A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on Your 2016-2017 Audi A7
Understand the signs of wear and choose the right aftermarket brake pads for your sophisticated German sedan.
- Listen for squealing or grinding noises and pay attention to the dashboard warning light, as these are the first signs your pads need replacement.
- Aftermarket brands like Textar offer OEM quality, while StopTech provides a performance upgrade. Centric and Bendix are reliable daily-driver options.
- DIY replacement of rear pads is not recommended without a special scan tool to retract the electronic parking brake.
- Always replace brake pad wear sensors when you replace the pads to ensure the warning system functions correctly.
Symptoms of Failing Brake Pads
Your Audi A7 is equipped with systems to alert you to brake wear. Ignoring these signs can lead to more expensive repairs. The most common symptom is the brake pad warning light illuminating on your dashboard. This is triggered by a small sensor embedded in the brake pad that wears down and breaks a circuit. Other signs include:
- Squealing Noises: A high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes is often the first sign of wear, caused by a built-in metal indicator.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a loud grinding or growling noise, it means the pads are likely worn completely down to the metal backing plate. This is a critical situation that can damage your brake rotors.
- Vibration or Pulsing: A shaking steering wheel or pulsing brake pedal when braking can indicate worn pads or warped rotors.
- Reduced Performance: If your A7 takes longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be worn out and unable to create enough friction. 🎬 Watch: A visual guide to common worn brake pad symptoms.
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning
Your Audi A7 has an electronic parking brake. Unlike older cars, you cannot simply push the rear caliper pistons back to install new pads. You MUST use a compatible automotive scan tool (like VCDS/VAG-COM) to put the rear brakes into a special 'service mode' before starting the job. 🎬 See how to use VCDS to retract the electronic parking brake. Failure to do this will damage the rear calipers, leading to a very expensive repair.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
When replacing your brake pads, you have a choice between Original Equipment (OEM) and aftermarket parts. OEM pads are what the car came with from the factory, but they are often expensive and can produce a lot of brake dust. High-quality aftermarket pads can offer similar or even better performance for less money. Here’s a look at the brands available:
Brand Tiers for Your Audi A7
OEM-Equivalent / Premium: Textar
Textar is a German brand that is an original equipment supplier to Audi and other major car manufacturers. Choosing Textar aftermarket pads is essentially like getting OEM quality parts without the dealership price tag. They are engineered for maximum safety, performance, and quiet operation. If you want to maintain the original feel and performance of your A7's brakes, Textar is an excellent choice.
Performance Upgrade: StopTech
StopTech is a brand known for high-performance braking components. Their street performance pads are a good option for enthusiastic drivers who want a bit more bite and fade resistance than stock pads without sacrificing everyday comfort. They are designed to provide a linear response and consistent feel, even under spirited driving conditions.
Reliable Daily Driver: Centric & Bendix
Centric offers a wide range of pads, including their popular Posi-Quiet line, which comes in ceramic and semi-metallic formulas. They are known for providing good, reliable stopping power with reduced noise and dust compared to many OEM pads. Bendix is another long-standing, respected brand that supplies parts to auto manufacturers. Their ceramic pads are a solid choice for daily driving, offering quiet performance and low dust.
Estimated Brake Pad Replacement Costs (Per Axle)
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Pad Set | $35 - $128 |
| New OEM Pad Set | $200 - $333 |
| Shop Labor | $110 - $161 |
| Total Professional Job (Aftermarket) | $145 - $289 |
| Total Professional Job (OEM) | $310 - $494 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my brake rotors with the pads?
It is highly recommended. While not always strictly necessary, most shops recommend replacing or resurfacing rotors with every pad change. New pads on a worn, uneven rotor surface can lead to noise, vibration, and reduced pad life. Given the performance nature of the A7, installing new pads and rotors together ensures the best and safest performance.
What is a brake pad wear sensor?
It's a small electronic sensor attached to the brake pad. As the pad material wears down, the sensor eventually makes contact with the rotor, breaking the sensor and triggering a warning light on your dashboard. Your A7 has these on the front and rear driver's side wheels. These sensors are a one-time-use part and must be replaced with the brake pads.
Why are my new brakes making noise?
New brake pads need to go through a "bedding-in" process to properly mate with the brake rotor. This involves a series of controlled stops to heat up the pads and transfer a thin, even layer of friction material to the rotor surface. If this isn't done correctly, it can cause noise. Sometimes, noise can also be caused by not using a quality anti-squeal compound on the back of the pads during installation.
🎬 Watch this video to learn how to properly bed your brakes.Can I replace Audi A7 brake pads myself?
DIY replacement is possible for experienced home mechanics, but it is complex on the A7. The front brakes are relatively straightforward, but the rear brakes require a special electronic tool to retract the electronic parking brake. Attempting to do the rear brakes without this tool will cause damage. If you are not comfortable with this process or do not have the tool, it is best to have a professional shop perform the replacement.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4G0698151AA 4G0615121D
Brake pads for the 2016-2017 Audi A7 require a specific shape for the front and rear axles and must be compatible with electronic wear sensors. Rear pad replacement requires a diagnostic tool for the electronic parking brake.
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 A7: