TorqFix

Removing and installing brake caliper (1KX): Audi A1

Step-by-step removing and installing brake caliper (1KX) for the Audi A1: 8 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.

On the Audi A1 (8X) with the 1KX rear brake, the caliper comes off together with its carrier and pads as one unit by removing the two carrier bolts; the hydraulic hose stays connected, so there is no bleeding involved. Release the parking brake first and take off the rear wheel. If a worn disc has left a lip that stops the assembly sliding off, take the pads out before trying again. The points that matter are supporting the caliper instead of letting it hang on the hose, using new carrier bolts on refitting, and checking the hose is routed without kinks or twists once the assembly is back over the disc.

8 steps

🧭 Before you start

Release the parking brake, remove the rear wheel and undo the carrier bolts. Pull caliper, carrier and pads off the disc together, removing the pads first if the disc lip prevents it, and support the caliper so the hose takes no load. Slide the assembly back over the disc, fit new carrier bolts, check the hose routing and refit the wheel.

Fits: Audi A1 (8X, 2010–2018)

  • Renewed: bolts for brake carrier

Don't miss

  • Never let the caliper hang from the brake hose; renew the hose if it is damaged.
  • Fit new bolts for the brake carrier on reassembly.
  • Check the brake hose is not kinked, twisted, crushed or chafing anywhere.
  • Do not blow brake dust out with compressed air.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

  1. Release parking brake.
  2. Remove relevant rear wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.
  3. Remove bolts (arrows) securing brake carrier.
  4. Pull brake caliper with brake carrier and brake pads fitted off brake disc. [Note: If it is not possible to take off the caliper because of the amount of wear on the disc rotor, remove the pads .]
  5. ⚠ Risk of damage to brake hoseDo not leave the brake caliper hanging from the brake hose. Take care that brake hose is not damaged by weight of brake components.The brake hose must be renewed if it is damaged.Risk of damage to brake caliper pistonsDo not apply brake when brake caliper is removed. — Use a suitable length of wire to tie up brake caliper with brake carrier on the body. [Note: Renew bolts for brake carrier.] [Note: Use only methylated spirits for cleaning the brake caliper housing.]
  6. ⚠ Risk to health Do not blow out the brake system with compressed air. — Slide brake caliper with brake carrier and brake pads fitted carefully over brake disc.
  7. Tighten new bolts (arrows) for brake carrier. [Note: Make sure the brake hose is routed correctly.The brake hose must not be kinked, crushed or twisted or chafe against parts of the vehicle at any point.]
  8. Fit rear wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.

🎬 Related video tutorial

Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (A3 2 (8PA)) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change rear brake caliper on AUDI A3 2 (8PA)

How to change rear brake caliper on AUDI A3 2 (8PA)

Who makes these pages, and how

TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.