Renewing brake caliper (1LC/1LJ/1ZA/1ZD/1ZE/1ZP): Audi A3

🧭 Before you start

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

• Opens: brake fluid

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• This closes the valves in the brake master cylinder and stops the brake fluid reservoir from running empty.
• Risk of skin irritationAlways wear chemical-resistant protective gloves to prevent brake fluid from contacting skin. — Detach protective cap (3) from bleeder screw (1).
• The brake pedal actuatorV.A.G 1869/2 must not be removed.
• 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.
• If the brake pedal still feels "“soft”", bleed the complete brake system Bleeding hydraulic system (normal bleeding procedure).

📋 Procedure

1. Insert brake pedal actuatorV.A.G 1869/2 between brake pedal and driver's seat. Depress brake pedal at least 60 mm. [Note: This closes the valves in the brake master cylinder and stops the brake fluid reservoir from running empty.]
2. Remove front wheel Running gear, axles, steering44Wheels, tyres.
3. ⚠ Risk of skin irritationAlways wear chemical-resistant protective gloves to prevent brake fluid from contacting skin. — Detach protective cap (3) from bleeder screw (1).
4. Fit bleeder hose (2) of bleeder bottle onto bleeder screw.
5. Open bleeder screw to relieve pressure in hydraulic system.

6. Close bleeder screw and remove bleeder bottle. [Note: The brake pedal actuatorV.A.G 1869/2 must not be removed.]
7. Place a cloth under the connection to catch escaping brake fluid.
8. ⚠ Risk of malfunction if brake fluid comes into contact with fluids containing mineral oils.Do not under any circumstances allow brake fluid to come into contact with fluids that contain mineral oils (e.g. oil, petrol, cleaning agents). Protective gloves must be free of oil and grease.Risk of damage to paintwork surfacesDue to its corrosive effect, brake fluid must not be allowed to come into contact with paintwork. Rinse off brake fluid spillages immediately using plenty of water. — Unscrew banjo bolt (arrow) and detach brake hose from brake caliper.
9. Seal open connections immediately using clean sealing plugs from assembly parts set5Q0 698 311.
10. Remove brake pads .
11. Install brake pads .
12. Screw banjo bolt (arrow) into caliper and tighten connection. [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.]
13. Remove brake pedal actuatorV.A.G 1869/2.
14. Bleed brake system (only at wheel where caliper was detached and brake hose disconnected) Bleeding hydraulic system (normal bleeding procedure). [Note: If the brake pedal still feels "“soft”", bleed the complete brake system Bleeding hydraulic system (normal bleeding procedure).]
15. ⚠ 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 caliper on AUDI A3 2 (8PA)

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