On this page I would like to give you useful tuning tips for choosing the right components for your high-end brake system.
- How you can really save money by choosing the right components
- What you should pay attention to when selecting brake discs
- Why you can't combine every brake caliper with every disc
1.How you can save money with a high-quality high-end brake system
When selecting components, make sure that you use them from vehicles that are available on the market in large quantities.
With the right choice of components, you will save money every time you replace a wearing part
here is an example:
We once had a customer who already had an RS, and anyone who is familiar with it knows that the brake discs are very expensive. Because they are wearing parts, he had to spend a lot of money every time he had to replace the worn discs.
We then developed and manufactured an adapter for him so that he could use a large brake disc from a larger model, such as the A8.
The standard discs at the time cost him €560, whereas the A8 discs are available for as little as €150, so he saves a whopping €410 every time he changes his brakes.
Of course, you might think, yes, but surely the RS discs are of better quality.No, the difference is that Audi does not approve these discs for other manufacturers, so Audi can charge more for them. The A8 disc, on the other hand, is produced by well-known manufacturers such as Zimmermann and EBC and millions of them, whereas the RS disc is only produced directly by Audi in small quantities.
Here is a selection of brake calipers (click here), which we use regularly and which we have in stock for component selection.
The standard discs at the time cost him €560, whereas the A8 discs are available from just €150, so he saves a whopping €410 every time he changes the brakes.
Of course you may think, yes, but surely the RS discs are of better quality. No, the difference is that Audi does not approve these discs for other manufacturers, so Audi can charge more for them. The A8 disc, on the other hand, is produced by well-known manufacturers such as Zimmermann and EBC and millions of them, whereas the RS disc is produced directly by Audi only in small quantities.
Here is a selection of brake calipers (click here) that we regularly use and have in stock for component selection.
Further tips for a high-quality high-end brake system at favourable prices:
Check our shop to see if we have a suitable/similar brake caliper adapter in stock with dimensions similar to the one you want to install. You can find out what we have on offer for your car by entering your model in the vehicle search. Even if you already have components, such as brake callipers etc., it is worth considering that you simply use components for which we already have adapters. As a rule, if you sell your components and buy the calipers and discs for which we already have adapters, this will be significantly cheaper for you. From experience, it is a 0 to 0 deal to sell the components, but you save on the adapters.
(Series adapters are logically cheaper than adapters made especially for you), another advantage is that you can dispose of them immediately, as we usually have them in stock. Of course, it's up to you to decide what you want, but we will definitely help you with your brake system.
2. Choosing the right brake disc
If you already know which brake calipers you want to install, all you have to do is get the right brake discs. It's worth investing a little time here. If you choose the right brake disc, you can always save money in the future. You can also use brake discs from other manufacturers.
The following should be noted!
- The bolt circles of the brake discs should match the original bolt circle of the vehicle. If this is not the case, we will also re-bore brake discs.
- The centring should match the original. .
- Very important!!! The brake disc must have the right thickness for the brake caliper.
- You should pay attention to quality, there are many manufacturers on the market with inferior quality, this can lead to complete brake loss. In the long term, two top manufacturers have emerged for us, one is EBC and the other is Zimmermann.
It's up to you where you buy the brake discs, but we also have some on offer.
Example of the correct brake disc selection:
You want to install the calipers from the Porsche 996, which are fitted with a 318x28 disc in their original condition:
For example, if you have a bolt circle connection of 5×100, we use the Cupra R disc with 323×28. The diameter may differ slightly, but the thickness must be identical. See example photo for comparison
It is important to note that the thickness of the brake disc for which the caliper was originally designed must not be changed.
- the caliper cannot be fitted at all with thicker brake discs
- if the brake discs are too thin, the brake pads could slip out of the anchorage if they are too worn, or the brake pistons could be pushed out too far. This can result in complete brake loss!
Example 1: Brake disc too thin
- Brake pads could pop out
Example 2: Brace disc too thick
- Brake caliper does not overlap brake disc
When you have selected all your desired components
Do my desired components fit together? Please check in advance whether it is even possible to install your desired components. You can find out how to do this step by step here:
1. Suspension joint
Please check in advance whether the brake disc is rubbing against the suspension joint or not.
You can check this as follows: Fit the new brake disc to be used and move the suspension joint back and forth; there should be at least 3 mm of clearance between the suspension joint and the brake disc at the narrowest point.
If there are stripes, as shown in the picture on the right, it is possible to install a spacer plate under the brake disc. If this is the case, please check whether you have enough space in the wheel housing for the rim. If it is not possible for you to check this, please also send us the pressed-in suspension joint.
2. Brake disc and Brake caliper
Test fit the brake disc and brake caliper to your steering knuckle before you send us the components. It can rarely happen that the new brake caliper is too close to the original mount and therefore has no space for an adapter (too little flesh) and cannot be moved on the axle, as you can see in the left-hand picture. If this is the case, please go to the next point.
If this is the case, there are 2 options
1.Possibility:
You can install a larger brake disc so that the caliper moves further outwards, and you therefore have more space.
In the photo on the right, you can see that the caliper has now moved further outwards and there is now enough space for an adapter.
2.Possibility:
You can use a different brake caliper that is bolted from above (radial) instead of from the side (axial).
In the photo on the left, you can see that the brake caliper is now bolted from above (radial) and no longer from the side (axial), leaving space for an adapter.