B8 A4 front Brake Pads - help needed!

[akinaboy]

Hi AZ members,
When I took my B8 A4 to the dealership today, they told me that the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
As they they quoted me $295 for parts and labor, I would like to replace the pads by myself as I have changed brakes and rotors numerous times.
However, it seems like our B8 model has electric ebrake that I might need to use vag-com tool to release the caliper.
While I did search throughout the forum, some says that you need to use vag-com tool to release the rear calipers but doesn't say anything about front brakes.
Are the front brake pads as simple as working on regular cars that do not have electric ebrake? meaing can I simply use C-clamp to compress and open the calipers and swap out the brake pads?
It seems like not many people on the forum have done brake pad job.

Thank you in advance.

[ddun]

The fronts is nothing special, c-clamp is all you need

[Justin@FCP]

Here is all I was able to find after I did a little searching:

• Front rotor and pad replacement DIY

Couldn't find much info on any of the Audi related forums on the B8 A4 brakes. What I would recommend to do would send a PM to the OP of the thread linked above. Good luck on your search, and let us know how you make out!

[Blake P]

The parking brake is attached to the rear only, so yes... the fronts are more straight forward. That being said, both times I've had my rear pads and rotors replaced the tech confirmed that Vag Com was not necessary and he showed me a hand tool he used to manually release it.

[JasonR]

From RossTech regarding the rears...
http://www.ross-tech.net/vag-com/adv...akeTechTip.pdf

[Blake P]

From RossTech regarding the rears...
http://www.ross-tech.net/vag-com/adv...akeTechTip.pdf

That works too, but not necessarily required, apparently.

[akinaboy]

cool! Thanks for your help!
Now, I am trying to decide to go either Hawk HPS or Centric posi-quiet pads.
Which ones would you recommend?
I usually used EBC green stuff on my other cars before but it seems like they only have red stuff for the B8.
Thanks

[Blake P]

Never used Hawk but love my PQ's.

[uberwgn]

Now, I am trying to decide to go either Hawk HPS or Centric posi-quiet pads.

I fitted the Centric Posi Quiets (part number begins with 104.xxxx, indicates semi-metallic) to my '11 A4 a couple weeks ago....was getting tired of the sub-standard braking capability of the OE ceramics. In fact, I had them fitted all around on our A6 a couple weeks before that. Very nice pad, much better initial bite. Some dust, but nothing like a traditional OE German pad. Seems to be a very good solution, recommended by someone over on AW forum.

The front brake pad changeout is pretty straightforward on this car.

[B8SlineNate]

The parking brake is attached to the rear only, so yes... the fronts are more straight forward. That being said, both times I've had my rear pads and rotors replaced the tech confirmed that Vag Com was not necessary and he showed me a hand tool he used to manually release it.

what is this hand tool you speak of? would a regular set of brake piston retractors work?

[psych]

I am getting ready to do this myself, does anyone know if you need 1 or 2 pad wear sensors when replacing the front pads? I am guessing 2, one for each side. Thanks.

[booost]

I am getting ready to do this myself, does anyone know if you need 1 or 2 pad wear sensors when replacing the front pads? I am guessing 2, one for each side. Thanks.

There is only 1 on the driver's side.

[psych]

Beautiful, thank you.

[zokissima]

Where are you ordering the pad wear sensor?

[booost]

Where are you ordering the pad wear sensor?

Can't beat Rockauto


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[psych]

Where are you ordering the pad wear sensor?

Well... my local part store carries them for $10, I have a feeling I "shouldn't do that", but its cheap, comes with a warranty and I'm poor until payday and need to get this done while the weather is dry here.

[gunsmoker]

Well... my local part store carries them for $10, I have a feeling I "shouldn't do that", but its cheap, comes with a warranty and I'm poor until payday and need to get this done while the weather is dry here.

Yes, you should. It's just a wire loop, not really a sensor.

[zokissima]

I didn't even realize that we had to replace these when doing the front pads/rotors.

Do you have a part number by any chance?

[booost]

You may not need to replace it but mine had completely disintegrated when I pulled it off so I'm glad I got a replacement - since it's cheap you might as well. OEM part # is 8K0615121.

[zokissima]

Thanks Boost!