Removing and installing brake pads - front brake FN 3 — AUDI
Removing and installing brake pads - front brake FN 3 on Audi: factory workshop procedure. Full factory text, tools and checks.
Workshop procedure for AUDI — the factory write-up, straight from real workshop data.
📋 Procedure
Special tools and workshop equipment required
Piston resetting tool
Removing
Unscrew both front wheels.
Unplug connector -1- of brake pad wear indicator at left brake.
Use screwdriver to prise retaining springs for brake pads out of brake caliper housing -arrow- and detach.
Detach caps -arrows-.
Screw out guide pins -arrows-.
Detach brake caliper and hang up with piece of wire.
Note:
Brake hose/pipe is never to be twisted or kinked.
Take brake pad out of brake caliper housing/detach from brake carrier.
Note:
Mark brake pads on removal if they are to be re-used. Re-install in same position to prevent uneven braking.
Installing
Install in reverse order, paying attention to the following:
Clean brake caliper housing and in particular bonding surface for brake pad, which must be free from residual adhesive and grease.
Only use white spirit to clean brake caliper housing.
Press back piston.
Note:
Prior to fitting new brake pads, use resetting tool to press piston into cylinder. Before pressing back, use bleeder bottle to draw off brake fluid from reservoir. If this is not done, brake fluid may escape and cause damage if fluid has been topped up in the meantime.
Attention:
Brake fluid is poisonous and is never to be sucked off by mouth with a hose.
Insert brake pads, paying attention to installation position.
1 -
Right piston-end brake pad
2 -
Left piston-end brake pad
When installed, arrow on backplate of brake pad must face downwards.
Position outer brake pad on brake carrier.
Pull protective sheeting off backplate of outer brake pad.
Insert retaining spring -arrow- in brake caliper housing.
Attention:
After insertion in both holes, retaining spring must be pressed beneath brake carrier. Compensation for outer brake pad wear cannot be provided in the event of incorrect installation, thus increasing the pedal travel.
After fitting brake pads, press brake pedal firmly several times with vehicle stationary to ensure that pads become properly seated.
Check brake fluid level and top up if necessary.
Tightening torque
Component · Nm
Brake caliper housing to brake carrier · 28
TorqFix answers live for your specific car — tell it the engine code and it serves the matching sequence, torque figures and wiring for that exact variant.
Ask about my car →🎬 Video walkthrough
Independent video tutorial by AUTODOC (YouTube) — a helpful visual companion to the steps above.
How to change front brake pads AUDI A3 1 (8L1)
Other AUDI procedures
- Removing and installing toothed belt – Audi · 56 torque figures
- Removing engine – Audi A8 D3 · 41 torque figures
- Removing camshaft timing chain from camshafts – Audi A6/A7 C7 · 38 torque figures
- Installing engine – Audi A8 D4 · 36 torque figures
- Removing and installing camshaft timing chain · 29 torque figures
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.