A8 Front discs and Pads

[n1cka8]

Do you need the audi software box plugged in to activate the hydraulic caliper to change the pads and discs ?

Thanks.

[dragondownsouth]

Not on the front, you only need a computer for the rear to retract the parking brake servos.

[oldgrowler]

I have 2005 a8 and was told you need to set new pad % in with a computer so the sensors are set correctly, can anyone confirm this is the case with front and / or rear pads as replacing myself if I don't need to plug laptop in.

[snapdragon]

Yes, to do the rears, because of the EPB.

[dragondownsouth]

Changing fronts is straightforward, leave the rears to a dealer/specialist unless you have vag-com.

[oldgrowler]

Thanks dragondownsouth, a friend has vag-com so could you tell me if its easy and what I need to do for rear pads just in case I need to replace all? Wouldn't mind trying it myself if its not technically hard.

[snapdragon]

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Audi_A8_(4E)_Parking_Brake
(REARS) Other than that, it's pretty generic.

Also good info. here..
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2801195

[oldgrowler]

thanks snapdragon, doesnt seem that difficult so will try this myself. cheers, have a great xmas and new year.

[snapdragon]

I suspect you only have to enter the pad thickness for the wear warning to be accurate, but not for them to work, but I may be wrong.
When I do mine (probably later today) I will add the depth of the disc lip to the pad thickness so that the wear warning is not so belts and braces (designed for long life service regime)

[oldgrowler]

Thanks for help and with this I've decided to buy my own ross tech vag-com and hope its as easy as it sounds.

[dragondownsouth]

I can't advise on the rears except from the most important bot...don't do them without retracting the parking brake with vag-com.

When it comes to the fronts, remember the pistons are quite big so when you open up the caliper make sure there is enough void in the brake fluid reservoir for when you push them back. The pads clip on to the pistons which makes fitting a little fiddly, I found the inner pad (engine side) the trickiest but then again I used aftermarket pads. You will need to remove the caliper and suspend it with string or wire from the track rod or similar. No need to disconnect from hydraulics as it's on a flexi hose!

Carl.

[snapdragon]

Well, I tried to do mine yesterday and couldn't retract the callipers due to it knowing it was parked on a 12% incline :(
It said option not available due to this.
I live on a hill and everywhere on my property is sloping, especially once jacked up too.

[dragondownsouth]

How about trying with the car the other way around so that when you jack it up it's more level. Then try to manually release the parking brake with the switch near the gear lever, obviously with the fronts well chocked! After that, the 12 degree error may be cleared!