I think I chose the wrong brake pads...

[TM]

Scott-
I beg to differ on your opinion of Mintex Redbox pads. I have
used them on a G-60 equipped 5ktq and on our A4 and they have
performed very well, no problems whatsoever for street use.

The problem with wet braking performance lies in the design of
the A4, not the pads. I have read numerous complaints about this
on Audiworld since at least '98 and nothing has been able to stop
this occurrence short of wholesale brake system replacement.

I have experienced this personally in our A4- very scary to
be driving at highway speeds in heavy rain and have _no_ braking
effect upon hitting the pedal. Repeated pumping and hard braking
cleared up the water to allow for braking, but in a panic stop
situation, this would be a "check your shorts" instance.

I have not experienced this in any other car to date.

My suggestion is to look into slotted or drilled rotors to help
prevent water buildup on the rotors- the reason why this happens.

Taka

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com] On
Behalf Of Scott
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 1:05 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: I think I chose the wrong brake pads...


Last April it was time for new front brake pads. I was tired of the
amazing amount of dust that the factory pads produced, so I looked to
the aftermarket. I ended up buying Mintex pads (the red box). I have
been thinking they were great ever since, little dust & great stopping.

Well...
This is Seattle, and the rainy season is upon us. Herein lies the
problem. The Mintex pads are TERRIBLE in this rain. I don't know if it
is more a temperature issue or a water issue. When I need to come to a
stop from highway speeds it feels like the brakes are doing nothing for
the first couple of seconds, then they are back to normal. They continue
to work fine if I keep them (warm?/dry?), but once I do another long
stretch without stopping they have the same problem.

I am looking for any recommendations on a performance street pad that
brakes at least as well as the factory pads (in wet or dry) and doesn't
produce a bunch of dust. Is there anything out there for me?

Thanks,
Scott
1998 A4 2.8Q manual/sports