Removing and installing brake pads - front brakes: Audi A3

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

• Opens: brake fluid

Don't miss

• Brake hose/line must not be twisted or kinked.
• Mark brake pads when removing them if they are to be reinstalled. Reinstall in their original position to prevent uneven braking.
• After installing the brake pads, depress the pedal firmly several times with the vehicle stationary, so that the pads are properly seated in their normal operating position. — Check brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

📋 Procedure

1. Unbolt both front wheels.
2. Unplug connector (1) of brake pad wear indicator at left brake.
3. Remove protective caps.
4. Unscrew guide pins (arrows).
5. Detach brake caliper and tie up with wire. [Note: Brake hose/line must not be twisted or kinked.]

6. Remove brake pads. [Note: Mark brake pads when removing them if they are to be reinstalled. Reinstall in their original position to prevent uneven braking.]
7. Check brake disc Technical data for brakes.
8. Clean brake caliper.
9. Press piston back. [Note: Before inserting new brake pads, press piston back into cylinder with resetting appliance. Before pressing the piston back, draw off brake fluid from the reservoir with a bleeder bottle. Otherwise, fluid can overflow and cause damage, particularly if the reservoir has been topped up.]
10. ⚠ Brake fluid is poisonous and must NOT be drawn off by sucking through a hose. — Insert brake pads, paying attention to installation position:
11. Starting at bottom, attach brake caliper with brake pads to wheel bearing housing.
12. ⚠ After installing the brake pads, depress the pedal firmly several times with the vehicle stationary, so that the pads are properly seated in their normal operating position. — Check brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

🎬 Video walkthrough

Independent video tutorial by AUTODOC (YouTube) — a helpful visual companion to the steps above.

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

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