Brake pads Akebono or STOPTECH

Stoptech front slotted rotors (upgraded to 340mm) & rear, Street brake pads & stainless steel braided lines

I got rid of my ceramic set due to noise and squealing so just wanted to throw that in there to consider. I drive the car mostly on the weekends so surface rust, cold rotors and the dust build up were the main cause. After 5-10 minutes of driving no problems with noise - but it was annoying reversing out of the garage with high pitched squeal. I switched to StopTech Axle Pack - Street and those have been quiet and low dust without breaking the bank.

They sent out an email today that they are now stocking Akebono Brake pads, which are probably the best for any VW, very good quality and low dust.

On my heavier vehicles I've used Akebono ProACT pads and gotten better than OEM life out of them.

I highly recommend akebono euro brake pads, especially on DSG cars to remove the grabbiness at low speed. Great cheap upgrade for new car.

I ran Akebono pads on my ZHP coupe and they were great. Slightly less initial bite than stock, requiring a slightly firmer foot on the pedal, and also need to warm up a bit for full grip - but beyond that, clean as a whistle and they wear forever.

Centric rotors are typically good quality. A few years back I started using Akebono pads (after trying brands such as EBC & Hawk). I don’t think I’ll ever buy anything other than Akebono pads anymore, they stop amazingly well and have less dust than previously mentioned pads.

I had an issue with the inner pads sticking on my Golf (same as A3 platform), but when I took apart the caliper and cleaned/regreased all the caliper pins the problem went away. If you've already done that, I really have no idea what it could be. It's definitely not normal though. What pads/rotors are you using? I've been using the Akebono's and they are great. Very little wear and dust.

I run them on my 03 325xi. So much better on break dust. They don't have as much bite as the OEM pads, but I think they're super close.

I'm running stop-tech sport pads and easily have eaten away 50% of the pad after 1 track-day - which I skipped two sessions of.