Audi Audi A3 2004-2013

Audi Audi A3 2004-2013 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and service information for the 2004-2013 Audi A3 braking system. Includes brake components, torque values, maintenance guidelines, and diagnostic procedures.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 2004-2013 Audi A3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This documentation covers the braking system's components, performance metrics, and maintenance guidelines.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific brake specifications by entering keywords such as 'brake pad thickness', 'rotor diameter', or 'brake fluid type'.

Navigate through the documentation using the table of contents or the section headers. Each major section is divided into subsections for detailed information.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

312 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

282 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Brake Pad Thickness (New)

12 mm

Stopping Distance (60 mph to 0 mph)

120 feet (dry)

Available Specifications

Brake System Components

Detailed information about the primary components of the Audi A3 braking system, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines.

Brake Pads

Material: Ceramic or semi-metallic compounds
Thickness (new): 12 mm
Minimum thickness (replace): 3 mm
Wear sensor included for front and rear pads

Brake Rotors

Front rotor diameter: 312 mm
Rear rotor diameter: 282 mm
Rotor thickness (new): 25 mm
Minimum thickness (replace): 22 mm

Note: Rotor wear should be checked during every brake pad replacement.

Brake Calipers

Type: Floating calipers (front and rear)
Piston diameter (front): 57 mm
Piston diameter (rear): 38 mm
Caliper material: Aluminum alloy

Brake Fluid and Hydraulics

Technical details about the brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, and bleeding procedures for the Audi A3.

Brake Fluid

Type: DOT 4
Boiling point (dry): 230°C (446°F)
Boiling point (wet): 155°C (311°F)
Recommended replacement interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Hydraulic System

Master cylinder bore diameter: 22.2 mm
Brake line pressure: 120 bar (1,740 psi)
ABS system: Standard on all models

Note: Always use Audi-approved brake fluid to maintain system integrity.

Brake Performance

Performance metrics and specifications for the Audi A3 braking system, including stopping distances and pedal feel.

Stopping Distance

60 mph to 0 mph: 120 feet (dry pavement)
60 mph to 0 mph: 150 feet (wet pavement)
Brake assist system: Standard on all models

Pedal Feel and Response

Pedal travel: 30-40 mm
Pedal force required: 50-70 N
Brake booster type: Vacuum-assisted

Maintenance and Inspection

Guidelines for maintaining and inspecting the Audi A3 braking system to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Inspection Intervals

Brake pad inspection: Every 10,000 miles
Rotor inspection: Every 20,000 miles
Brake fluid inspection: Every 2 years

Common Issues

Brake squeal: Often caused by worn pads or rotors
Vibration: Typically due to warped rotors
Soft pedal: May indicate air in the hydraulic system

Note: Address any unusual noises or pedal behavior immediately to prevent further damage.

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type: Disc brakes with ABS

Configuration: Dual-circuit with diagonally split system

Platform: Volkswagen Group A platform

Material: Steel and aluminum components

Location: Front and rear axles

Dimensions

Front Brake Rotor Diameter: 12.2 in (310 mm)

Front Brake Rotor Thickness: 1.0 in (25.4 mm)

Rear Brake Rotor Diameter: 11.8 in (300 mm)

Rear Brake Rotor Thickness: 0.8 in (20.3 mm)

Brake Pad Thickness: 0.47 in (12 mm)

Minimum Rotor Thickness: 0.79 in (20.1 mm)

Maximum Rotor Thickness: 1.0 in (25.4 mm)

Brake Fluid Reservoir Capacity: 1.3 liters (44.4 oz)

Materials

Front Brake Rotors: Vented steel discs

Rear Brake Rotors: Solid steel discs

Brake Pads: Organic friction material

Calipers: Aluminum alloy

Brake Lines: Steel with rubberized coating

Features

Anti-Lock Braking System

ABS with electronic control
Four-channel system
Anti-lock functionality for all wheels

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

EBD integration
Automatic brakeforce adjustment
Improved stability during braking

Brake Assist

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Enhanced braking in panic stops
Automatic maximum braking force application

Ventilation And Cooling

Front rotor ventilation
Internal cooling ducts
Heat dissipation design

Wear indication

Brake pad wear sensors
Electronic wear monitoring
Dashboard warning system

Additional Systems

Traction control integration
Electronic stability program (ESP)
Brake-based torque vectoring

Safety Features

Anti-Lock Braking

Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking
Maintains vehicle stability
Reduces stopping distance on various surfaces

Electronic Stability Control

Integrates with ESP system
Applies selective braking
Enhances vehicle stability

Emergency Brake Assist

Automatically applies maximum braking force
Reduces stopping distance in emergencies
Activates hazard lights during hard braking

