Audi Audi A4 2001-2004 Brakes Specifications
Audi Audi A4 2001-2004

Audi Audi A4 2001-2004 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and service information for the 2001-2004 Audi A4 brake system. Includes front and rear brake components, ABS system details, torque values, and maintenance procedures.

Updated

Brake System Overview Specifications

This document provides detailed specifications and technical information for the brake system of the 2001-2004 Audi A4. It covers key components, dimensions, and operational parameters. Use this guide to understand the braking system's architecture, maintenance requirements, and performance characteristics. Refer to the sections below for specific details and the quick reference section for key specifications.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords related to the brake component or specification you are looking for. Results will be highlighted within the document.

Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section provides detailed information on specific brake components, with subsections offering technical specifications and operational details.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

280 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

245 mm

Recommended Brake Fluid

DOT 4

ABS System Type

Bosch ABS 5.3

Brake Booster Type

Vacuum-assisted

Available Specifications

Front Brake Specifications

This section details the specifications for the front brake components of the 2001-2004 Audi A4, including rotor dimensions, caliper types, and pad requirements.

Front Brake Disc and Pad Specifications
  • Disc rotor diameter: 280 mm
  • Disc thickness: 22 mm
  • Pad type: Semi-metallic
  • Pad wear limit: 2 mm
  • Caliper type: Single piston floating caliper
  • Disc material: Ventilated steel
Front Brake Caliper Details
  • Caliper piston diameter: 54 mm
  • Number of pistons: 1
  • Caliper finish: Painted
  • Bleeder screw location: Top of caliper
  • Banjo bolt size: M10 x 1.0
  • Caliper mounting bolts: M12 x 1.5

Rear Brake Specifications

This section provides detailed information on the rear brake components, including rotor dimensions, caliper specifications, and pad details.

Rear Brake Disc and Pad Specifications
  • Disc rotor diameter: 245 mm
  • Disc thickness: 20 mm
  • Pad type: Semi-metallic
  • Pad wear limit: 2 mm
  • Caliper type: Single piston floating caliper
  • Disc material: Solid steel
Rear Brake Caliper Details
  • Caliper piston diameter: 38 mm
  • Number of pistons: 1
  • Caliper finish: Painted
  • Bleeder screw location: Top of caliper
  • Banjo bolt size: M10 x 1.0
  • Caliper mounting bolts: M12 x 1.5

Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System

This section outlines the specifications for the brake fluid and hydraulic components, including fluid type, reservoir capacity, and master cylinder details.

Brake Fluid Specifications
  • Recommended fluid type: DOT 4
  • Fluid capacity: 0.5 liters
  • Reservoir material: Plastic
  • Reservoir location: Under hood, driver side
  • Fluid change interval: Every 30,000 miles
  • Fluid boiling point: 230°C (446°F)
Master Cylinder Details
  • Master cylinder type: Dual chamber
  • Cylinder bore diameter: 20 mm
  • Stroke length: 35 mm
  • Reservoir cap type: Screw-on
  • Mounting bolts: M8 x 1.25
  • Fluid level sensor: Yes

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

This section provides specifications and details for the ABS system, including control module, sensors, and wiring.

ABS Control Module
  • Module type: Bosch ABS 5.3
  • Location: Under hood, passenger side
  • Mounting bolts: M6 x 1.0
  • Power supply: Direct from battery
  • Communication: CAN bus
  • Diagnostic port: OBD-II
ABS Sensors
  • Sensor type: Active wheel speed sensor
  • Front sensor location: Hub assembly
  • Rear sensor location: Hub assembly
  • Sensor voltage: 12V
  • Signal type: Digital
  • Connector type: 3-pin

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
ventilated disc (front), solid disc (rear)
Configuration
front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) or quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)
Platform
Volkswagen Group B6
Material
cast iron (rotors), aluminum alloy (calipers)
Location
front and rear axles

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
11.8 in (299 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
10.2 in (259 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
0.86 in (22 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.79 in (20 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Diameter
2.13 in (54 mm)
Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
1.65 in (42 mm)
Brake Pad Width Front
1.97 in (50 mm)
Brake Pad Width Rear
1.65 in (42 mm)

Materials

Brake Discs
cast iron
Brake Pads
semi-metallic
Calipers
aluminum alloy
Brake Fluid
DOT 4

Features

Braking Systems
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
Cooling Features
  • ventilated front brake discs
  • rear brake disc cooling ducts
  • caliper cooling channels
Structural Features
  • two-piece front brake rotors
  • sliding rear calipers
  • stainless steel brake hoses
Control Systems
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Brake Assist System (BAS)
  • Regenerative braking (on models with automatic transmission)
Wear indicators
  • audible wear sensors on brake pads
  • visual wear indicators on front pads
  • electronic wear monitoring system

