SQ5 brake fluid change

[Shaggymatt]

I haven't been around much lately, life has been in the way of online life. No one seems to have posted on this topic, at least that I could come up with in a lot of searching.

Changed the pads/rotors on the front of the SQ5 this past weekend, put on Zimmerman rotors and Brembo pads. Very easy swap once I obtained a 9mm hex, which I incorrectly assumed my hex kit would contain, and found that they're somewhat hard to come by. Pep Boys came to the rescue. For your future reference, don't assume your hex kit, which goes up to a 10mm includes a 9mm, they all go from 8 to 10.

My pedal isn't as firm as I remember it from before. I honestly only drive the car once or twice a month now that I have a commuter car. It's due for a change anyway, so I might as well take care of it. The bedding went well, but still, don't think it's as firm as she used to be.

1. Pressure bleed, yes or no? I prefer to use the Motive. All the big name Euro companies of course sell kits, which include the Motive. However, Blau says you can't get enough pressure (with vacuum pump) and recommends the good old pump method. My Motive has a nice new hose on it, from the last change I did, always follow the suggestion of pressure testing your hose before putting fluid in it.
2. How much pressure? IIRC, on other VAG products, 30psi has been the target number.
3. VCDS? My long standing impression has been that you only need to cycle the pump if you've gotten air into the system, replaced a caliper, etc.
4. Order? The few posts vary.
5. Quantity? Obviously you need to remove more fluid on the corners furthest from the master cylinder. I have ATE fluid in my garage, but it's going to be the same color. I feel like last time I did the MKV Jetta, I just did like 500mL from the rears and 250mL from the fronts.

[TexasDfwS4]

Audi changes fluid every two years. Some pads don't bite as well as the OEM but they last longer and no squeal or as dusty.

[Q5OnTheMove]

I haven't been around much lately, life has been in the way of online life. No one seems to have posted on this topic, at least that I could come up with in a lot of searching.

Changed the pads/rotors on the front of the SQ5 this past weekend, put on Zimmerman rotors and Brembo pads. Very easy swap once I obtained a 9mm hex, which I incorrectly assumed my hex kit would contain, and found that they're somewhat hard to come by. Pep Boys came to the rescue. For your future reference, don't assume your hex kit, which goes up to a 10mm includes a 9mm, they all go from 8 to 10.

My pedal isn't as firm as I remember it from before. I honestly only drive the car once or twice a month now that I have a commuter car. It's due for a change anyway, so I might as well take care of it. The bedding went well, but still, don't think it's as firm as she used to be.

1. Pressure bleed, yes or no? I prefer to use the Motive. All the big name Euro companies of course sell kits, which include the Motive. However, Blau says you can't get enough pressure (with vacuum pump) and recommends the good old pump method. My Motive has a nice new hose on it, from the last change I did, always follow the suggestion of pressure testing your hose before putting fluid in it.
2. How much pressure? IIRC, on other VAG products, 30psi has been the target number.
3. VCDS? My long standing impression has been that you only need to cycle the pump if you've gotten air into the system, replaced a caliper, etc.
4. Order? The few posts vary.
5. Quantity? Obviously you need to remove more fluid on the corners furthest from the master cylinder. I have ATE fluid in my garage, but it's going to be the same color. I feel like last time I did the MKV Jetta, I just did like 500mL from the rears and 250mL from the fronts.

1. Yes, pressure bleed. I used this with a psi of 20-25 and it worked fine on my 2016 Q5.
   Motive Products 0100 European Power Brake Bleeder w/ Adapter
2. 20-25 psi is what I used and it worked fine.
3. I never cycled the pump when changing out my brake fluid.
4. Order I did was 1) back right, 2)back left, 3)front right, 4)front left.
5. I bought 2 litters to ensure I had enough liquid. I bought 2 of these ATE 706202 Original TYP 200 DOT 4 Brake Fluid

[Shaggymatt]

1. Yes, pressure bleed. I used this with a psi of 20-25 and it worked fine on my 2016 Q5.
   Motive Products 0100 European Power Brake Bleeder w/ Adapter
2. 20-25 psi is what I used and it worked fine.
3. I never cycled the pump when changing out my brake fluid.
4. Order I did was 1) back right, 2)back left, 3)front right, 4)front left.
5. I bought 2 litters to ensure I had enough liquid. I bought 2 of these ATE 706202 Original TYP 200 DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Thanks. Knocked this out the day before I left on vacation. Was going to do it earlier in the week, but found that I had used the fluid I anticipated using on my daughter's Jetta.

Ran into an issue with one of the bleeders and not draining. Historically I had been able to leave fluid in the bottle going from corner to corner. Driver rear wouldn't drain, just came out through the threads. Went to the dealer and they had no valves in stock. Went to advance auto and cross referenced to have one on hand. Driving home I figured I should empty the catch bottle and try again. Worked fine, returned the valves.

I'm positive that there's no air in the system, but I feel that the pedal goes more to the floor. Maybe it's just a side effect of driving my DD and only using the SQ5 once or twice a month and forgetting the pedal feel.