Aftermarket F/R rotors, pads, hardware, and sensors now!

[iceman]

Geoff --

Thanks, yes that's me. I never got your reply thus I decided to post it on the forum. I'll have her call in, or call my self with her address. Thanks!

Igor

[QPower1]

Hello, Fellow Touareg owners!

After a very long stretch of cost containment, finally due to the unprecedented rise of the Euro against the dollar, the cost of the our brake rotors is set to increase substantially as of Feb.1, 2008. Other components may follow in the months ahead, but only the rotors are affected at this time.

I am looking at a $55 increase in the cost of each front kit and a $75 increase in the cost of a 4 wheel kit. Why the fronts more than the rear? Well, I've asked the questions and we will have to wait to see if I get a good answer from the manufacturer...

Of course, UPS is also set to go higher with the new year as well, so I will need to assess and administer this when it is clear what is involved.

I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has purchased a brake package from us for your patronage. Your interest in a thorough approach to restoring these world class brakes has lead us to provide the very best the industry has to offer in replacement parts. It is this dedication to quality that compels us to have to raise prices to match what is an unfortunate, but necessary cost increase on the part of our manufacturer who imports these parts against a clear cost disadvantage in the Euro/USD exchange.

I want to assure everyone that this is not an opportunity for us to increase our margins, but simply a needed response to enormous cost increases. I hope the manufacturer will respond to my entreaties to justify the variance in price increases between the front and rear rotors. But unless that happens, I am forced to accept the prices as presented. These are the best parts in the market and I do not want to offer any other substitute.

The good news is that recent review finds us literally hundreds of dollars ahead of our most complete mail-order rivals! A correct brake job involves all related parts, which we present to you as a kit, and not just a select few of them, which other suppliers may offer. All told, a complete 4 wheel kit was $290 more delivered from them than from us! Some difference... and the vehicle dealer is still higher than that!

I will keep this forum apprised of changes when and as they may occur so that folks can be informed to make fair and wise choices. We respect your rights and hope that you all will continue to consider ATP when it comes time to replace brakes on your Touareg.

Please feel free to call me for any reason or to discuss any aspect of this announcement. I intend to honor all orders placed through Jan. 31 at the old price structures.

Regards,

Geoff

[SixFive]

Seems like the prices are high here. After reading threads a while back about $2000 front only pads and rotors jobs, I was scared. Then the sensor came on at 28k. Cost: Dealer pads and sensors (is the sensor really necessary - I guess you can't turn in a leased car with a sensor error) are 170+50 = 230+tax and my reliable mechanic said he'd install the for 70. 300+tax is a pretty good deal. Thanks god the rotors are fine.

[QPower1]

Originally Posted by SixFive

Seems like the prices are high here. After reading threads a while back about $2000 front only pads and rotors jobs, I was scared. Then the sensor came on at 28k. Cost: Dealer pads and sensors (is the sensor really necessary - I guess you can't turn in a leased car with a sensor error) are 170+50 = 230 (sic) +tax and my reliable mechanic said he'd install the for 70. 300+tax is a pretty good deal. Thanks god the rotors are fine.

I assume we have not spoken, because if we had you would realize that you paid a lot of money for the parts you bought!

In the kit outlined here, the pads and front sensors cost $94 total, no tax except in MA., and the balance is for other necessary components. So you paid an extra $126, which would have paid for 1.3 brake rotors approximately in the kit described. In fact, the kit today is $306 plus the freight charges! This will increase due to the Euro/dollar exchange and other factors on Feb 1., but that will be the first actual increase in prices in 30 months! We have consistently added components to make the brake work complete and precise repair work for the DIYer or professional mechanic. That is the only reason the price has grown over this time.

The $2000 brake work was for a four wheel brake job, BTW. That is what the dealer would charge in many parts of the country. Clients for this brake kit have been able to do their complete four wheel brake work for half that amount with hired labor or less if done by themselves.

Yes, the sensor is necessary, especially if yours went off, as this indicates the sensors are damaged and no longer carrying an electrical current. The comment you made about your leased vehicle - well, if you are returning a leased vehicle shortly, sure, I can see why you wouldn't want to spend money on it for repairs, except the minimum. But if you are keeping the vehicle, then the full treatment is the only approach.

I also want to mention, that depending on the lease return inspection, it is conceivable that your not replacing the rotors would come back to haunt you, if the party receiving the vehicle back makes sense of what work you have done. Frankly, if the pads were worn down, so were the rotors, ipso facto, you haven't repaired correctly - that is the soft, white underbelly for your situation. The rotors are a soft material and the pads grind them down progressively as they wear. It's like A=B, B=C, then A=C in mathematics.

