I think I chose the wrong brake pads...

[Dave Glubrecht]

I had a similiar occurance with my 4kq when I put new wheels on.  They are
much more open, allowing the rotor to get wet.  Since it doesn't rain that
much here and it is rare to drive long enough without using brakes with my
current commute, I use the tap brakes every so often if driving in
conditions that may cause this problem.  Crosswind also agrivates the
situation.
  Dave G  (serious pucker factor first time)




----- Original Message -----
From: "TM" <t44tq at mindspring.com>
To: "'Scott'" <Scott at thehinckleys.com>; <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 12:19 PM
Subject: RE: I think I chose the wrong brake pads...


> 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
>
>