How To Change Brake Pads On An Audi

Its useful to know how to change brake pads on an Audi. No matter which car you drive, whether it is an Audi or any other, you need to frequently check on the brake pads for wear. Always replace the brake pads to match each axle, for example, front or rear.

You'll need the following:

• Floor jack
• Axle stands
• Tire iron
• Needle-nose pliers
• New brake pads
• Socket wrench set
• Copper grease

Steps

Before raising the car, you must first loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly while they are still in contact with the floor. When you are changing brake pads it is also wise to change the opposite side to the ones which are low, in order to have equal pad life left on each axle. With the handbrake applied and the gear in Park, you can commence.

1. Loosen the lug nuts using the tire iron. Only turn them 1-2 full revolutions. Now you can raise the car using a floor jack.
2. Hoist the car and rest it on axle stands. Use the sub frame or chassis rails as load bearing points to avoid the risk of damaging the underside of the car such as the sills.
3. With the car secure, you can continue to loosen and remove the wheel lug nuts.
4. You will now have in front of you the brake rotor, which has the brake caliper hanging over one side of it. The brake pads are located inside the caliper. The caliper is affixed to the suspension leg by two bolts. Remove these bolts using the socket wrench. Do not let the caliper hang on the brake hose, support its weight.
5. There is a split pin which needs to be removed from the top of each brake pad. Use the needle-nose pliers to remove these.
6. The brake pads should slide out. If they are stuck, push the tops of the pad inwards with a screwdriver or pull them out using pliers.
7. Once the pads are out, you can clean up the face of the caliper using a rag. Use copper grease on the backs of the new brake pads before you fit them, this will stop the squealing as they are bedded in.
8. Fit the split pins and remount the brake caliper. Repeat this procedure for the opposite side. Remember to torque up the lug nuts once you are finished to Audi's recommended settings.