Dealer says I have to get rotors and pads for an S6

[BiturboA6]

Do I have to replace both at the same time. they quoted me the front at $700. not too bad, but I would rather go to an independant shop and maybe turn the rotors and just replace the pads. I want good pads though. any ideas out there? thanks, Brandon

[MikekiM@PureMS]

Rotors and pads should be replaced together. Fronts can be done independently from the rears, but the left and right sides have to be done at the same time.

We've got a number of OE and aftermarket pad and rotor options that could save you some money. Feel free to email or call us if you have any questions.

[rodhotter]

WOW!! they don't call them stealers for nothing!!! find a good independent shop if you are not a do it yourself guy.imo rotors DO NOT need replacing with pads, DEPENDS in their condition.

[uberwgn]

Originally Posted by BiturboA6

Do I have to replace both at the same time. they quoted me the front at $700. not too bad, but I would rather go to an independant shop and maybe turn the rotors and just replace the pads. I want good pads though. any ideas out there?

That price is certainly in the ball park asuming the S6 has some sort of unique brake pad config.

My dealer quotes around ~ $600 for each end of the car using OE quality components. Maybe they'd reduce it to $1000 for the entire job.

I guess the question, as always, comes down to: Can you do the work yourself? Do you want to do the work? Etc. Sure, you can purchase high quality parts and supply the labor and be done for a lot less $$$.

Don't turn these rotors.

Sure, sometimes you can fit a 2nd set of pads without putting in fresh rotors. But those rotors really need to be in prime condition to do so.

[Just Me]

Generally you can get at least 2 sets of pads to a set of S6 front rotors. Rear rotors seem to last indefinitely. If you do just swap pads, make sure you use OEM pads so there is no interaction between incompatible pad materials.

For instance, when i recently replaced my front pads (after 35-40k use) the rotors were about 1/2 way to the overly-stringent 2mm wear limit (30mm new; 28mm wear limit; no rationale why)

Rotors (OEM) for S6 (C5) should cost about $250/pair. Pads $150/set, plus labor. These numbers are "fair" prices at a shop - neither dealer list nor mail order discount. YMMV.

I would not replace the rotors unless wear is extreme. However i WOULD ensure thatt eh caliper is greased and floating properly.

yes, i know this post is old. Juts for other who read it.

G

[Just Me]

"Rotors and pads should be replaced together". Why?

Pads will wear right in to rotor contour. Unless you change pad compound, which can be a problem.

G