TFT

Ok, I'm back with the 2002 A6 4.2 brakes. My understanding is that the 4-pad front brakes are similar to the A8s.
It seems that you can't remove the rotors without first removing the calipers and you can't remove the calipers without unbolting the carrier.
The carrier is attached with two 21mm bolts that I cannot budge.
Maybe I am wrong. Anybody have any experience or advice?
My car is sitting on jack stands.

TFT

I found this on the Audi forums page. It seems I do need to remove the 21mm carrier bolts. If that is the case I'm going to need one HUGE breaker bar.


Replacing Front Rotors on '03 A6 4.2L - AudiForums.com

Jack88

I've had good luck using the handle on a shovel.

tx170754

Yes, you have to remove the 21mm bolts, a breaker bar will do the job eventually but with the car on jack stands it is not going to be fun since you basically don't have enough clearance...take the car to any shop, once the car is raised it is a piece of cake, just my 0.2.

Mister Bally

Penetrating oil on the threads and heat from a torch. Once hot, use the socket & breaker bar. Amazing what heat can do.

03_AR_CO

I recommend the biggest breaker bar you can find in1/2. You can do it, if I have. They can be stubborn, but force will get them out. Done many that have been troublesome.

hunterp27

Three words for you:
Leverage
Leverage
Leverage

MP4.2+6.0

Breaker bar with a sledge to hit it. Poor man's impact wrench. Just a little more "persuasion." BTDT.

Or, the leverage as mentioned by others. Like the 6 foot piece of pipe I slip over the breaker bar to loosen the >400ft pound center CV axle bolt. BTDT too, but suspension clearances may not work here. Sometimes the floor jack handle works as a pipe substitute if it has an open end. But, be careful jack handle receiver doesn't go to its vertical position where you can't get handle back in when tucked close to car...also BTDT.

mishar

I don't know how similar those are but A8 front calipers and rotors can be removed without removing carriers.

To remove carriers you need just a simple wrench and good hammer. As MP said poor man impact wrench. I would add that it is much stronger than any impact wrench. They use that method for huge bolts.