A Guide to the Disc Brake Hardware Kit for the 2012-2017 Audi A8 Quattro
Don't let worn-out clips and pins ruin your A8's powerful and quiet braking performance.
- Always replace the disc brake hardware kit when changing brake pads to prevent noise and ensure even wear.
- For rear brake service, you must use an electronic scan tool to retract the parking brake calipers before starting work.
- Brake noise is a known issue; TSBs suggest cleaning and lubricating caliper guide pins, which is a perfect time to do so when installing a new hardware kit.
- Quality aftermarket hardware from brands like Dynamic Friction or Raybestos is a cost-effective and reliable choice for this part.
Is Your Brake Hardware Failing?
Brake hardware doesn't wear out like pads, but it does lose tension from heat and can corrode over time. When it fails, you'll likely notice annoying noises coming from your wheels. These are often the first signs that the hardware needs attention.
Common Failure Symptoms
- Rattling or Clicking: A rattling or light clicking sound from the wheels, especially over bumps, can mean the clips are no longer holding the pads tightly.
- Squealing or Scraping: Worn hardware can cause brake pads to sit at a slight angle, leading to high-pitched squealing or scraping noises during braking.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If the caliper guide pins (lubricated and protected by rubber boots in the kit) get stuck, the caliper can't move freely. This causes one pad to wear out much faster than the other.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware: OEM vs. Aftermarket
When you're doing a brake job on your A8, replacing the hardware is a must. It's an inexpensive part that ensures the new pads and rotors work correctly. While Audi offers original equipment (OEM) hardware, high-quality aftermarket kits provide the same function for less money.
For a part like a hardware kit, the difference between OEM and a quality aftermarket brand is minimal. The main goal is a proper fit and fresh components. Forum discussions among Audi owners show a strong preference for using quality aftermarket parts for wear items like brakes to save money without sacrificing performance.
- OEM Hardware: Guaranteed to fit perfectly but comes at a higher cost. It is often sold packaged with OEM brake pads.
- Aftermarket Hardware (Dynamic Friction, Raybestos): These brands offer a cost-effective alternative. Given the low price of these kits, either brand is a suitable choice for a standard brake job. While some users on forums have noted a recent decline in quality for certain Raybestos product lines, this is less of a concern for simple hardware kits compared to pads or rotors. Dynamic Friction is generally seen as a reliable aftermarket option.
Pro Tip: Always replace your brake hardware every time you replace your brake pads. The old clips have been heat-cycled thousands of times and have lost their spring tension. Reusing them is a common cause of brake noise.
Known Issues & Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
The 2012-2017 Audi A8 platform has several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to brake noise, including squealing, groaning, and creaking. While these TSBs don't point to a defect in the hardware itself, they highlight the system's sensitivity to worn components. TSB 2034181, a general guide for brake noise analysis, suggests that one of the steps to resolve noise is to clean and lubricate the caliper guide pins. A new hardware kit includes fresh rubber boots for these pins, which is the perfect time to clean and re-grease them. No safety recalls have been issued by the NHTSA for the brake hardware on this vehicle.
Cost of Replacing Your Disc Brake Hardware Kit
The hardware kit itself is very affordable. The main cost is the labor, as the hardware is replaced during a larger brake job.
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Dynamic Friction, Raybestos) | $6.69 - $21.85 |
| New OEM | $30 - $60 (estimated, often included with pads) |
| Shop Labor (as part of a brake job) | $150 - $250 per axle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to replace hardware if I'm already replacing the pads?
Old hardware clips lose their tension from constant heat and can't hold the new pads securely, leading to noise. Old guide pin boots can crack, letting in dirt and moisture that causes the caliper to stick. For a small cost, new hardware ensures your entire brake job is effective and quiet.
Do I need special tools for this job?
Yes. For replacing the rear brakes on an A8 Quattro, you MUST use a diagnostic scan tool (like VCDS or OBD11) to electronically retract the parking brake calipers. Failure to do so will damage the calipers. The front brakes do not require this, but you may need specific tools like a 9mm hex socket for the caliper bolts.
What's included in a typical disc brake hardware kit?
A kit usually contains new anti-rattle clips (which hold the pads), and sometimes new caliper guide pin boots. These are the essential metal and rubber parts that should be replaced with every pad change.
Can bad hardware cause my brake pedal to feel strange?
While less common, yes. If a caliper guide pin is seized due to a failed boot, the caliper can bind. This might cause the car to pull to one side when braking or, in some cases, lead to a firmer-than-usual pedal feel because the caliper isn't moving as it should.
Technical Specifications
Kit typically includes anti-rattle clips and caliper guide pin boots. Specific contents vary by brand and whether it's for the front or rear axle.
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 A8 Quattro: