Brake Pads, Removing And Installing, Ceramic Brakes: Installing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Audi S4 and 2021 Audi A4 Quattro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

Always replace brake pads on the same axle at the same time.
Use the complete repair kit when installing new brake pads.
Clean the bolts and nuts before reusing.
Replace damaged bolts and nuts.
Replace the self-locking bolts and nuts after removal.

-- If the brake pads are being replaced, check the brake rotors for wear and damage.

To determine the wear on a ceramic brake rotor. Refer to CERAMIC BRAKE ROTOR, DETERMINING WEAR WITHOUT Carbon-Ceramic Brake Wear Tester or CERAMIC BRAKE ROTOR, DETERMINING WEAR USING Carbon-Ceramic Brake Wear Tester .
Cracks in connection area. Refer to CRACKS IN CERAMIC BRAKE ROTOR CONNECTION AREA .
Chamfer. Refer to CHAMFER .
Nicks. Refer to NICKS ON CERAMIC BRAKE ROTOR .
Crack in cooling channel. Refer to CRACK IN COOLING CHANNEL .

CAUTION:

Health risk due to toxic dust from the brake system.

Irreversible deposit of dust particles in the lungs. Breathing may become impaired.

- Never blow out the brake system with compressed air.

Use only mineral spirits to clean the brake caliper.
Do not clean ceramic brake rotors with fluids.
Check the protective caps of the brake caliper pistons for damage and install the complete repair kit, if necessary. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER PISTON, REMOVING AND INSTALLING, SIX-PISTON BRAKE .

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Charger/Bleeder Unit VAS5234

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

CAUTION:

There is a risk of contamination and paint damage from leaking brake fluid.

- Check the brake fluid level before pushing the brake caliper piston back into the brake cylinders.

-- If the brake fluid is up to the "MAX" marking on used brake pads, it must be extracted.

Use the Brake Charger/Bleeder Unit :VAS5234 to extract brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir.

-- Use the Piston Resetting Tool :T10145 to press the brake caliper piston completely back into the brake caliper.

-- Clip the new brake pad springs into the brake caliper.

The brake pad springs must be completely locked into the brake caliper.

-- Clean the brake caliper on the contact surfaces -1 and 2- to the brake pads.

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Pad Contact Surfaces

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Insert the brake pads -1- in succession into the brake caliper by pressing each brake pad against the brake pad springs -arrows A- and pushing them all the way onto the guide pins -arrow B-.

Fig 3: Identifying Brake Pads

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Install the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING, CERAMIC BRAKES .

-- Install the brake pad wear sensor. Refer to BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR WIRE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Check brake fluid level, and fill if necessary.

CAUTION:

Faulty brakes increase the risk of an accident.

- Make sure the brakes are working correctly before driving the vehicle for the first time.

-- With the vehicle stationary, firmly press the brake pedal several times so that the brake pads in the operating condition properly sit in their respective position.