Removing and installing brake pads (1KS): Audi A1
Step-by-step removing and installing brake pads (1KS) for the Audi A1: 17 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.
Rear pads on the Audi A1 (8X) with the 1KS brake are changed with the caliper swung off the carrier rather than removed completely, and because the parking brake works through the caliper piston, the piston has to be screwed back, not pushed. Release the parking brake, counterhold the guide pins while undoing the caliper bolts, and support the caliper so neither the hose nor the cable takes its weight. Clean the carrier contact faces of corrosion, wind the piston back with T10165 and its plate, then fit the two different pad retainers in diagonally opposite positions. New self-locking bolts, a parking brake adjustment and a firm pedal before road use finish it.
🧭 Before you start
Release the parking brake, remove the wheel, counterhold the guide pins and unbolt the caliper. Lift out the pads and retainers, check the discs and clean the carrier contact faces. Screw the piston back with T10165, fit the retainers with lugs facing outwards, seat the pads, and secure the caliper with new self-locking bolts. Refit the wheel, adjust the parking brake and seat the pads with the pedal.
Fits: Audi A1 (8X, 2010–2018)
- Opens: brake fluid
- Renewed: brake pads
Don't miss
- Screw the piston back with T10165 and plate T10165/1; it cannot be pressed in.
- The two pad retainers differ and only fit diagonally opposite, guide lugs outwards.
- Use new self-locking caliper bolts and counterhold the guide pins.
- Mark used pads if refitting them, and renew pads on both sides of the axle.
- Adjust the parking brake after the pad change.
Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.
📋 Procedure
- Release parking brake. [Note: Mark brake pads when removing them if they are to be reinstalled. Reinstall in their original position to prevent uneven braking.]
- Remove relevant rear wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.
- Counterhold guide pins and unscrew bolts (arrows) for brake caliper (1).
- ⚠ Risk of damage to brake hose or brake cableDo not leave the brake caliper hanging from the brake hose or brake cable. Make sure that the brake hose and brake cable are not damaged by the weight of components.The brake hose must be renewed if it is damaged.Risk of damage to brake caliper pistonsThe brakes and the parking brake must not be operated when the brake caliper has been detached. — Tie brake caliper to body with suitable wire.
- Remove brake pads and pad retainers (arrows).
- Check brake discs for wear . [Note: Always renew brake pads on both sides of axle.Install all parts supplied in the repair kit when fitting new brake pads.] [Note: Use only methylated spirits for cleaning the brake caliper housing.Check protective caps on brake caliper pistons for damage; if necessary, install all parts supplied in repair kit Removing and installing brake caliper piston.]
- ⚠ Risk to health Do not blow out the brake system with compressed air. — Thoroughly clean contact surfaces for pad retainers (brake pads) on brake carrier and remove corrosion.
- ⚠ Risk of damage to brake caliper pistonAlways use piston compressing tool T10165 to screw back brake caliper piston. — Screw in brake caliper piston by turning knurled wheel clockwise, taking care not to damage protective cap.
- Use plate T10165/1 when screwing in the piston.
- Insert pad retainers (1) and (2) into brake carrier. [Note: Pad retainers (1) and (2) are different. They can only be fitted in diagonally opposite positions.]
- Fit pad retainers (1) and (2) so so that guide lugs (arrows) face outwards on both sides of brake carrier.
- Fit brake pads in brake carrier.
- Ensure that brake pads are seated correctly in pad retainers (arrows).
- Secure brake caliper with new self-locking bolts.
- Fit rear wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.
- Adjust parking brake .
- ⚠ Risk of accident!Firmly depress the brake pedal several times with the vehicle stationary, so that the brake pads are properly seated in their normal operating position.Make sure that the brakes work properly before the vehicle is driven on the road. — Check brake fluid level and top up if necessary.
🎬 Related video tutorial
Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (A4 B8 Saloon) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.
How to change rear brake pads on AUDI A4 B8 Saloon
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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.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.