A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on the 2008-2018 Audi A5 Quattro
Choose the right aftermarket brake pads for your Audi A5 and avoid common replacement mistakes.
- A diagnostic scan tool is required to retract the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) for rear pad replacement.
- Aftermarket ceramic pads from brands like Akebono can significantly reduce brake dust compared to OEM.
- OEM supplier brands like Textar and Pagid offer dealer quality at a lower price.
- Always replace pads and rotors together for the best performance and to avoid noise issues.
Understanding Your A5's Brake Pad Needs
Your Audi A5 Quattro is a precision machine, and its braking system is no exception. When brake pads wear out, you might hear grinding or squealing noises, or see the brake warning light on your dash. This is a normal maintenance item. OEM pads, often made by brands like Textar or Pagid, provide a great balance of performance and comfort but tend to produce a lot of brake dust. Aftermarket pads offer a chance to customize your braking feel, reduce dust, or increase performance.
CRITICAL: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
All 2008-2018 Audi A5 models have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on the rear wheels. You CANNOT simply press the rear caliper piston back in. A diagnostic scan tool (like VCDS or a professional-grade scanner) is required to put the rear brakes into a 'service mode' before you can replace the pads. Attempting to do this without the tool can destroy the caliper motors. Front brake pads can be changed without this tool.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
With over 180 options available, picking the right pad can be confusing. Here’s how to choose based on your needs and budget.
Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent & Daily Driver
These pads are designed to meet or exceed the specifications of the original pads that came on your A5. They are perfect for daily driving and offer a balance of quiet operation, good stopping power, and long life.
- Brands: Textar, Pagid, Brembo (OE line), Bosch, Centric, Zimmermann, ATE.
- Best for: Owners who want the stock feel and performance without the dealership price tag. Textar and Pagid are known original equipment manufacturers for Audi.
Tier 2: Low-Dust & Comfort Upgrade
The biggest complaint about German car brakes is the amount of black dust on the wheels. Ceramic brake pads are the solution. They offer quiet, smooth stopping and produce very little, light-colored dust.
- Brands: Akebono (Euro Ceramic), ATE (Ceramic), Powerstop (Z23 Evolution Sport), Hawk Performance (Ceramic).
- Best for: The daily commuter who is tired of cleaning their wheels. Akebono is a highly recommended brand in owner forums for its clean and quiet performance.
Tier 3: High-Performance & Spirited Driving
If you enjoy spirited driving on back roads or participate in occasional track days, you need a pad that can handle high heat without losing its stopping power (a condition called 'brake fade'). These pads offer a stronger initial bite but may create more dust and noise than ceramic pads.
- Brands: EBC Brakes (Redstuff, Yellowstuff), Hawk Performance (HPS, HPS 5.0), Brembo (Performance lines), StopTech.
- Best for: Enthusiast drivers who prioritize performance and stopping power above all else. EBC Redstuff is a popular choice for a low-dust performance pad.
Known Issues and Bulletins
While the A5 brake system is generally reliable, there is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for some models. TSB 2033674 addresses complaints of brake squeal on 2010-2013 models under light pedal pressure. The fix involves applying a special lubricant to the front caliper guide pins. If your car is in this range and squeals, this may be the cause. There are no major recalls for the brake pads on the 2008-2018 A5 Quattro.
| Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Economy) | $30 - $75 |
| New Aftermarket (OEM-Quality / Ceramic) | $75 - $150 |
| New Aftermarket (High-Performance) | $120 - $345 |
| New OEM (Dealer) | $150 - $280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really not change the rear brake pads without a scan tool?
It is strongly advised not to. While some online videos show a method of removing the electronic motor from the back of the caliper, this is risky and can easily damage the expensive caliper assembly. The correct and safe procedure requires a diagnostic tool to command the parking brake motors to retract.
Do I need to replace my rotors at the same time as my pads?
Not always, but it is highly recommended. Brake pads and rotors wear together. Installing new pads on a worn, uneven rotor surface can cause noise, vibrations, and reduced performance. Most shops will insist on replacing them as a set for best results. At a minimum, the rotor thickness should be measured to ensure it is within the manufacturer's safe operating limits.
What is 'bedding-in' new brakes and is it necessary?
Yes, it is very important. Bedding-in is the process of transferring an even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotors. This ensures smooth, quiet, and powerful braking. The procedure typically involves a series of controlled stops from various speeds. Your new brake pads will come with specific instructions from the manufacturer on how to bed them in properly.
Why are my new brakes making noise?
Noise from new brakes can come from a few sources. If you didn't replace the rotors, the new pads may be conforming to the old, uneven surface. High-performance pads can also be noisier by nature. Most often, however, it's because the pads were not bedded-in correctly. Following the bedding-in procedure should resolve most noise issues.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 8K0698151L 8R0698151L 4H0698451A 8K0698451G
Brake systems on the Audi A5 can vary by year, engine, and option packages (PR codes). Always verify the correct part for your specific vehicle using your VIN before ordering. All models in this year range use an electronic wear sensor and feature an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on the rear axle.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Audi A5 Quattro:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Understanding Your A5's Brake Pad Needs
- CRITICAL: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent & Daily Driver
- Tier 2: Low-Dust & Comfort Upgrade
- Tier 3: High-Performance & Spirited Driving
- Known Issues and Bulletins
- Frequently Asked Questions
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