Audi Q3 Brake Pads: Best Front & Rear Picks (2015-2018)

Quick answer: For most 2015-2018 Audi Q3 owners, the best front pad is the EBC Redstuff DP31997C. It's a ceramic-enhanced street pad that cuts dust hard and still bites from cold. Pair it with the EBC Redstuff DP32004C rear for a matched set on any 2015-2018. On a 2016-2018 where you just want quiet, OE-style rears, run the Brembo P85140N. On a tight budget, the EBC Ultimax2 UD1375 is the no-drama front replacement. Track-curious? Yellowstuff DP41997R up front.

Which Audi Q3 do you have? (and which pads fit it)

This post covers the first-gen Audi Q3, the 8U, as sold in the US from 2015 to 2018. Every one of them runs the 2.0T turbo four. That's the 1,984 cc engine, rated at 200 hp at 5,100 rpm in North American tune, paired with an automatic.

The pads split two ways: front and rear. The front is simple. The rear has one year quirk you need to know about.

Front pads: every 2015-2018 Q3 2.0T

All four front pads we carry are listed for the 2015-2018 Q3, quattro and front-drive alike. Pick by how you drive, not by year.

Rear pads: 2015 vs 2016-2018

• 2015 Q3: the rear pad we list for your year is the EBC Redstuff rear DP32004C. That's your only rear option from this lineup.
• 2016-2018 Q3: all three rear pads fit: Redstuff DP32004C, Brembo P85140N and Bluestuff DP52201NDX.

From 2016 on, the factory rear rotor is a solid 300 x 12 mm disc (Audi part 3Q0615601A). It's the same on all-wheel-drive and front-drive cars, both of which carry Audi's 1KZ rear brake code. Not sure of your model year? Check the door-jamb sticker or the model-year character of the VIN: F is 2015, G is 2016, H is 2017, J is 2018.

What about 2020, 2021 and 2022 Q3s, or the RS Q3?

The 2020-and-later Q3 is the next generation. None of the pads in this post are listed for it, so don't order off this page for one.

The RS Q3 is a different animal too. It runs huge 365 mm front discs (a wavy 365 x 34 mm rotor) and was never sold in the US. These pads are for the regular 2.0T Q3 only.

Best Audi Q3 front brake pads (2015-2018)

The front pads do most of the work. A 2015 Q3 quattro weighs 3,682 lbs at the curb, which is a lot of crossover to haul down on a 200 hp chassis. Owners usually swap fronts for one of three reasons. They're sick of scrubbing dust off the wheels, they want sharper bite, or the pads are just worn out.

Here's what we carry for the front of the 8U, from daily-driver to track-day.

EBC Redstuff front (DP31997C): our pick for most Q3s

The EBC 15 and up Audi Q3 2.0 Turbo Redstuff Front Brake Pads - DP31997C use a synthetic-fiber compound enhanced with ceramic particles. EBC says it cuts dust by 60-90%. What dust it does make has no steel fiber in it, so it sponges off instead of baking onto your wheels. EBC also says it brakes "like an alligator" from cold, as good as the original pads or better, and gets stronger with heat.

The catch is patience. It's a hard-wearing pad, and EBC says bed-in can take up to 1,000 miles while it takes the shape of your rotors. If it were our Q3, this is the front pad we'd run.

EBC Ultimax2 front (UD1375): the budget OE replacement

Just need pads and don't care about upgrades? The EBC 15 and up Audi Q3 2.0 Turbo Ultimax2 Front Brake Pads - UD1375 are EBC's straight OEM-replacement pad, made at their Bristol, UK plant. EBC says it produces minimal dust, has low rotor wear and works across a wide heat range.

It does carry a small percentage of steel fiber to hit its price point. EBC says that's far less than the competition. Ultimax is EBC's worldwide number-one seller, and it suits the commuter Q3 perfectly.

EBC Greenstuff front (DP21997): a sport pad that's lighter on the wheels

The EBC 15-19 Audi Q3 2.0 Turbo Greenstuff Front Brake Pads - DP21997 are from EBC's 2000 Series sport line. They're rated for better braking effect up to 600°C (1,100°F), with a nominal friction coefficient of 0.55 and strong initial bite. EBC claims minimal dusting, dust that washes off easily, and reduced heat fade.

