Redd

By making a gross measurement (pad plus backing plate plus anything else) they eliminate the need for techs to make math errors while doing subtraction, so that makes good sense.

Most brake pads that I've seen have wear indicators molded into them, similar to the raised wear indicators in tires. Except in the brake pads it is usually a machined slot, and once the pad material is worn down so that there's no visible slot left, it is time to replace. That makes for a quick easy eyeball measurement, no special depth gauge needed. But of course, it also means eliminating some small bit of pad material, until it has worn down and needs replacement.

"No special service tools needed" appeals to this Yankee.

jjandersonn

Thanks!

This explains why they were indicating a 10mm min.

So if this measurement was 12mm, the pads alone are likely about 5-7mm?

The Q5 does have 55,000km, almost all city driving and her "driving style" is not particularly easy on brake pads either...

Redd

Personally, I'd rather have worn pads replaced than renewed.

Do the dealers renew the pads by themselves, or send them out to a renewal depot?

FL C6.5 Avant

nifty tool, but doesn't do anything for the inboard pad
I agree that pulling the wheel and getting in there with a flashlight is the best way.

Moorcroft

Hi, when replacing the rear pads on a 2010 Q5 are the inner and outer pads interchangeable? All 4 in the box seem to look exactly the same but I'm not sure if there subtle differences that require them to be used in a specific combination?

Thanks

shokhead

So how many mm are left when the worn pad warning comes on? 1 or 2mm?

Bob Petruska

Inner and outer pads can wear much differently. The sensor on works on one pad and not both sides of the vehicle.
I have seen people ruin the rotor were a pad as totally gone (metal on the rotor) and the other pad didn't wear as much and not trigger the sensor.

If you remove the pads before the warning light comes on you will save yourself from buying a new sensor as you can remove and use the old one.
All the aftermarket pads I have seen don't come with the sensor, no sure about OEM.

Bongani45

How would you know whether its front or rear pads which are worn out
⁰

apoelistas

front have sensors.

Dont believe my rear pads have sensors..

maybe my mistake. The textar spare pads I have come with a sensor. Can anyone confirm this for the Q5 2.0l TFsi 8R??

what puzzles me is that the rear sensor coding was disabled when I purchased the Q5.

Yes there is a rear pad sensor coding but probably my sensor is/was not installed. Will check when rear ones need to be replaced.

How to check?? Flash light and measure thickness (from rims).

This aftermarket rear brake pad kit comes with all parts one will may need to replace.

gk1

Same here just put new pads on 2014 SQ5. There is no rear sensor but one came in the box, along with the wrong vibration clips. It is clearly for a Q5 with solid rotors. sucks, but it'll be fine.
CarQuest (Advance Auto) Platinum Pro kit.