I just finished an exhausting research session since I am replacing the original rotors on my 2006 Tacoma (got over 200k miles on those and they're still okay, but getting close to needing replacement).I've heard pretty much universally good things about Wagner and Bosch. Other brands like Raybestos and Powerstop, some people have good things to say, some don't.In the end I went with OEM rotors I got straight from Toyota. I'm pretty sure the OEM manufacturer is Advics, and you can get the same rotors from Rock Auto. They're the in the 'high carbon' category and are a little pricier than the "daily driver' price/quality category you see on RA's website. I got them for around the same price as RA, but direct from the dealer; you have to shop around because some dealers will charge the full MSRP, while some have ~25% off MSRP on nearly all their parts.In short, if you want to stay as close to original as possible, my vote is for Advics rotors and Akebono pads. I was pretty happy with the longevity of my original rotors so decided to stick with my 'tried and true' experience.
I just changed out my rotors and brakes, both fronts and rears. I went with the Akebono ProAct pads, Centric GCX front rotors, and Dynamic Friction Geospec rear rotors. The OEM front pads are Advics (GG friction rating), and the rears list NBK (FF friction rating). The Rotors are all Advics.
The ProActs are slightly better, but nothing significant. I had plenty of life in the fronts, but my rotors were slightly warped, and the outer rears were pretty worn. 50k miles, pretty much on the money.
The default recommendation will be Zimmerman rotors and Akebono Premium Ceramic Pads.
For the A4 it doesnt get better than this. Low dust, quiet operation, great initial bite, and they last a long time.
Zimmerman rotors and Akebono pads. Decent stopping power. Never any noise. And super low dust! Been running this combo the last 12 years on all German cars I have owned, with zero issues (bmw,Audi &Mercedes).
I went with Akebono ProAct pads, Centric fully coated front rotors, and Dynamic Friction fully coated for the rears. I don't have any complaints.
Akebono pads and zimmerman rotors are just about the best brands you could have picked, good choice.
the Akebono pads take a bit to get used to because the initial bite is softer which basically just means for the first couple seconds you brake you have to apply more pressure or at least it feels like you do. Its more of a feeling tho and the benefits of quality ceramic pads far outweigh any downsides.
The fronts already feel so much better than oem brakes.
I replaced mine with Akebono ceramic pads, i paid just under $600 for all four corners, parts and labor (i replaced mine at 9k miles).
Akebono. Poor QC and horrible stopping power.
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