Guide to Your 2008-2020 Audi A4 Disc Brake Hardware Kit
Worn brake hardware can compromise your A4's braking performance; here's what you need to know.
- Always replace your disc brake hardware kit when changing brake pads to ensure safety and performance.
- For the rear brakes, you MUST use an electronic diagnostic tool to retract the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) before starting work.
- Verify your A4's specific brake system (rotor size, etc.) before purchasing, as multiple versions exist for the 2008-2020 model years.
- Choose hardware with anti-corrosion coatings for longer life, especially in regions with road salt or high humidity.
Why You Can't Ignore Your Brake Hardware
When performing a brake job on your 2008-2020 Audi A4, replacing the brake pads and rotors is only part of the job. The disc brake hardware kit, which includes all the small clips, springs, and guide pins, is often overlooked. Reusing old hardware is a common mistake that can lead to noise, poor braking performance, and uneven wear. These parts are exposed to extreme heat, moisture, and road salt, causing them to rust, lose their spring tension, and fail. Always install a new hardware kit with every brake pad replacement to ensure your brake system functions as designed.
Symptoms of Worn Brake Hardware
Failing brake hardware can cause several noticeable issues. Being able to identify them can help you diagnose the problem before it leads to more expensive repairs.
- Brake Noise: This is the most common symptom. You might hear rattling or clunking over bumps if anti-rattle clips are weak or missing. Squealing or grinding during braking can occur if pads are not retracting properly.
- Sticking Calipers: The guide pins allow the caliper to slide back and forth. If these pins corrode and seize, the caliper can get stuck, causing the brake pads to constantly drag on the rotor. This leads to rapid pad and rotor wear, excessive heat, and a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: When you inspect your old brake pads, if one pad is significantly more worn than the other (inboard vs. outboard), it's a clear sign that the caliper is not sliding correctly due to binding hardware.
Important Note on A4 Brake Systems
The 2008-2020 Audi A4 was built in two main generations, the B8 (2008-2016) 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step front brake replacement for B8 generation Audi A4s. and B9 (2017-2020). 🎬 See this walkthrough for front brake and rotor replacement on B9 models. Within these generations, Audi used several different brake setups depending on the engine, trim level (e.g., S-Line), and model year. You must verify which specific brakes your car has before ordering parts. Common front rotor sizes include 314mm and 338mm. Check your car's PR code sticker or measure your rotors to ensure you buy the correct hardware kit.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
While Audi offers OEM hardware, the aftermarket provides excellent quality options, often with improvements like better materials and coatings. The brands available offer a range of quality and price points.
- Premium Brands (Beck Arnley, Raybestos, Centric): These brands are well-regarded in the industry and often supply parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. They frequently use higher-quality materials like stainless steel for their clips and apply anti-corrosion coatings to guide pins and brackets. This is especially important for A4 owners in wet climates or areas where road salt is used.
- Standard Brands (Carlson, Dorman, Dynamic Friction): These brands offer a great balance of value and quality for daily driving. They are reliable replacements for original hardware and will restore proper brake function. Dorman is also known for providing solutions to common problems, such as oversized guide pins for worn caliper brackets. Dynamic Friction (DFC) has been noted for using stainless steel components in many of its kits.
Pro Tip: Always opt for a kit with coated hardware if you live in a region with snow or high humidity. The coating prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring the guide pins and pads continue to move freely for the life of your brakes.
Cost of Replacing Your Disc Brake Hardware Kit
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hardware Kit | $5 - $41 |
| New OEM Hardware Kit | $25 - $105 |
| Shop Labor (as part of brake job) | $150 - $300 |
Note: Labor costs are typically included as part of a complete brake pad and rotor replacement job. Prices are estimates and may vary based on location and vehicle specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse my old Audi A4 brake hardware?
It is strongly recommended not to reuse old hardware. The metal clips and springs lose tension over time due to heat cycles, and guide pins can become corroded. Reusing them can lead to noise, binding, and premature wear on your new pads and rotors.
What is included in a typical disc brake hardware kit?
A kit typically contains parts for two wheels (one axle). This includes anti-rattle clips, pad abutment clips, and sometimes new guide pins and boots. It's everything needed to ensure the new pads are installed correctly on one axle.
Do I need different hardware for the front and rear brakes?
Yes, the front and rear brake systems on the Audi A4 are different and require specific hardware kits. The rear brakes also feature an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that requires a special electronic tool to retract the caliper piston for service. Do not attempt the rear brakes without this tool.
🎬 Watch: How to set the Electronic Parking Brake into service position.Are there any recalls or TSBs for A4 brake hardware?
There are no specific recalls for the disc brake hardware kit on the 2008-2020 A4. However, Audi has issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) regarding brake noise (squealing, creaking). These bulletins often point to the need for thorough cleaning of all components, including hardware, and proper lubrication to resolve noise issues, reinforcing the importance of fresh, clean hardware during a brake job.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 8K0698269 3D0698269 8J0698269
Kits typically include a combination of anti-rattle clips, pad abutment clips, guide pins, and guide pin boots. Premium kits often feature stainless steel construction and anti-corrosion coatings.
We Have This Part in Stock
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 A4: