VW Golf R OEM Versus Aftermarket Brakes - rotors and pads, braided lines

[GolfRWag]

I put ATE low dust ceramic pads on my Mk7.5 R from (almost) new.

No noise at all, ever.

They have less initial grab than the OEM pads, but as soon as you push a bit harder they do grip quite well - I'd describe them as more progressive and I prefer that to the OEM initial grabiness.

Note that these particular pads are not marketed as a performance pad, so may not be the best choice for track work or extreme street driving (eg hammering down a mountain pass with lots of heavy late braking). I don't do that so they suit me fine.

Yes, I agree, bite is still good but less sharp and more progressive/bit less grabby; still with heaps of easy retardation available.

[GolfRWag]

I love grabby brakes so I'm really on the fence when it comes to needing a pad change.

You probably want OEM again/semi-metallics which should have a sharper initial bite than ceramics judging by online feedback.

[genebaby]

That's what I hear too. Still looking into it, always researching.

[minke]

Well... 29k and the brake warning light has come on. The 2020 GTI is the wifes car (I do use it) but gee that's annoyingly early.

My A4 at 88,000km original pad/rotors and no warning light yet...

Talking to the wife we both hate the light switch brake.bugger all feel.

Is anyone aware of anything that can be done? I know Lucus spoke about Ate ceramic having slightly better feel.. but rather get something closer to the A4 (or other cars I've driven)

[Lucas_R]

Simply replacing with non-genuine pads will get rid of that "light switch" on/off brake pedal feel. I hated that as well.

[petemac110]

You probably want OEM again/semi-metallics which should have a sharper initial bite than ceramics judging by online feedback.

They sure do - after running the ATE rotors and ceramic pads for a while and developing some shudder, I went back to OEM-style TRW pads and the difference in bite and overall feel is very noticeable (sadly, so is the increase in black dust!). Bear in mind that I have a Passat 206TSI land-yacht with the Golf R brakes but a few hundred extra kilos, so this may not be an apples with apples comparison to the feel on the lighter Golf.

[minke]

thanks - i assume in your experience front change is enough?

I'm thinking about going with Brembo ceramic pads. Not sure which rotor yet. I do like the DBA 4000 T3 for the look...

[petemac110]

thanks - i assume in your experience front change is enough?

I'm thinking about going with Brembo ceramic pads. Not sure which rotor yet. I do like the DBA 4000 T3 for the look...

I've read that the metal backing plates on the Brembo ceramic pads don't fit all that well and can rattle, but I have no personal experience so this is hearsay only.

[GolfRWag]

Yes, I agree, bite is still good but less sharp and more progressive/bit less grabby; still with heaps of easy retardation available.

Update on my DBA Street Series T2 front rotors and Street Series ceramic pads.
Took approx. 1-2 weeks commuter driving to fully bed in.
Bite is excellent now, good progressive feel and no noise (not that the OE ones made any noise either).
Rotors are very smooth on the faces, indicating reduced wear, and the masses of black dust is gone.
Light grey dust which builds up much more slowly is the difference there. Much easier to clean off as well.
Very happy with the result - in a non-track application these are holding up as at least equal performance to the OE stuff but better in most areas.

[genebaby]

So you rate these pads as having the same bite/feel as the OEM pads?

Unlike others I prefer the very touchy nature, around town, of the OEM pads.

I don't need them yet but I've been casually looking into other TRW made pads but even the OEM price isn't the worst to get that OEM feel.

Not a fan of the dust but I live with it.