B6 S4 Front Brakes - lesson learned

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

I successfully did the front brakes on my B6 S4 yesterday. Thanks to EuropaParts for sending all the right parts for the job, quickly and well packaged!

When I bought this car about a month ago, the dealer did the rear brakes (pads & rotors) as part of the deal, but they didn’t do the fronts. I soon found out that the anti-rattle clips were missing on both front calipers, and every tiny bump or crack in the road cause a metallic clank from one or both sides.

I had previously purchased a pair of new clips, but having never seen them installed, I put them on how I thought they should fit, and promptly lost one going down the road . After more diligent searching I found some better pics that showed the way the clips were supposed to lock into place in the center. The old front pads my car had did not have the factory style slot in the center for the clip to attach to, no wonder they were missing on both sides.

I ordered up some new Pagid pads and Zimmerman rotors from EuropaParts and got them all installed yesterday. All rattling & noise is gone, and the brakes have much better feel.

If I can find a place to host some pics, I’ll put a couple up here that show the cheapo pads that were on there and their substandard clip arrangement.

#2

I think AR can host pics. Try this link when logged in: http://audirevolution.net/image_uploader.php

#3

Good to hear. It would be so annoying to hear that rattle all the time. It might not be a bad idea to check your break fluid depending on your mileage. It’s a good thing to replace in higher mileage cars.

#4


http://audirevolution.net/addons/albums/images/268517847.jpg

Here it is - see that the only spring “finger” on this outside pad doesn’t have the slot for the anti-rattle clip. These do seem to have a built in shim.

#5

You kinda need all those parts on the pad. It makes for a better install. Nice posted picture