How Much Are New Brake Pads for an Audi A4?

New brake pads for an Audi A4 typically cost about $80–$220 per axle for parts alone, and $200–$450 per axle for parts and labor at most independent shops in the U.S., depending on model year, trim, and whether you use standard or performance pads.

What Drivers Can Expect to Pay

For Audi A4 owners, the price of brake pads is driven by three main factors: the specific A4 generation and engine, whether the car has standard or performance brakes, and where you purchase and install the parts. While online prices for pads can start under $80 per axle, premium OEM-equivalent or performance pads can easily double that figure, and dealership labor rates push the total sharply higher.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

Parts Only: Front and Rear Brake Pads

Brake pad pricing for an Audi A4 varies widely between budget aftermarket and OEM or premium brands. The following ranges reflect typical U.S. retail prices from major auto parts retailers and online marketplaces in 2024–2025.

• Front brake pads (per axle): approx. $80–$220
• Rear brake pads (per axle): approx. $70–$200
• Budget aftermarket pads: about $60–$100 per axle
• Mid-range/OEM-equivalent pads: about $100–$180 per axle
• Premium/performance pads (e.g., low-dust, high-performance): about $150–$220+ per axle

These figures represent current, commonly advertised prices and give a realistic expectation of what A4 owners will see when shopping for parts only, before installation.

Total Installed Cost: Independent Shop vs Dealer

Labor rates and shop policies significantly affect what Audi A4 drivers ultimately spend for brake pad replacement. The difference between an independent workshop and an authorized Audi dealer can be substantial.

• Independent mechanic (per axle, pads only): about $200–$450 total (parts + labor)
• Independent mechanic (pads + rotors, per axle): about $350–$700 total
• Audi dealership (pads only, per axle): about $300–$650 total
• Audi dealership (pads + rotors, per axle): often $600–$1,000+, especially on newer models
• Labor time: roughly 1–2 hours per axle, depending on model year and whether the car has electronic parking brake

While dealer prices are generally higher, many owners still choose them for warranty considerations, software-related work, and access to OEM parts and specialized tools.

How Model Year and Trim Change the Price

B8, B9, and B10 Generations Compared

The Audi A4 has evolved significantly through its B8, B9, and latest B10 generation, and that evolution affects brake pad pricing and complexity.

• B8 A4 (approx. 2009–2016): Wide availability of aftermarket pads keeps part prices lower; typical pads per axle often in the $80–$170 range.
• B9 A4 (approx. 2017–2023): More models with electronic parking brakes and larger rotor options; pads usually land in the $100–$200 per axle range.
• B10 A4 (2024 onward, where available): Newer platforms often mean higher initial parts prices, with early OEM-focused options frequently in the $150–$220+ per axle bracket until more aftermarket options catch up.

As a rule, older A4 generations are cheaper to service for brakes, while the newest models can carry a premium until the aftermarket fully matures.

Standard vs Performance Brakes

Not all Audi A4s share identical brake hardware. Trims with larger wheels, S-line or sport packages, or higher-output engines can come with upgraded braking systems.

• Standard A4 brakes: Typically the lowest pad cost; good selection of ceramic and semi-metallic options.
• Sport/S-line packages: May use larger calipers and rotors, with pads that cost 10–30% more than base models.
• A4 Allroad: Often similar pad cost to regular A4, but check part numbers, as rear brakes and pad shapes can differ.
• Performance or big brake kits (aftermarket): Pads for Brembo or other performance kits can run $200–$300+ per axle.

Because equipment can differ even within the same model year, A4 owners are advised to verify pad specifications by VIN or existing part number before ordering.

What Else Affects the Final Price?

Rotors, Wear Sensors, and Hardware

Brake pad replacement often comes with additional recommended parts, some of which can substantially change the total bill.

• Brake rotors: $80–$200 per rotor for most A4 models; most shops recommend replacing rotors with pads if they are worn, thin, or warped.
• Wear sensors: $10–$40 per sensor; many A4 models use electronic pad wear sensors on one wheel per axle.
• Hardware kits (clips, shims, pins): $10–$30 per axle; can improve noise control and pad performance.
• Brake fluid service: $80–$150; often recommended every 2–3 years, sometimes combined with major brake work.

Because these add-ons are commonly bundled into a professional brake job, the initial “pad price” is only one part of a larger overall service cost.

Location and Labor Rates

Where you live and who does the work may shift the final figure as much as your choice of parts does.

• High-cost urban areas: Labor rates of $150–$250 per hour at dealers; independent shops often $120–$180.
• Smaller cities and suburban areas: Labor more commonly in the $90–$140 per hour range at independent garages.
• Mobile mechanics: Sometimes $20–$40 less per hour than brick-and-mortar shops, though availability and quality vary.
• DIY (do it yourself): You pay primarily for parts and any special tools, saving $150–$300+ per axle in labor.

As a result, two Audi A4 owners with identical cars and parts choices can see very different final bills depending purely on geography and shop selection.

Choosing the Right Type of Brake Pad

Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic vs Low-Copper

Beyond price, the compound you choose can change pedal feel, dust levels, and longevity, making the decision more than a simple cost calculation.