Here's the straight talk. EBC pitches Greenstuff at lighter sport compacts. For heavier, faster cars over 200 bhp, EBC itself recommends Redstuff. A 3,682-lb Q3 sitting right at 200 hp is on the line. Greenstuff works, but we'd spend the step up on Redstuff.

EBC Yellowstuff front (DP41997R): street and track

The EBC 15 and up Audi Q3 2.0 Turbo Yellowstuff Front Brake Pads - DP41997R use an aramid-fiber compound. EBC calls Yellowstuff its flagship high-friction pad. It needs no warm-up and gets even stronger under hard use, and it's UK made.

EBC is upfront that this is not a low-dust pad. If you want clean wheels, go Redstuff. Yellowstuff is for the Q3 owner who does canyon runs or autocross and accepts dirty wheels as the price of fade resistance.

Our front pick

Redstuff DP31997C for most Q3s. Grab Ultimax2 UD1375 if you just want factory-style pads at the lowest outlay. Get Yellowstuff DP41997R only if you'll actually drive it hard. Everything for the 8U lives on our brake pads page.

Best Audi Q3 rear brake pads (2015-2018)

The rear brakes on the Q3 are a solid single-rotor setup, a 300 x 12 mm disc on 2016-2018 cars. They see less heat than the fronts but still wear out, and they still throw dust onto the rear wheels.

The big rule for rears: match the character of your fronts. A race pad out back with daily pads up front makes no sense. Neither does the reverse.

EBC Redstuff rear (DP32004C): fits every 2015-2018

The EBC 15+ Audi Q3 2.0 Turbo Redstuff Rear Brake Pads - DP32004C use the same ceramic-enhanced compound as the Redstuff front. You get the same 60-90% dust reduction EBC claims, the same cold bite and the same long bed-in.

It's the only rear pad here that covers the 2015. Run it with Redstuff fronts and you've got a matched, low-dust Q3 at both ends.

Brembo Premium NAO Ceramic rear (P85140N): quiet OE feel for 2016-2018

The Brembo 16-18 Audi Q3 Premium NAO Ceramic OE Equivalent Pad - Rear - P85140N is a non-asbestos organic ceramic pad. Brembo built it specifically for the North American market. It comes with a premium shim, and Brembo says it delivers comfortable, quiet, smooth braking and cleaner wheels.

This is the pad for the owner who wants the Q3 to feel exactly like it did new, just without the dust. It fits 2016-2018 only.

EBC Bluestuff NDX rear (DP52201NDX): race pad, handle with care

The EBC 16-19 Audi Q3 2.0T Bluestuff Rear Brake Pads - DP52201NDX are a high-friction sport and race compound. EBC claims a lifespan almost double its previous products, a chemical interlayer for pad bond, deep V grooves for venting and dirt, and that it's easy on rotors. The pad measures 104.1 x 53.1 x 16.5 mm (FMSI D1779), and it fits 2016-2018.

EBC is honest that Bluestuff shines with aftermarket multi-piston calipers and has had limited success on stock street calipers. On a Q3, it only makes sense on a car that sees track or autocross time and already runs Yellowstuff up front. For a daily, skip it.

Our rear pick

Redstuff DP32004C if you're running Redstuff fronts, and it's the call on any 2015. Brembo P85140N on a 2016-2018 if quiet and OE feel matter most. Bluestuff DP52201NDX only for a dedicated track setup.

Audi Q3 brake pads compared

Audi Q3 brake pads front and rear: what we'd actually run

Here are the three combos we'd build, depending on the owner.

Driver	Front	Rear	Why
Daily, wants clean wheels	Redstuff DP31997C	Redstuff DP32004C	Matched low-dust compound, strong cold bite, fits 2015-2018
Daily, wants stock feel (2016-2018)	Ultimax2 UD1375	Brembo P85140N	OE-style pads both ends, quiet, cleaner wheels
Spirited driving and track days (2016-2018)	Yellowstuff DP41997R	Bluestuff DP52201NDX	Highest friction and fade resistance, dust be damned

Pads only stop the car as well as the tires grip. If you're refreshing brakes and tires together, our take on 300TW tires for street builds applies to a crossover just as much as a hatch.