Safety Features

Anti-Lock Braking
  • four-wheel ABS with electronic control
  • emergency brake assistance (EBA)
Electronic Stability
  • traction control integration
  • vehicle stability enhancement
Emergency Braking
  • panic brake assist
  • electronic brake force distribution

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • damped brake discs
  • noise-insulating brake pads
  • rubber-mounted calipers
Pedal Feel
  • power brake booster
  • progressive brake pedal ratio
  • adjustable brake pedal position
Low Dust
  • low-dust brake pads
  • self-cleaning brake rotors

Accessories

Upgrade Kits
  • high-performance brake pads
  • upgraded brake rotors
  • stainless steel brake lines
  • performance brake fluid
Sensors
  • pad wear sensors
  • brake fluid level sensor
  • parking brake sensor
Tools
  • brake bleeding kit
  • brake cleaner spray
  • tire pressure gauge

Maintenance

Service interval
every 15,000 miles (24,140 km) or 12 months
Service Items
  • inspect brake pads and rotors
  • check brake fluid level and condition
  • bleed brake system if necessary
  • clean and lubricate brake components
  • inspect brake hoses and lines
Maintenance Notes
Use only DOT 4 brake fluid. Replace brake pads when thickness reaches 1/8 inch (3 mm). Inspect rotors for warping or excessive wear.

Warranty

New Vehicle
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: all brake components
Wear Items
Miles: 24,000 miles
Years: 2 years
Coverage: brake pads and rotors
Replacement Parts
Miles: unlimited
Years: 2 years
Coverage: manufacturing defects on replacement parts
Repair
Miles: 12,000 miles
Years: 1 year
Coverage: labor costs for brake repairs

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG
Manufacturing Process
  • cast iron rotor casting
  • machining and balancing
  • aluminum alloy caliper casting
  • assembly and testing
Quality Control
inspection: dimensional and surface finish inspection
Testing: leak testing and performance validation
Certification: ISO 9001:2015 certified
Sustainability Practices
  • recycling of scrap materials
  • energy-efficient manufacturing processes
  • reduction of hazardous waste
Production Metrics
Annual Production: 500,000 units
Defect Rate: <1%
Warranty Claim Rate: <2%

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

7,500 miles
6 months
  • inspect brake pads for wear
  • inspect brake rotors for warping or scoring
  • check brake fluid level and condition
  • clean brake components
  • inspect brake hoses and lines for cracks or damage

Recommended for normal driving conditions. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid.

15,000 miles
12 months
  • replace brake pads if worn below 1/8 inch
  • inspect and machine brake rotors if necessary
  • bleed brake system to remove air
  • inspect and replace brake hoses if damaged
  • test brake system performance

Special tools required for bleeding the brake system. Ensure proper calibration of ABS system after service.

30,000 miles
24 months
  • replace brake rotors if excessively worn
  • replace brake fluid completely
  • inspect and clean brake calipers
  • inspect and replace parking brake shoes
  • perform comprehensive brake system test

Critical service interval. Failure to maintain may lead to reduced braking performance and safety risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 2001-2004 Audi A4?

The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the 2001-2004 Audi A4 is 3mm. Pads thinner than this should be replaced immediately to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

Q2

What type of brake fluid should be used in a 2001-2004 Audi A4?

The 2001-2004 Audi A4 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. The system should be flushed and refilled every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, to maintain brake performance and prevent moisture buildup.

Q3

What is the brake rotor thickness specification for the 2001-2004 Audi A4?

The minimum allowable brake rotor thickness for the 2001-2004 Audi A4 is 22mm for the front rotors and 10mm for the rear rotors. Rotors should be measured with a micrometer and replaced if they are below these specifications.

Q4

How often should the brake system be inspected on a 2001-2004 Audi A4?

The brake system should be inspected every 10,000 miles or during every routine service. This includes checking pad thickness, rotor condition, brake fluid level, and the integrity of brake lines and hoses.

Q5

What is the torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on a 2001-2004 Audi A4?

The brake caliper bolts on the 2001-2004 Audi A4 should be torqued to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) for the front calipers and 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs) for the rear calipers. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

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 A4 Brake System Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official Audi service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 2001-2004 A4.

Brake Fluid Flushing Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide on how to properly flush and replace brake fluid in a 2001-2004 Audi A4, including safety precautions and tools required.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Detailed tutorial on replacing brake pads and rotors for the 2001-2004 Audi A4, including torque specifications and alignment tips.

Audi Genuine Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Audi brake components, including pads, rotors, and calipers, specifically for the 2001-2004 A4.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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