Audi A3: How to Replace Brake Pads/Calipers/Rotors
The brake pads, rotors, and calipers are the major parts that stop your Audi A3 when you step on the brake pedal. Learn how to replace them here.
This article applies to the Audi A3 (2004-2012).
The brake system in your Audi A3 is considered to be one of the most hard working systems on your vehicle. The brake pads sacrifice themselves for your safety, as it rubs on the brake rotors to stop the car. The pads and the rotors both need replacement, as they wear when you step on the brake pedal. If you are good with your brake pads' replacement, your rotors could live for a very long time. The brake calipers, on the other hand, aren't known to need replacement, except when they fail. Sometimes the brake caliper's piston gets stuck, which causes the brake pads to rub on the rotor, even without you stepping on the brake pedal. This guide will assist you in replacing one or all of the components we've mentioned.
Materials Needed
- Jack and jack stands
- Tire iron
- Socket
- Wrench
- Hose
- Bottle
- Flat head screwdriver
- Rubber mallet
- Brake pads
- Brake rotor
- Brake caliper
Step 1 – Raise the car
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you will be working on. Raise the car using your jack, then secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
Step 2 – Replace brake pads
Locate the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper, then remove them with your socket. Lift up the brake caliper, and the brake pads will stay on the rotor in their bracket. Place the caliper somewhere safe, where it doesn't hang from the brake line. The pads have clips on the back, so just pull them off. Install the inside new pad onto the brake caliper, where the clip goes inside the caliper's piston. Then install the outside pad on the bracket that is seated on the rotor.
Figure 2. Remove pads. 
Figure 3. Install new pads.
Step 3 – Replace brake rotor
The brake rotor can be pulled right out. However, you will most likely need extra help getting it loose. With the caliper and pads off of it, use your rubber mallet to tap it in the middle until it comes loose. Once the rotor is loose, pull it straight out, and install the new one in its place.
Step 4 – Replace brake caliper
With the caliper's bolts off, have the new caliper ready close by. Use your wrench to remove the brake line nut, then remove the brake line. Install the new brake line onto the new caliper, then tighten the nut. Install the new caliper onto the rotor, then tighten the two rear bolts using your socket.
Step 5 – Bleed the brakes
Whenever you remove a brake line, you have to bleed your brake system. You can only bleed the caliper you removed the line from, but it's recommended you bleed the whole system. When bleeding the brakes, you start from the caliper furthest from the master cylinder, and work your way towards it. Start from the passenger rear, then the driver's rear, the passenger front, and end with the driver front caliper. Locate the bleeder screw on each caliper, then connect the clear hose to it. Connect the other end of the hose to the bottle. Ask a friend to pump the brake pedal a few times, then keep it pressed. Loosen the bleeder screw with the brake pedal pressed down, then watch the fluid coming out. Once you stop seeing bubbles, tighten the bleeder screw again, then let go of the brake pedal. Repeat the same process for the rest of the calipers, but be sure to refill the master cylinder with brake fluid between each caliper.
Featured Videos: Audi A3 Brake Replacement
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Front Pads and Rotors
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How to Replace Rear Brake Pads
Related Discussion
- Brake Failure - AudiWorld.com
- How to Change Brake Pads on '06 A3 - AudiWorld.com
- Is It Hard to Change Brake Pads on A3 - AudiWorld.com
