virtualrc

I was working on my 2015 A8 L this weekend replacing the front brake pads. Everything seemed to go as expected according to the service manual and DIY tips offered here but once I got everything back together I had squishy brakes. This puzzled me since I didn't have to open the the hydraulics so some searching here led me to go down the brake bleed route as well as checking the damper springs.

Regarding the springs, I failed to observe their exact position before taking them off so I had no reference. They looked like this when I was done with them:


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The more astute and experienced on this board might easily see my error but for the benefit of those less experienced (like myself at the time), I had the damper springs installed incorrectly. What I should have done is placed the ends of the spring arms directly on the brake carrier like this:


Note position of spring arms against brake carrier

The difference was immediately noticeable and therefore I saved myself the hassle of a front bleed task.

I hope this post and pictures help the next person trying to troubleshoot squishy brakes.