Please be aware that saying this brake package is expensive is simply not a fully considered answer in light of all the facts. I am available for discussion at my number below.

Regards,

Geoff

[Vegas Matt]

If the pads are done, the rotors likely are as well. The OEM Pagid pads like to chew through rotors.

Matt

[SixFive]

Car goes back in June - mechanic didn't mention rotor wear but I'm going to check it. I haven't done the job yet and am looking at your site now. if you save me $...i will order today.

In my G-35 - the rotors lasted 3 sets of pads and the car stops as fast as it did day one. Not sure how wear is going to be perfectly aligned for any car such that the pads and rotors end thier wear life simultaneously. If it needs to be done I'll do it but if I can be safe until May/June - I'll be good.

Any comments on how soon I can expect rears to indicate the pad sensor light now that the fronts are cooked?

[QPower1]

Sensor light can mean any of the four corners - there are sensors at each of 8 brake plates! So it is tough to know where the damage is confined to, if that is the case, but on these vehicles, especially for the first brake work, one can expect to find fairly even brake wear. So one sensor tripping means the other axle sensor is not far away, nor should the other axle be too far behind, perhaps, 15% ? Recall that the tires wear fairly evenly front to back for the same general reasons.

The only sure answer is direct measurement and observation, which for the rotor involves measuring the disc to its lowest point and/or to the stage of its re-faced plane.

Your Infiniti uses a ceramic blend pad and is quite different in composition from the Touareg. Asian manufacturers have different design criteria to their brake systems, usually at the expense of absolute performance, unlike the Touareg, which is a shared platform with Porsche. Of note, the Inifiniti G35X with Brembo brakes does not use ceramic blend pads. There is a real difference between the operational brake characteristics of those two G35 models.

Regards,

Geoff

[lvilletreg]

ClubTreg Members,

You have seen many posts regarding the great service from Geoff at Alretta, so let me add my experience...

First of all let me say that this purchase was handled with some of the best customer service I have ever recieved, especially for buying auto parts!

Geoff is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to walk me through each item that I would need. I do a lot of driving and now have almost 60K on my 2006 V6 Treg. It was time for a 4 wheel overhaul of the pads and rotors.

I have changed brake pads on many vehicles, but nothing like the touareg. With Geoff's advice and the information on this site and others the job was truly a breeze. It took me about 3.5 hours total, by myself, using a floor jack in my garage with hand wrenches only. If you have access to a lift and air tools you could probably move much faster.

The kit that is provided by Alretta is perfectly packed with care, and all parts are clearly labled and ready to install.

I would highly recommend EVERY Touareg owner that doesn't want to spend an extra $1000-1500 to go this route when it is time for brakes. It also gives you a great appreciation for the engineering that goes into your Treg.

Thanks again to Geoff, I hope to buy from you again in another 60K Miles!

-Matt

[aarolyba]

Hi Geoff,
Like you said, your supplies are top notch, and thank you for your advice on the install. 4 days after ordering the stuff was here despite the heavy snow up here in Coeur d'Alene, ID.
Took about 70 min per wheel to do, and each one got faster once I didnt have to read the instructions. Baby was even taking a nap while i got the last one done (baby monitors rock).
The only problem I had was with the sensors in the rear pads...Hard to place (broke one despite surgical precision and handling. Really the toughest part aside from loosening the caliper bolts. Damn tight.
They work perfect, and I saved $800 plus.
Thanks much.
Aaron Lybarger

[QPower1]

Originally Posted by QPower1

After a very long stretch of cost containment, finally due to the unprecedented rise of the Euro against the dollar, the cost of the our brake rotors is set to increase substantially as of Feb.1, 2008. Other components may follow in the months ahead, but only the rotors are affected at this time.

I am looking at a $55 increase in the cost of each front kit and a $75 increase in the cost of a 4 wheel kit.

Please feel free to call me for any reason or to discuss any aspect of this announcement. I intend to honor all orders placed through Jan. 31 at the old price structures.

Regards,

Geoff

Just a brief follow up that, indeed, the brake kit prices have risen due to the increase in rotor costs, as announced here in Dec. There is no joy in raising prices which have basis in dollar/Euro exchange, and America has been on the downside of this valuation...

So effective with new orders placed after Jan. 31, front kits have a $55 increase to $361 plus UPS, Rear kits have an increase to $250 plus UPS, and UPS costs are quoted based upon your location (zip code). Orders can ship out of either California, Illinois, or Massachusetts based upon your address.

I will always try to minimize costs for shipping to any one, anyway I can.

As always, Thank you all very much for continued support!

Regards,

Geoff