Removing and installing brake pads (1LC/1LJ/1ZA/1ZD/1ZE/1ZP) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2020); platform code 85

• Opens: brake fluid
• Renewed: brake pads

Don't miss

• Counterhold guide pins (1 and 2) and remove bolts (arrows).
• Always renew brake pads on both sides of axle.Install all parts supplied in the repair kit when fitting new brake pads.
• Check that all retaining springs (2) are seated correctly after fitting brake pads.
• 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.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove front wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.
2. Counterhold guide pins (1 and 2) and remove bolts (arrows).
3. Detach brake caliper.
4. ⚠ 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. — Tie brake caliper to body with suitable wire.
5. Unplug electrical connector (arrow) on contact for pad wear indicator on brake caliper (right-side).

6. Remove brake pads.
7. Check brake discs for wear Technical data. [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.Check bearing bushes on guide pins for damage and ensure that guide pins move freely; if necessary, install all parts supplied in repair kit Renewing bearing bushes and guide pins.]
8. ⚠ Escaping brake fluid can cause the vehicle to become dirty and may damage the paintwork.If the brake pads are worn and brake fluid has been topped up unnecessarily, brake fluid can overflow when the brake caliper pistons are pressed back into the brake cylinders.Before pressing the pistons back, check the brake fluid level. Brake fluid must be extracted if the fluid level is up to the "“MAX”" mark.Use brake filling and bleeding equipmentVAS 5234 to extract brake fluid from brake fluid reservoir. — Press brake caliper piston all the way back into caliper using piston resetting appliance T10145.
9. Clean pad contact surfaces (2) on brake carrier (1) and apply a small amount of lithium greaseG 052 150 A2.
10. If fitted, pull protective foil off pad backplates.
11. If used pads are being re-fitted, take care to install the marked pads in their original positions.
12. Insert brake pads, paying attention to installation position .
13. Fit brake pads (1) so that retaining springs (2) engage in cut-outs in brake carrier (3). [Note: Check that all retaining springs (2) are seated correctly after fitting brake pads.]
14. Slide brake caliper over fitted brake pads.
15. Counterhold guide pins (1 and 2) and tighten new bolts (arrows) for brake caliper. [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.]
16. Plug in electrical connector (arrow) on contact for pad wear indicator on brake caliper (right-side).
17. ⚠ 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 (A3 2 (8PA)) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change front brake pads on AUDI A3 2 (8PA)

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