Removing and installing brake pads, steel version brakes (1LN / 1LX) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D4 (4H, 2010–2017)

• Opens: brake fluid
• Renewed: brake pads, spring plates

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• Mark brake pads when removing them if they are to be reinstalled. Reinstall in their original position to prevent uneven braking.
• The pad retaining spring must also be renewed when the brake pads are renewed. To do so, use a screwdriver to pry pad retaining spring (1) out of brake caliper (arrow).
• Always renew brake pads on both sides of axle.Install all parts supplied in the repair kit when fitting new brake pads.
• Risk to health Do not blow out the brake system with compressed air. — Press brake caliper pistons all the way back into caliper using piston resetting appliance T10145.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Risk of malfunctionDO NOT slacken off bolts (arrows A) on brake caliper.DO NOT loosen guide pins (arrows B). — Remove relevant brake caliper (see the separate procedure). [Note: To make it easier to remove the brake caliper from the brake disc, use suitable pliers (1) to press back the brake pad (2) slightly as shown in the illustration. Take care not to damage the pad wear indicator wire. To avoid damaging the paint on the caliper, insert a piece of rubber (3) or similar between the caliper and the pliers.]
2. Remove pad wear sender (see the separate procedure). [Note: Mark brake pads when removing them if they are to be reinstalled. Reinstall in their original position to prevent uneven braking.]
3. Detach brake pads (1 and 2) from guide pins (arrows), one after the other. [Note: The spring plates (arrows) on the back of the brake pads must not be damaged if the pads are to be reinstalled. All spring plates must be attached on the back of the brake pad. All three spring plates on the brake pad must be renewed if one of the spring plates on that pad is damaged or has come loose.]
4. The pad retaining spring must also be renewed when the brake pads are renewed. To do so, use a screwdriver to pry pad retaining spring (1) out of brake caliper (arrow).
5. ⚠ Risk of malfunctionDO NOT slacken off bolts (arrows A) on brake caliper.DO NOT loosen guide pins (arrows B). — Check brake discs for wear (see the separate procedure). [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 .Use new spring plates.]

6. ⚠ Risk to health Do not blow out the brake system with compressed air. — Press brake caliper pistons all the way back into caliper using piston resetting appliance T10145.
7. Clean brake caliper.
8. Clean brake caliper at contact surfaces (1 and 2) between brake pads and caliper and at guide pins (arrows), and apply a small amount of lithium grease Electronic parts catalogue.
9. Clip new pad retaining spring into brake caliper.
10. If brake pads are being renewed, press spring plates (arrows) into brake caliper pistons before fitting brake pads.
11. Detach foils from spring plates.
12. Insert brake pads (1) into brake caliper one after the other, pressing each pad against pad retaining spring (arrows A) and fully onto guide pins (arrow B).
13. Install brake caliper (see the separate procedure).
14. Install pad wear sender (see the separate procedure).
15. Fit front wheel Running gear, axles, steering 44. Wheels, tyres.
16. Check brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

🎬 Related video tutorial

Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (A6 (C6)) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change front brake pads / front brake pad set on AUDI A6 (C6)

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