. I'd say get it done ASAP. In answer to your question, less than 5k and I'd be worried then and listening for noises

JC

[discojools]

Yeah thanks for that JC. Have had a look at fronts and backs. Back have bout 30mm and fronts a little less. Will get them done next week hopefully if my servicer is back otherwise might do it myself.

[justinc]

30mm...Don't you mean 3mm???
And don't forget to replace any of the sensors that have been ground away.(there are only 2, LHF and RHR)
Actually they aren't hard to do, about 1 to 2 hours tops for all discs, sensors and pads including bedding in. You will need a torx bit set to remove the rotors though, and you'll probably spend more time replacing the sensors than actually fitting the pads, they tuck the connector right up under the inner guard liner on the LHF, and the RHR plug is around the back of the upper control arm...

Would be a nice afternoon spent getting to know your D3

Even over the counter at LR all the parts aren't too exxy. IIRC the last one I did all the parts, genuine from the dealer was $850 to $950?(It was a little while ago, so can't remember exactly)

JC

[WhiteD3]

If you let it go too much longer you'll be up for the sensors as well as the pads

[rmp]

Anyone got any recommendations for improved pads and rotors?

[discojools]

Yes JC I meant 3 or 4 mm, and like RMP does anybody know of better aftermarket discs and pads? I'm sure I read an article in one of the mags about somebody fitting some.

[WhiteD3]

50,000km for a set of LR pads that stop a 3t monster? I think 50,000 is pretty good. But shop around for the work; I saved $400 doing a ring around and LR met the price in the end.

[justinc]

50,000km for a set of LR pads that stop a 3t monster? I think 50,000 is pretty good. But shop around for the work; I saved $400 doing a ring around and LR met the price in the end.

Agreed, the actual material of the pads and discs is designed to be sacrificial in order to stop the car effectively from high speeds. Mercedes Benz also employed the sacrificial rotor design with their brakes, and consequently they have fantastic stoppers and the disc rotors aren't that expensive at all.

I have seen a few RRS run out of brakes at 30K too

I would say that if you have a 60K vehicle, then you can afford to fit decent brakes to it. Aftermarket stuff is sometimes more expensive and will not meet the original design criteria.

How much was the quote to fit it all up WhiteD3?

JC

[WhiteD3]

How much was the quote to fit it all up WhiteD3?

Here's the thread.......http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-zone...ment-cost.html