I feel like I have to change my rotors pretty soon,

I feel the vibration and the braking is not so smooth anymore.

Do I just replace the front rotors or all four?

and how much do rotors usually cost?

Thanks in advance!

 

I would only replace the rotors that need replacing and when you replace rotors you will need to replace the pads at the same time. Do not cheap out on your brakes, I would only use OEM quality rotors such as Zimmermann or Brembo because the cheaper knock-offs tend to warp pretty quickly. Same with the pads, don't use cheap North American pads, I would try to find a good product and run those. Usually a good idea is to go to a shop that specializes in VW/Audi and get pads that are OEM quality and used on the factory cars. I don't know prices on these but they should be pretty cheap as the pads are shared in a number of VW cars but I am not sure about the rotors.

 

Try placing your order like I did on canada parts way .ca I opted for Zimmermann coated plain front and purchased from Ontario a set of Hawks HPS pas simple yet very effective alternative
Just change what needs to be changed...

 

before changing your rotors, also check the thickness, as you may only want to get them turned at this point, if they are still thick enough. if not, then as was said, get the quality ones, as the cheap ones are not worth the savings. personally, i don't like to get anything cheap for my baby. no cheap oil, no cheap aftermarket parts, no cheap brakes!

 

You probably just need to clean them not replace them. They are so thick that I do not see the reason for replacing them.
You can spray them with wax in a car wash from both sides and see what happens next. The vibration should go away.
Do you have ice build up on the wheels?

I use WD 40 on the brakes in the summer to keep them operating smooth for the whole year.

Scratched rotors are not bad once the pads adjust to them.

I replaced my wifes rotors on A6 with drilled ones. They look like the ones on motorcycles.
They make a big difference, but be aware of the tailgators as they can not stop as fast as I can. This applies in conditions where brakes are used a lot, and the tailgator's breaks overheat and mine do not. Had an accident on Higway 1 where Dodge Caravan could not keep up with breaking ordeal and ended in the ditch trying to avoid the frontal collision with my trunk.

 

You say that you "feel" not know or believe that you have to change the rotors. Be sure. Take the advise from the other poster here and have the thickness checked out. There is a minimum thickness stamped on the rotors. You might only need them turned then again you might need new ones. As for changing only the fronts or all four the thickness test will let you know. Generally only the fronts need to be changed if this is the first time.

Take the advise from audimontreal and use quality rotors but go with the HAWK ceramic pads. Changing the pads while the rotors are being changed becomes a minor add.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

BTW..... I do not endorse the use of WD-40 on the rotors.

 

^^ you would be better off drinking wd40 than putting it on your brakes.

 

I think i will give it a couple more months until i actually decide to get them checked out because the only problem i have right now is the feeling a little wacky at low braking speeds which i can live with at this moment. But i will post the results when I do get them checked out. Thanks for the info guys!

 

Depending on who does the work, you're looking at around $500 - $650 to do the front brakes, rotors and pads.

 

If you are experiencing a pulsing sensation when you brake, often more noticeable at low speed or as you come to a stop, then it is most likely your front rotors. It's always referred to as "warped rotors" and is a common occurrence. It can happen on any car and does not appear to be just a problem with cheap rotors. I experienced it some years ago on cross drilled Zimmerman's. There are many reported causes for this, from overheated brakes to uneven tightening of lug bolts. This tech article from StopTech about the "myth of warping" is very interesting, explaining that it's actually caused by uneven deposition of pad material and the formation of cementite, or iron carbide, on the rotors.
StopTech : Balanced Brake Upgrades

Resurfacing the rotors may resolve it if the rotors are thick enough. Unless they are still fairly new, I'd probably replace them and follow the bedding guidelines in this article. You will probably only need to do the fronts to get rid of the pulsing. I haven't had pulsing brakes after using this approach for the last two sets.
Do NOT put wax or WD40 or any other lubricant on your rotors!

If the pulsing is still mild you won't do any real damage by waiting a while.