EBC vs Brembo pads for the Audi Q3

For the 8U, EBC covers both ends with four fronts and two rears. Brembo's P85140N is a rear-only option here. So the real head-to-head is at the back of a 2016-2018 car: Redstuff DP32004C vs Brembo P85140N.

• Brembo P85140N: NAO ceramic with a premium shim. Built for quiet, smooth, OE-equivalent braking and cleaner wheels. Easiest swap, no long bed-in story.
• EBC Redstuff DP32004C: ceramic-enhanced fast-road pad with EBC's 60-90% dust reduction claim. Built for repeated heavy braking. Matches Redstuff fronts.

Our call: if you run Redstuff up front, keep Redstuff out back so the friction feels consistent. If you run Ultimax2 or keep the factory-style feel up front, the Brembo is the cleaner match.

Ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads on a Q3

Ceramic and organic-ceramic pads like the Redstuff and the Brembo P85140N are the street-friendly choice. Less dust, quieter, and kind to rotors. Pads with steel fiber in the mix tend to dust more and the dust is harder to clean. That's why EBC points out that Redstuff contains no steel fiber.

Of what we carry, the Ultimax2 is the one with a small amount of steel fiber, which EBC says is far less than competing pads. Yellowstuff and Bluestuff are performance compounds built for heat, not cleanliness.

For a Q3 that commutes, hauls kids and does road trips, ceramic is the right answer. That's why Redstuff and the Brembo top our list.

Audi Q3 brake dust: which pads stay cleanest?

First, a reality check straight from EBC: there's no such thing as a no-dust pad. Brakes need to shed some material to avoid rotor vibration and shimmy. The goal is less dust that's easier to wash off.

• Cleanest: Redstuff front and rear (EBC claims 60-90% less dust, no steel fiber) and Brembo P85140N (built for cleaner wheels).
• Low: Ultimax2 (EBC claims minimal dust) and Greenstuff (minimal dusting, washes off easily).
• Dusty: Yellowstuff, which EBC says outright isn't a low-dust pad, and Bluestuff, a race compound.

Every pad dusts more while it's bedding in, especially on worn rotors. If you just spent real money on wheels, our cast vs forged wheels guide covers what to buy. The pad choice is how you keep them looking good.

Why do Audi Q3 brakes squeal, and how do you stop it?

Squeal is usually vibration between the pad, caliper and rotor. The fixes are boring but they work. Use a quality pad with a good shim, bed the pads in properly, and don't put fresh pads on glazed or lipped rotors.

The Brembo P85140N comes with a premium shim and is designed for quiet braking. EBC says the current ceramic Redstuff is quieter than its older Redstuff compound. Race compounds like Bluestuff aren't chasing silence, so expect more noise from them on the street.

How to bed in new Q3 brake pads

Bedding in transfers an even layer of pad material onto the rotor so the pad and disc work together. Skip it and you get uneven deposits, vibration and noise.

• Do a series of firm, progressive stops from moderate speed. Don't come to a full panic stop and sit on the pedal with hot brakes.
• Let the brakes cool with a drive afterward instead of parking with the pedal held.
• Expect more dust and a softer bite at first. That's normal.

Redstuff is the one that needs patience. EBC says bed-in on these hard-wearing pads can run up to 1,000 miles. When the wheels go back on, torque the M14x1.5 lug bolts to 120 Nm. Your 8U runs 5x112 with a 57.1 mm hub bore.

Best brake pads for track days in an Audi Q3

A Q3 isn't a track car, but people autocross everything. If you're going to send it, run Yellowstuff DP41997R up front. EBC builds it for street and track, it needs no warm-up, and it gets stronger with heat. On a 2016-2018, the Bluestuff DP52201NDX rear completes the set.

Keep expectations real. EBC says Bluestuff works best with aftermarket multi-piston calipers and larger rotors, and you're on stock street calipers. The Q3 also carries 3,682 lbs into every corner. For an occasional spirited day, Redstuff (which EBC rates for repeated heavy braking) is honestly enough.

If track days are the real goal, a hot hatch is the better tool. See our MK7 GTI IS38 turbo build or the GTI vs Civic Type R handling comparison.

When should you replace Audi Q3 brake pads (and rotors)?

Replace pads when they're getting thin, when you hear grinding or a wear warning, or when stops take longer and the pedal feels different. Pull a wheel and look at the friction material. If it's close to the backing plate, you're done.

