How to Replace the Rear Brakes on an Audi A4

The Audi A4 is a compact four-door sedan in production since 1994. Most Audi A4's operate on a permanent four wheel drive platform. Because of this, braking performance is important. All A4's come standard with all disc anti-lock brakes and maintaining these brakes ensures a safer ride. Replacing the rear brakes on an Audi A4 is similar to replacing disc brakes on any other vehicle. Some mechanical experience is recommended for this project.

Instructions

1

Place the wheel blocks on both sides of one of the front wheels. Loosen the rear wheel lugs with a 1/2-inch ratchet wrench and lug socket. Place the hydraulic lift under the center structure point and raise the vehicle. Place the jack stands under body structure points. Lower the lift until the vehicle's weight is equally distributed among the stands and the hydraulic lift.

2

Remove the lugs from the wheels. Place the loose lugs into the wheel cavity and slide the wheel under the vehicle for extra safety. Use a slot-head screwdriver to remove the metal brake clip located on the brake caliper for certain models. Remove the retainer bolts with the Allen wrench set if present. Remove the caliper by pulling it away from the rotor. Place on the control arms to prevent the brake line from being pulled.

3

Remove the rotor by pulling it away from the wheel hub assembly. Replace with a new rotor by sliding it onto the lug bolts and firmly against the hub. Remove the brake pad clips on the caliper with a slot head screwdriver. Use the C-clamp to compress the piston to allow installation of the new brake pads. Install the pads by placing them into the caliper and securing them with the supplied pad clips.

4

Gently press the caliper back into its original location. Use a rubber mallet to beat the caliper if it is difficult to slide onto the rotor. Secure the rotor using the retainer bolts if present. Reinstall the metal brake clip by bending it using a slot head screwdriver. Ensure that the clip is positioned in the specified grooves located on the face of the rotor.

5

Place the wheel back onto the hub assembly and hand thread the lugs. Raise the hydraulic lift to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lugs to the specified torque amount.