• Ceramic brake pads: Common on modern European sedans; quieter, low-dust, often pricier but popular among A4 owners.
• Semi-metallic pads: Typically cheaper with stronger initial bite; may produce more noise and dust, and can be harsher on rotors.
• Low-copper / NAO (non-asbestos organic): Often tuned for quieter operation and reduced environmental impact; performance varies by brand.
• Performance compounds: Designed for aggressive driving or track use; higher price and more noise/dust, but greater fade resistance.

Many Audi-focused shops recommend high-quality ceramic or OEM-equivalent pads for daily-driven A4s, balancing braking performance with comfort and cleanliness.

What A4 Owners Are Seeing in 2024–2025

Realistic Scenarios at Today’s Prices

Based on current market data and typical service quotes, here’s what common brake service scenarios look like for an Audi A4 right now.

• Basic pad replacement at independent shop: $220–$350 per axle, using reputable aftermarket ceramic pads.
• Pad and rotor replacement at independent shop: $400–$700 per axle, depending on brand and rotor size.
• Dealer pad replacement with OEM parts: $350–$650 per axle, often higher on newest models or performance packages.
• DIY pad and rotor job with quality parts: $220–$450 per axle, assuming you have tools and experience.

These figures provide a practical benchmark for Audi A4 owners preparing for brake service, helping them distinguish between reasonable quotes and potential overcharging.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Audi A4

Steps Before You Book the Job

Because of model variations and regional price differences, Audi A4 owners can take a few steps to lock in a more precise and fair estimate.

• Check your exact model details: Note model year, engine, drivetrain (quattro or FWD), and any sport/S-line package.
• Verify by VIN: Provide your VIN to the parts store or shop to confirm the correct pad and rotor part numbers.
• Ask for a written breakdown: Request a line-item estimate covering pads, rotors, sensors, hardware, and labor hours.
• Shop around: Get at least two quotes—one from a reputable independent Euro specialist and one from a dealer.
• Confirm what’s included: Clarify whether cleaning, lubrication of slide pins, and test drive are built into the price.

By comparing detailed quotes instead of single “out-the-door” numbers, Audi A4 owners can better balance cost, quality, and warranty coverage.

Summary

New brake pads for an Audi A4 generally cost $80–$220 per axle for parts alone, with full installed prices at most independent shops landing between $200 and $450 per axle, and higher at dealerships. The exact figure depends on model year, brake package, pad compound, and whether rotors and sensors are replaced at the same time. With clear documentation of the vehicle’s details and a few well-aimed questions, Audi A4 drivers can obtain accurate, competitive estimates and choose brake components that match their driving style, budget, and comfort expectations.

How long do brakes last on an Audi A4?

Brake discs, or rotors, on your Audi should serve you well beyond the 50,000-mile mark. However, your driving style and maintenance routine could see this number increase up to 80,000 miles. Similarly, Audi brake pads typically last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

How much does Audi charge to change brake pads?

AUDI brake pad replacement cost table

AUDI model	Average cost of front brake pads (£)	Total cost (£)
Audi Q3 (8U, F3)	£170 – £220	£320 – £420
Audi Q5 (8R, FY)	£180 – £230	£340 – £440
Audi Q7 (4L, 4M)	£190 – £240	£360 – £460
Audi Q8 (4M)	£200 – £250	£380 – £480

How much does it cost to replace brake pads on an Audi A4?

The cost to replace Audi A4 brake pads typically ranges from $230 to over $1,000, depending on whether you are replacing front or rear pads, the quality of parts used, and your location. A simple DIY replacement with aftermarket parts might cost less, while a dealership with OEM parts can cost more. Replacing both pads and rotors will increase the total cost significantly. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts and labor: The total cost is a combination of parts and labor. 
• Front vs. rear: Front brake jobs are often more expensive due to larger rotors and caliper assemblies. 
• Dealership vs. independent shop: Dealerships generally have higher labor rates but use official parts, while independent shops may use aftermarket parts at a lower cost. 
• Parts quality: The quality of the brake pads themselves will also affect the total price, with premium or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts being more expensive. 
• Additional services: If the rotors are damaged from worn pads, they will need to be replaced in addition to the pads, which will increase the total cost. 

Estimated cost by location

• United States: Costs can vary from $230 to over $1,000 for a complete front and rear brake pad replacement. For example, one estimate shows front pad replacement costing between $725 and $1,038, while a rear replacement might range from $483 to $635. 
• United Kingdom: A front brake pad replacement can range from £115 to £252 at an independent garage compared to a dealership. 

Tips for saving money

• Shop around: Get quotes from multiple dealerships and independent mechanics.
• Consider aftermarket parts: Aftermarket brake pads can be less expensive than OEM parts, but make sure to check the warranty. 
• DIY: If you are comfortable with auto maintenance, replacing the brake pads yourself can save you a lot of money on labor costs. 
• Check your rotors: If you only need to replace pads and not rotors, your costs will be lower. 

How much do brake pads cost on an Audi A4?

Audi A4 Front Brake Pads Replacement cost

Independent garage estimate	Franchise dealer estimate
£105 – £160	£178 – £244	Get exact price
£97 – £157	£169 – £241	Get exact price
£113 – £164	£188 – £249	Get exact price
£104 – £158	£177 – £241	Get exact price