Rotors go when they're scored, lipped, warped (you'll feel shudder through the pedal), or worn thin. Fresh pads on bad rotors dust more, bed in poorly and can squeal. Owners who do pads and discs together on a Q3 usually get the cleanest result, especially with a hard-wearing compound like Redstuff.

Audi Q3 brake pads FAQ

What are the best brake pads for an Audi Q3?

For a 2015-2018 Q3, our pick is EBC Redstuff, the DP31997C front and DP32004C rear. It's a ceramic-enhanced compound with strong cold bite, and EBC claims it cuts dust by 60-90%. The Ultimax2 UD1375 is the budget front replacement. For quiet OE-style rears on 2016-2018 cars, the Brembo P85140N is excellent. Yellowstuff is only worth it if you drive hard.

How much do Audi Q3 brake pads and rotors cost?

Pad prices are on each product card and in the comparison table above. Front pads are your biggest wear item, and you can do fronts alone if the rears still have plenty of life. Adding rotors raises the total, but if yours are scored, lipped or vibrating, doing pads only is false economy. If you're shopping from outside the US, local pricing (UK, India and elsewhere) varies by market, so use the cards here as a reference for the part numbers.

Do I need new discs when I replace Audi Q3 brake pads?

Not always. If the rotors are smooth, have no lip at the edge and don't cause pedal shudder, new pads can go on as-is. Worn rotors make pads dust more during bed-in and can cause noise. With a pad like Redstuff, which takes up to 1,000 miles to conform to the disc, starting on fresh or healthy rotors makes a real difference.

What brake pads fit a 2018 Audi Q3?

All seven pads in this post fit the 2018. Up front, that's Redstuff DP31997C, Ultimax2 UD1375, Greenstuff DP21997 and Yellowstuff DP41997R. Out back, it's Redstuff DP32004C, Brembo P85140N and Bluestuff DP52201NDX. The 2018 rear rotor is the 300 x 12 mm solid disc shared with 2016-2017 cars.

What rear brake pads fit a 2017 Audi Q3?

A 2017 takes any of our three rear pads. The Redstuff DP32004C is the low-dust match for Redstuff fronts. The Brembo P85140N is the quiet OE-equivalent ceramic. The Bluestuff DP52201NDX is the race pad. For a daily-driven 2017, we'd choose between the Redstuff and the Brembo depending on what's up front.

Do these pads fit a 2020, 2021 or 2022 Audi Q3?

No. The 2020-and-later Q3 is the next generation, and none of these pads are listed for it. Everything here is for the 2015-2018 8U Q3. Check our brake pads category for parts listed for your exact year.

Should I replace Audi Q3 brake pads front and rear at the same time?

Only if both are worn. Fronts usually go first because they do most of the braking. That said, if you're changing compounds (say, from factory pads to Redstuff), doing both ends together keeps the brake feel balanced and the dust consistent. Matching Redstuff front and rear is the simplest way to get there.

Will these pads fit an Audi RS Q3?

No. The RS Q3 uses much bigger 365 mm front discs (a wavy 365 x 34 mm rotor) and different hardware, and it was never sold in the US. The pads in this post are for the regular 2.0T Q3 only.

Are EBC pads good on an Audi Q3?

Yes, as long as you pick the right compound. Redstuff is the best all-round street pad for the Q3's weight and power. Ultimax2 is a solid OE replacement. EBC itself steers cars over 200 bhp toward Redstuff instead of Greenstuff, and the Q3 sits right at 200 hp, so we'd follow that advice. Save Yellowstuff and Bluestuff for hard driving.

Why are my new Q3 brake pads dusty?

Every pad makes more dust while bedding in, especially on worn rotors, and EBC is clear that no pad is dust-free. If you chose Yellowstuff or Bluestuff, heavy dust is part of the deal with high-friction compounds. For clean wheels, run Redstuff or the Brembo P85140N and give them time to bed in.

More build reading

Brakes are one piece of the puzzle. If you're planning a broader build, read why tires beat cold air intakes in mod priority. Audi fans with something faster in the garage should check our B8 S4 6MT build guide. And if you're shopping for a fun second car, see Civic Si vs GTI on a budget build.

Shop every Audi Q3 brake pad

Every front and rear pad for the 2015-2018 Q3 is below. Browse the full brake pads lineup for everything else.