[Audi A3/S3] A3 Brake disc/pad change

[A3MSB]

Hi all,

I need to change the brake discs and obviously pads all-round on my '05 A3 2.0tdi 8P sportback.

I was wondering if anyone knows what company Audi use for brake pads and discs? Also, if you can recommend any good brands that are worth looking into (that don't squeal or anything like that!).

My next question is has anyone changed the pads and discs themselves? I've not done it before but would like to learn, I just wanted to know what's involved as I read something about de-glazing the discs and do you need to loosen the brake fluid resovoir cap? If someone could shed some light it would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

M

[cruiser647]

Changing the pads and discs is relatively easy.........BUT

you will need to loosen the cap reservoir and be prepared to take some out (with a syringe) so it doesn't overflow.

There should be a quick guide somewhere on the web to help you.

You'll need many tools, including a G-Clamp for pushing the caliper pistons back. For the rear brakes you will need the standard Lucas rewind tool.

For the replacement brakes, Brembo are pretty good, and are available from Murray's in Hatfield.

I am not sure of the quality of the ones from Eurocarparts and GSF.

Hope that helps for a starter.

Oh, factor in about 3 hrs for both front and rear. And mind your knuckles!

[DukeDesmo]

Recently changed the front discs and pads and have previously changed the rear pads. As said you'll need the wind back tool for the rear caliper but Halfords sell a decent one that's not too expensive. No special tools required for the front, other than the correct sockets etc, although I did struggle to get the calipers over the 'lip' on the edge of the disc so resorted to the grinder to remove a section of lip. You will almost certainly need to remove some fluid from the reservoir before it overflows.

I used Europarts and got Pagid discs/pads for the front, they look as good as the Audi originals and work fine. Dealer wanted £450 to do the fronts, the parts cost me £180.

[robv6]

Recently changed the front discs and pads and have previously changed the rear pads. As said you'll need the wind back tool for the rear caliper but Halfords sell a decent one that's not too expensive. No special tools required for the front, other than the correct sockets etc, although I did struggle to get the calipers over the 'lip' on the edge of the disc so resorted to the grinder to remove a section of lip. You will almost certainly need to remove some fluid from the reservoir before it overflows.

I used Europarts and got Pagid discs/pads for the front, they look as good as the Audi originals and work fine. Dealer wanted £450 to do the fronts, the parts cost me £180.

Do you need to undo the big nut in the middle of the hub on the rears to get the discs off, had a quick go at seeing if the disc would move but they didn't seem to budge, wasnt sure if the disc needs a bit of persuasion or if I need to undo the big nut too, mines a a3, 3.2 sline. Thanks

[eldavo69]

Don't forget that when you're doing the bolts on the inside that are facing you that lefty loosey righty tighty is reversed. Not that I've ever spent 15 mins swearing at bolts before realising I'm trying to loosen them the wrong way

[cruiser647]

Don't forget that when you're doing the bolts on the inside that are facing you that lefty loosey righty tighty is reversed. Not that I've ever spent 15 mins swearing at bolts before realising I'm trying to loosen them the wrong way

Nope, me neither. No siree bob, never done that myself.............

I just say that 'I was loosening them'.......