Audi Audi A6 1997-2004 Brakes Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and maintenance guidelines for the 1997-2004 Audi A6 braking system. Includes brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic system details.
1997-2004 Audi A6 Brake Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 1997-2004 Audi A6. It includes detailed information on front and rear brake systems, brake fluid requirements, and maintenance guidelines. Use this guide to identify key components, understand technical specifications, and perform routine maintenance or repairs. Navigate through the sections to find specific details or refer to the quick reference section for key specifications.
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Key Specifications
Front Brake Disc Diameter
280-288 mm
Rear Brake Disc Diameter
245-256 mm
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4 / DOT 5.1
Minimum Brake Pad Thickness
3 mm
Brake Fluid Change Interval
Every 2 years / 24,000 miles
Available Specifications
Front Brake System
The front brake system of the 1997-2004 Audi A6 features a robust disc brake setup designed for reliable stopping power. This section details the components, specifications, and maintenance requirements for the front brakes.
Front Brake System
The front brake system of the 1997-2004 Audi A6 features a robust disc brake setup designed for reliable stopping power. This section details the components, specifications, and maintenance requirements for the front brakes.
Brake Discs
- Disc diameter: 280 mm (C4 chassis) or 288 mm (C5 chassis)
- Disc thickness: 28 mm (minimum 25 mm)
- Material: Ventilated steel discs
- Surface finish: Machined to ensure proper pad contact
- Maximum allowable runout: 0.1 mm
Brake Calipers
- Caliper type: Single-piston sliding calipers
- Piston diameter: 54 mm
- Lubrication: Requires high-temperature grease
- Bleeder screw location: Top of caliper
- Torque specification: 25 Nm for caliper bolts
Rear Brake System
The rear brake system complements the front brakes with a smaller but equally critical disc brake setup. This section outlines the specifications and maintenance needs for the rear brakes.
Rear Brake System
The rear brake system complements the front brakes with a smaller but equally critical disc brake setup. This section outlines the specifications and maintenance needs for the rear brakes.
Brake Discs
- Disc diameter: 245 mm (C4 chassis) or 256 mm (C5 chassis)
- Disc thickness: 22 mm (minimum 20 mm)
- Material: Solid steel discs
- Surface finish: Machined to ensure proper pad contact
- Maximum allowable runout: 0.1 mm
Brake Calipers
- Caliper type: Single-piston sliding calipers
- Piston diameter: 46 mm
- Lubrication: Requires high-temperature grease
- Bleeder screw location: Top of caliper
- Torque specification: 25 Nm for caliper bolts
Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is critical for proper brake function. This section covers brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system components, and bleeding procedures.
Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is critical for proper brake function. This section covers brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system components, and bleeding procedures.
Brake Fluid
- Recommended fluid type: DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
- Fluid capacity: Approximately 0.5 liters
- Change interval: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles
- Fluid temperature range: -40°C to 150°C
- Viscosity: 1.5 mm2/s at -40°C
Hydraulic System Components
- Master cylinder size: 22.2 mm bore
- Brake booster type: Vacuum-assisted
- ABS system type: Bosch 5.3 (depending on model year)
- Pressure range: 0-120 bar
- Reservoir location: Under hood, driver side
Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal brake performance. This section provides guidelines for inspecting, replacing, and servicing brake components.
Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal brake performance. This section provides guidelines for inspecting, replacing, and servicing brake components.
Brake Pad Replacement
- Front pad replacement interval: Every 30,000-50,000 miles
- Rear pad replacement interval: Every 50,000-70,000 miles
- Minimum pad thickness: 3 mm
- Torque specification: 40 Nm for pad retaining screws
- Lubrication: Apply silicone-based grease to back of pads
Rotor Inspection and Replacement
- Inspect rotors every 12,000 miles
- Maximum allowable rotor wear: 0.1 mm
- Resurface rotors if thickness is below minimum
- Torque specification: 100 Nm for rotor retaining screws
- Clean rotors with brake cleaner before installation
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- disc brakes
- Configuration
- dual-circuit system with diagonally split circuits
- Platform
- Audi C4 (1997) and C5 (1998-2004)
- Material
- cast iron (discs) and aluminum (calipers)
- Location
- front and rear axle
Dimensions
- Front Brake Rotor Diameter
- 12.3 in (312 mm)
- Rear Brake Rotor Diameter
- 11.8 in (300 mm)
- Front Brake Rotor Thickness
- 1.1 in (28 mm)
- Rear Brake Rotor Thickness
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Front Caliper Piston Diameter
- 1.97 in (50 mm)
- Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
- 1.38 in (35 mm)
- Brake Pad Thickness
- 0.47 in (12 mm)
Materials
- Brake Discs
- cast iron
- Brake Calipers
- aluminum alloy
- Brake Pads
- semi-metallic friction material
- Brake Rotors
- ventilated steel
- Brake Lines
- steel-reinforced rubber
Features
- Brake System Type
-
- Dual-circuit hydraulic system
- Diagonally split circuits
- Power-assisted braking
- Cooling Features
-
- Front ventilated rotors
- Rear solid rotors
- Air ducting for front brakes
- Control Systems
-
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)
- Pad Wear indication
-
- Audible wear indicators
- Visual wear sensors
- Dashboard warning lights
- ABS Features
-
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic brake proportioning
- Brake assist
Safety Features
- ABS
-
- Anti-lock braking system
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Brake assist
- Emergency Braking
-
- Automatic emergency braking
- Brake pre-fill function
- Electronic parking brake
- Stability Control
-
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control system
- Cornering brake control
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Anti-squeal shims
- Damped brake pads
- Floating brake rotors
- Pedal Feel
-
- Power-assisted brake pedal
- Adjustable brake pedal
- Progressive brake pedal action
- Heat Management
-
- Ventilated front rotors
- Cooling ducts for front brakes
- Heat-resistant brake fluid
Accessories
- Brake Hardware Kits
-
- Front brake pads
- Rear brake pads
- Brake rotors
- Caliper bolts
- Wear Sensors
-
- Brake pad wear sensors
- Brake rotor wear sensors
- ABS sensor kits
- Brakefluid
-
- DOT 4 brake fluid
- High-temperature brake fluid
- Brake fluid reservoir
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
- Service Items
-
- Brake pad inspection
- Brake rotor inspection
- Brake fluid check
- ABS sensor check
- Brake line inspection
- Maintenance Notes
- Replace brake pads when thickness reaches 1/8 inch. Inspect brake rotors for warping or excessive wear. Bleed brake system if air is suspected in lines.
