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Audi A3: Brake Modifications and How to Replace Brake Pads

In the market for new brakes? Well, if you drive an Audi A3, you don’t want to settle on any brake kit—you want the best out there. There are a lot of options to choose from, so we curated some of the more popular choices, and broke them down below.

By Jeffrey Bausch - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (2003-Present).

Whether you need to replace your brakes because they’re worn, damaged, or you simply want to enhance the look of your A3, the good news is there are plenty of options out there. We are going to cover brake pads, rotors, and big brake upgrades, both OEM+ and aftermarket. Regardless of your budget, there is a solution for your ride.

The one thing to keep in mind is to not purchase a less expensive kit for the sole purpose of saving money. The A3 is a high performance vehicle, as such, it should be outfitted with parts and components that enhance its abilities and features, and not cost-saving alternatives that could negatively influence how the car drives. This is especially true with brakes–you want a kit, rotors, pads, et al, that can handle power stopping, turning and more, as well as last long. Below are some solid options to choose from.

Table of Contents

Brake Modifications

Consider the best for your A3. Here are the top products to help your decision making much easier.

Power Stop

Price – $300 (kit)

Performance – Good

Lifespan – Average

Drivers who’ve installed the Power Stop brake kit on their Audi A3 report easy installation and overall comfort with new kit. Smooth stopping power and low-noise were additional features pointed out. Power Stop is a budget solution offering a variety of solutions for a lot of different applications. Recommended for its easy installation and comfort.

Hawk Performance

Price – $280

Performance – Good

Lifespan – Long

Those who’ve installed Hawk Performance brakes on an Audi A3 are very happy with the brake’s overall performance, citing no noise and a terrific “feel” to the brake. Easy installation is another point often brought up, as well as the brake kit’s durability. The Hawk brand is well established in North America for everything from passenger car brakes to track and race car applications. Common upgraded pads for street cars include the HPS, HP+ and HPS 5.0. Recommended for its performance and noise-free.

VW Golf R32 Brakes

Price – $500

Performance – Excellent

Lifespan – Average

Audi A3 drivers who’ve installed Volkswagen Golf R32 brakes have done so because the brakes perform well, especially for more aggressive drivers. Stopping is fairly immediate, with low-noise and grind. This is classified an an "OEM+" upgrade, as it's taking readily available, plug and play parts from the VW/Audi parts bin and retrofitting them to your ride. This means that sourcing things in the future, like replacement pads and rotors, is a cinch. Recommended for more aggressive drivers.

Audi RS3 Brakes

Price – $800-1,000, depending on where parts are sourced

Performance – Good

Lifespan – Average

The RS3 brake upgrade consists of calipers, pads and rotors. Due to the increased size of these brakes, 18" wheels at a minimum will be required to fit them. These brakes are specially designed for the more aggressive driver. They perform exceptionally well, but will wear out a bit faster if the car is being driven at a higher rate of speed, and there’s often the need to stop quickly. They’ll do the job well enough, but do expect to have to replace them sooner rather than later. Recommended for its performance, but they will need to be replaced more often.

How to Replace Brake Pads

If your Audi A3 is squeaking loudly, or you otherwise feel or hear a grinding when stopping at a red light, it’s time to replace your brake pads. Fortunately, the task itself is pretty straightforward, and can be completed in about 90 minutes. Do it sooner rather than later—you want to avoid damage to the brake rotors, as that can be a costly repair.

Audi A3: How to Replace Brake Pads

Materials Needed

  • #3272 reset tool
  • 13mm wrench
  • 15mm open-end spanner
  • Car jack
  • Brake pads
  • Flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Jack the car up and remove the wheels

First things first, break the lug nuts loose on all four wheels. Take a look underneath the A3 and locate the jacking points—they are clearly marked. Raise the car, support on stands and then remove the wheels to gain access to the car’s braking system.

audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
Figure 1. Side jack point for Audi.

Step 2 – Replace front brake pads

The front calipers on the A3 are conventional single piston calipers. To replace the pads, you must do the following:

  • Remove the caliper pin from the caliper using a pry tool or screwdriver.
  • Using a flat head screwdriver or similar, partially compress the caliper piston by pressing against it using the void in the caliper for access.
  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 2. Remove retaining pin (S3 caliper is similar).
  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 3. Wedge your screwdriver in here against the piston to partially compress it.
  • Remove the two caliper slides (15 and 17mm bolts) on the back of the caliper.
  • Pull the brake pad carrier portion of the caliper free, then remove the replace the brake pads.
  • Further compress the piston so that the new, thicker brake pads will fit between the pad carrier and the rotor.
  • Fit the caliper and pads over the rotor, then reinstall the caliper slides and pin.
  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 4. Remove the two caliper slides behind the caliper.
  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 5. Caliper is free, replace pads.

Step 3 – Replace rear brake pads

The rear calipers on the A3 are a bit different, due to the integrated e-brake assembly. The piston is a twist-type, which requires a special tool to compress the piston. You will need spin the wheel pistons clockwise and simultaneously press the piston in to access the pads. Basically, the method is to first turn the piston with the notches on the face (the part that contacts the brake pad) and then push, turn, push, turn, until it comes apart. Avoid scratching the sides of the piston (it’s the sealing surface and can compromise the caliper as a whole).

You can purchase a #3272 reset tool that does this much more easily for about $30 at any auto parts store.

audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
Figure 6. Reach into the void of the caliper and partially compress piston.

Remove the caliper from the caliper cage—you will need a 13mm wrench and a thin 15mm open-end spanner. Remove the two bolts holding the caliper cage together, slide the caliper off the pads and cage, then replace the pads. Now reset the piston in the caliper with the tool, and reassemble.

  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 7. Remove caliper slides and pull out brake pads.
  • audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
    Figure 8. Use your caliper piston compressor and press the piston in just short of flush. With the piston that far in, the new pads should fit around the rotor.

Step 4 – Wrapping up

Repeat the process on as many wheels as necessary. Take your time so as to not damage the system. When complete, pump the brake pedal repeatedly to rebuild pressure in the car’s brake hoses. Now, fit the wheels, snug the lug nuts and lower the car down. Torque the lug nuts to 90 ft/lb and take the vehicle for a driver around the block; test out the pads first going slow and then at increased speeds. Listen for squeaking and grinding. When back at your residence, check the wheel for any collection of brake dust.

audi a3 brake pad rotor caliper remove replace change how to
Figure 9. Refit the wheels and roll.

Featured Videos: Audi A3 Brake Pad Replacement

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  • Rear Brakes

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