jkballon

timshuwy

Several years ago, after hearing the super high price that the dealer wanted for changing my brakes on my 2011 Q5, I chose to do them myself. Afterall, I had changed brakes on nearly all my previous cars. I searched Amazon for the brake pads and rotors, Read the reviews (which had some good hints), came here to Audi World and read comments, and then when to YouTube and searched... I found a treasure chest of videos (here is a youtube list for 2014 q5: https://goo.gl/HS4jyD )which really helped me know each and every step. It allowed me to see and anticipate what I would find when I took out each bolt and clip, and how to reassemble again (the most important part). It was actually quite easy... the "Hardest" part was Jacking Up the car and taking off the wheels.
Good Luck

F250

Brakes are so much easier and less "mysterious" than most people think. Good Youtube videos and and well-illustrated write-ups make it a snap. The part I personally like the best about the DIY approach is that if you do the whole process properly, you will probably end up with a better brake job because you will have properly bedding in the new brake pads (something most shops do not thoroughly address).

Warhead

I have heard that most people stay with OEM brands (just not from the dealer). I have also heard good things about hawk performance pads too, prefect for the spirited driver. There are a lot of videos on youtube that will be a wealth of knowledge for you.

flybooey

Yeah...just do it. I have used both OEM pads and Hawk. Both were just fine for our purposes. Faster wear and more dust from the OEM but quiet and consistent. The Hawks for me gave more bite but my wife also said they were too grabby initially but that was more her getting used to them compared to the OEM.
The OEM rotors are pretty pricey, like 450 a pair while Zimmerman, Brembo, Meyle etc are 120-175 pair. I've tried slotted and drilled in the past and found that a lot of brands castings and drilling/slotting are not well done. Finding cracks radiating from the drilled holes. Upgrades are not always upgrades.
The rears you will need the VAG-Com software to retract the rear calipers....no pushing them back with a c-clamp. Ross-Tech has youtube videos that walk you through doing the rears. Super easy.
The cost savings is substantial and the beer you drink tastes even better.
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jkballon

I guess my question was not clear, sorry. I looking up parts in a catalog I see several brake options for me depending on the type of system I have such as Brembo or
Girling, etc. My question is: How do I identify what type of system I have so I can order the correct pads. I'm not looking for anything special just OE type pads.

timshuwy

Seems like the dealer should be able to tell you based on your VIN. not sure though.

siren001

Have a 2015. If its a 3.0T is the Brembo Kit. 345mm front 330 Rear

I bought my Pads and Rotors off of ECS Tuning, Went Stainless Steel Brake lines, EBC RedStuff Ceramics, ECS Slotted Rotors. After running 2k miles they dust way less then OEM.

Pads, Rotors, Sensor, Brake Lines ~600

MurrayA4

jkballon if you can post a reasonable picture of your brake calipers we can probably help you determine what brand of caliper you've got.

jkballon

Thanks for your offer. I have figured out I have Brembo calipers.