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 50,000Years: 4Coverage: parts and labor
- Powertrain
- Miles: 70,000Years: 5Coverage: parts and labor
- Corrosion
- Miles: UnlimitedYears: 12Coverage: perforation only
- Roadside Assistance
- Miles: UnlimitedYears: 4Coverage: 24/7 service
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Audi AG
- Manufacturing Process
-
- CNC machining
- High-temperature treatment
- Surface coating
- Quality control inspection
- Quality Control
- inspection Type: End-of-line testingTest Parameters: Brake performance, Leakage test, Noise testCertification: ISO 9001
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recyclable materials
- Energy-efficient production
- Waste reduction programs
- Production Metrics
- Weight: Approx. 150 lbs (front) and 100 lbs (rear)Lifespan: Approx. 50,000 to 70,000 milesPerformance: Stopping distance from 62 mph: ~120 feet
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect brake pads for wear
- Check brake rotors for warping or scoring
- Inspect brake lines for leaks or damage
- Test brake fluid level and condition
- Check ABS sensor functionality
Replace brake pads if thickness is below 1/8 inch. Inspect brake rotors for excessive wear.
- Replace brake pads
- Resurface or replace brake rotors if necessary
- Bleed brake system if air is present
- Inspect brake calipers for proper function
- Check parking brake functionality
Use high-quality brake pads and rotors. Ensure proper alignment after rotor resurfacing.
- Replace brake fluid
- Inspect and clean brake calipers
- Check ABS module and sensors
- Inspect emergency brake cable
- Test brake performance
Use DOT 4 brake fluid only. Check for any software updates for ABS system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 1997-2004 Audi A6?
What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 1997-2004 Audi A6?
The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the 1997-2004 Audi A6 is 3mm. Pads should be replaced if they are worn below this thickness to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
Q2 What type of brake fluid should be used in the 1997-2004 Audi A6?
What type of brake fluid should be used in the 1997-2004 Audi A6?
The 1997-2004 Audi A6 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. It is crucial to use only high-quality DOT 4 fluid that meets Audi's specifications (e.g., VW 501.14) to maintain proper brake system function and avoid corrosion.
Q3 How often should the brake rotors be inspected or replaced?
How often should the brake rotors be inspected or replaced?
Brake rotors should be inspected every 15,000-20,000 miles or during routine brake service. Replacement is necessary if the rotor thickness is below the minimum specification of 22mm for front rotors and 10mm for rear rotors, or if there is significant scoring, warping, or cracking.
Q4 What is the proper procedure for bleeding the brake system on a 1997-2004 Audi A6?
What is the proper procedure for bleeding the brake system on a 1997-2004 Audi A6?
The brake system should be bled using a pressure bleeder to ensure air is completely removed. Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (rear right), followed by rear left, front right, and front left. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid and follow Audi's service manual for torque specifications and safety precautions.
Q5 Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1997-2004 Audi A6?
Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1997-2004 Audi A6?
While aftermarket brake components may fit, it is highly recommended to use genuine Audi parts or OEM-equivalent parts that meet Audi's specifications. Using substandard components can compromise braking performance, safety, and may void your warranty.
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 A6 Brake System Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial Audi service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 1997-2004 A6.
Brake Fluid Compatibility Guide
Coming SoonA comprehensive guide to selecting the correct brake fluid for your Audi A6, including DOT 4 specifications and compatibility information.
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Tutorial
Coming SoonStep-by-step video tutorial on replacing brake pads and rotors on a 1997-2004 Audi A6, including torque specifications and safety tips.
Audi Brake System Troubleshooting Guide
Coming SoonA detailed guide to diagnosing common brake system issues in the 1997-2004 Audi A6, including noise, vibration, and reduced braking performance.
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