Pagid Pads - cracking

[David's8]

Having been trying to get to the bottom of brake shudder which started around the time of pad/disc renewal late last year, I have just had the upper control arms replaced which made it a whole lot better but didnt eradicate it. (They had been picked up at the MoT).This week my garage replaced the (Audi) discs (hopefully under warrranty) and the (Pagid) pads (ditto) in trying to find the cause. Result - shuddering gone! The shudder used to get worse with use at speed (heat).The mechanic was concerned about the state of the pads and as can be seen from the photos there is large crack in one (inboard pad) and discolouration of some of the others.

I know that some state that Pagid's reputation for quality was going downhill but this looks like really poor manufacturing quality.

[The_Laird]

Glad it's sorted at last, David.

[roboblob]

picture 4 ,the hole on the left . That looks like copper slip ,I would be concerned why it got there, did an apprentice fit the pads and put it on the wrong side of the pads ?
in fact both pads with wires seen to be contaminated.

[David's8]

Originally Posted by roboblob

picture 4 ,the hole on the left . That looks like copper slip ,I would be concerned why it got there, did an apprentice fit the pads and put it on the wrong side of the pads ?
in fact both pads with wires seen to be contaminated.

You are right - it is copper slip - but the contamination came after they were removed. In fact it was from the way they had been put back in the box for me to examine (the garage senior mechanic did the job and ALWAYS keeps the parts for me to examine - he know what I'm like!!)

[notorious]

Use Audi parts only. They are expensive, but they at least guarantee basic level of quality.

[Adrian E]

Originally Posted by notorious

Use Audi parts only. They are expensive, but they at least guarantee basic level of quality.

Or at least parts manufactured in Europe/to European quality standards.

With some components you can't be absolutely certain that buying genuine actually means the component is fit for purpose - it could've been on a shelf for 10 years or more which doesn't do rubber in particular any favours if the conditions of storage aren't perfect. Will become more of an issue over time as we look to obtain spare parts

[Singh]

Originally Posted by notorious

Use Audi parts only. They are expensive, but they at least guarantee basic level of quality.

Exactly, I bought Pagid from ECP for the last RS 6, £54.00, they were £250 from Audi for apparently the ''same'' part. They weren't the same part, they lasted four months and I went and bought the pads from Audi in the end. I don't do OE anymore, OEM from Audi or TPS only. Need a set of front pads for the C6 now, £400.

[Adrian E]

Amar - do TRW do aftermarket for C6 RS6 ceramics now? Saw someone reference a part number for S8 ceramics on PH forum and wondered if they might.

Possible the exclusive time period for factory parts supply has passed and they can now sell the same product in unbranded packaging? Assuming the C6 pads are TRW in the first place, which I don't know.

[Singh]

Adrian, I'm unsure. Wouldn't know where to look, but I'm skeptical now on OE parts so will be doing Audi only.

[PsYcHe]

You'd still get away with OE on a 'lesser' car, but I wouldn't trust 750 horses to stop on anything underspecced..