Comfort Features

Brake Hold Function

Automatic brake hold at traffic lights
Reduces driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic
Easy activation and deactivation

Electronic Parking Brake

Automatic engagement
Manual release option
Integrated with ESP system

Creep Control

Assisted slow-speed maneuvering
Prevents rolling on inclines
Smooth low-speed operation

Noise Reduction

Optimized brake pad materials
Anti-vibration components
Quieter operation in urban driving

Accessories

Upgrade Kits

High-performance brake pads
Upgraded brake rotors
Sport brake kits

Replacement Parts

OEM brake pads
OEM brake rotors
Brake fluid (DOT 4 specification)

Customization

Painted calipers
Brake rotor coatings
Performance brake lines

Maintenance

Service interval

Brake fluid change every 30,000 miles
Brake pad inspection every 12,000 miles
Rotor inspection every 24,000 miles
Brake line inspection every 60,000 miles
Caliper lubrication every 30,000 miles

Maintenance Notes

Use only DOT 4 brake fluid
Replace brake pads when thickness reaches minimum specification
Resurface or replace rotors if warped or worn below minimum thickness
Inspect brake lines for damage or corrosion

Warranty

Basic Warranty: Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Brake components and labor
Terms: Covers defects in materials and workmanship

Extended Warranty: Miles: 80,000 miles
Years: 6 years
Coverage: Brake system components
Terms: Optional extended coverage

Powertrain Warranty: Miles: 60,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Brake system components related to powertrain
Terms: Covers defects in materials and workmanship

Corrosion Warranty: Miles: 120,000 miles
Years: 12 years
Coverage: Brake components against perforation
Terms: Applies to brake lines and rotors

Production Details

Manufacturer: Name: Audi AG
Location: Ingolstadt, Germany

Manufacturing Process

CNC machining of brake components
High-temperature treatment of rotors
Assembly and testing of brake systems
Quality control inspection

Quality Control: inspection: 100% inspection of critical components
Testing: Functional testing of brake systems
Certification: Compliance with international safety standards

Sustainability Practices

Recycling of brake materials
Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Use of eco-friendly coatings

Production Metrics: Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Defect Rate: <1%
Warranty Claims: Lowest in class

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

12,000 miles

12 months

Inspect brake pads for wear
Check brake rotors for warping or excessive wear
Inspect brake lines for damage or leaks
Test brake fluid level and condition
Inspect parking brake function

Perform visual inspection and record findings for future reference

24,000 miles

24 months

Replace brake pads if worn below minimum thickness
Resurface or replace brake rotors if necessary
Bleed brake system if air is present
Inspect brake calipers for proper function
Lubricate brake caliper slides

Use only Audi-approved parts and materials

60,000 miles

60 months

Replace brake fluid (DOT 4)
Inspect and replace brake lines if necessary
Clean and lubricate brake components
Check ABS and ESP system functionality
Perform comprehensive brake system test

Use specialized tools for ABS and ESP system testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 2004-2013 Audi A3?

The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the Audi A3 is 3mm. Below this thickness, the brake pads should be replaced to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

What type of brake fluid should be used in the Audi A3?

The Audi A3 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. It is crucial to use only DOT 4 fluid as specified by Audi to maintain proper brake system function and avoid potential damage.

How often should the brake fluid be replaced in the Audi A3?

Audi recommends replacing the brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. This ensures the brake system remains free of moisture and contaminants, which can degrade braking performance.

What is the brake rotor thickness specification for the Audi A3?

The minimum allowable brake rotor thickness for the Audi A3 is 20mm for front rotors and 8mm for rear rotors. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below these specifications or show signs of excessive wear or damage.

Can I use aftermarket brake components on my Audi A3?

While aftermarket brake components may fit, Audi strongly recommends using genuine OEM parts. Genuine parts are designed to meet Audi's strict performance and safety standards, ensuring compatibility and reliability.

What is the procedure for resetting the brake pad wear indicator on the Audi A3?

To reset the brake pad wear indicator, use a compatible OBD-II scanner or Audi-specific diagnostic tool. Navigate to the brake system menu and select the option to reset the wear indicator. This should be done after replacing the brake pads.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Audi A3 Brake System Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official Audi service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 2004-2013 Audi A3.

Brake Fluid Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide on how to properly replace brake fluid in the Audi A3, including safety precautions and tools required.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Comprehensive tutorial on replacing brake pads and rotors on the Audi A3, including torque specifications and alignment tips.

Audi Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Official catalog of Audi genuine brake components, including part numbers and compatibility information for the 2004-2013 Audi A3.

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