I have a 2000 A4 Avant with approx 116K. I purchased the car last October after a wreck took care of my previous car. I have taken care of the timing belt and other major issues and thought I had a pretty good vehicle, but I have been have alot of issues with the rear brakes. When I bought the car it soon (after about 500 mi) needed rear brake shoes and rotors and a right rear caliper that was not releasing. Approx 500 mi after that repair the right rear wheel started to feel hot after driving then the left rear started soon after. I had the car back to that shop and they replaced the flexible brake lines to the rear rotors. That did not work although it appeared to for about 100 mi. but the wheels started getting hot again. I decided to try the dealer but could not get into them for awhile and by the time I did they said that both rear rotors, calipers and pads needed replaced. That was a nice BIG bill. I thought it finally was fixed but the past day or two I have smelled the hot brake smell again and the right rear wheel is getting hot again. I also have noticed that I am hearing a low squeal come from the back of the car after starting to move slowly after coming to a stop like the brakes take about 5 turns of the tires before they completely release. It is now about another 500-1000 mi since the last repair. I really don't know where to go with this and have very little money left to spend on this issue because now the check engine light is on again! Any ideas/thoughts will be much appreciated.

 

sounds more like a wheel bearing then a brake issue

 

Would the bearing cause wearing of a brake pad to the metal within 500-750 miles? It is acting just as it did before. What do you make of the hot brake smell? Thanks.

 

your post was such a mess I kind of glanced through it.

Umm... wow alright. The reason why I said wheel bearing is because of the noise/heat/plus you seem to have replaced everything else

The only thing is your other caliper might be stuck. Your e brake cable could also be dragging (i.e. keeping tension on).

Actually that would make sense. If your ebrake cable is keeping tension on the caliper, it would always be engaged a little bit .You'd have a constant brake burning smell, you would have alot of heat, and yeah you could melt through some rotors.

I'd look into e brake cable

Just a couple tips of the forum
1) Space out your posts a bit (people will be more likely to read)

2) Change the subject line when replying, or at least start your response in the subject line. Some responses are quick and snappy and you can get alot out of this place by just using the subject line

3) Where are you? You might think of posting in your regional forum and asking an Audiworld enthusiast to help you out. They are usually a beer away =)

Good luck

but yeah

e brake...

 

both rear calipers have been replaces 500 mi ago and they told me directly that the e brake cables were adjusted properly.

 

See that doesn't make sense

if it has to do with your brakes and you are getting heat, that means there is contact/friction

what makes friction? Pads onto rotors... pads are moved by calipers. Calipers are either moved by fluid or cable.

If we rule out the hydraulics (as you said it's all been replace) Then the only thing left is the cable. Have you tried raising the rear of the car and just spinning your wheels to see if there is any drag?

 

whatever it is it takes a good two weeks (approx 500 mi) of driving before the heat and smell return after a caliper is replaced.

 

and some indenpendents.

 

sounds like your e-brake cable is sticking (or the lever)


Mine does this, I just don't use the e-brake or I release the brakes with a long screwdriver.


the calipers are easy to change, as is the rest of the rear brakes.


post on your local board, surely someone local from AW will assist you in diagnosing, just ask!

 

good diagnosis...



that is mine as well seeing that my avant does this too (below freezing).