Replacing Rear Brake Calipers?

[RoadRage]

I need to replace my rear brake calipers and I'm wondering how difficult of a task this is?

In my mind it's pretty simple. Just; drain the fluids, remove the calipers, put new ones on, bleed the system, test it.

I have replacement calipers, rotors, pads, fluid.

Am I missing anything here?

I don't see and DIY's for this, so I'm thinking it's pretty self explanatory.

Thoughts? and thank you

[Seerlah]

Pretty straight forward. Post if you run into troubles.

[DND]

Pretty much as you described.
I suggest if you are replacing them anyway that you upgrade them to something better such as the S4's that have cooling vanes in the rotors. New rear S4 calipers can be had for $100 each, unlike the ridiculously priced fronts.

If you pinch/plug the hose (or even just point it upwards) you should not need to drain the fluid, I didn't have to drain mine when I replaced them (obviously don't push on the pedal with the line open).
Just make sure to bleed the brakes thoroughly afterwards.

[Sickws6]

Release parking brake so you can remove the the cable from the caliper lever. Use pliers to remove the cable. That is the hardest part of the job.

[MetalMan]

I suggest if you are replacing them anyway that you upgrade them to something better such as the S4's that have cooling vanes in the rotors. New rear S4 calipers can be had for $100 each, unlike the ridiculously priced fronts.

It's definitely a good idea, especially considering that it is a drop-in solution. However, he already has A4 calipers and rotors. Rear pads are the same for all B5 models (A4/S4, Quattro/FWD).

[RoadRage]

It's definitely a good idea, especially considering that it is a drop-in solution. However, he already has A4 calipers and rotors. Rear pads are the same for all B5 models (A4/S4, Quattro/FWD).

Yeah. I already have the A4 calipers. I didn't even consider S4 calipers. I thought they wouldn't mount up. Oh well. maybe next time.

[MetalMan]

Next time indeed, lol.
For those who aren't aware, to fit S4 rear brake calipers you need:
-S4 rear calipers
-S4 rear caliper carriers
-S4 rear rotors

Rest of the stock A4 parts will work. This includes brake lines and e-brake cable.

[seanf86]

Next time indeed, lol.
For those who aren't aware, to fit S4 rear brake calipers you need:
-S4 rear calipers
-S4 rear caliper carriers
-S4 rear rotors

Rest of the stock A4 parts will work. This includes brake lines and e-brake cable.

What about the dust shields? Can you use a4 ones?

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[bhusted]

Next time indeed, lol.
For those who aren't aware, to fit S4 rear brake calipers you need:
-S4 rear calipers
-S4 rear caliper carriers
-S4 rear rotors

Rest of the stock A4 parts will work. This includes brake lines and e-brake cable.

Even better solution is:
-S4 rear calipers
-V8 A6 rear caliper carriers
-269mm rear A8 rotors
-4 2mm thick washers for the caliper carrier to upright

Rotors are larger diameter than the S4 units and still a bolt-on solution.

Edit: A4 dust shields will work with the S4 rotors/calipers. They will not work with the larger rotors that I brought up.

[MetalMan]

I bought S4 rear dust shields, and when I compared them to the ones I pulled from my car, they fit within each other - seemed exactly the same. Maybe I was sold A4 dust shields in place of S4 ones, but regardless I concluded A4 ones would fit. They may need to be bent inwards slightly to keep from rubbing the OD of the rotor, but no problem.