Audi Audi A6 2004-2011 Brakes Specifications
Audi Audi A6 2004-2011

Audi Audi A6 2004-2011 Brakes Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Audi A6 (C6) brake system, including calipers, rotors, pads, and ABS components. Essential for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Updated

Brake System Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake system specifications for the 2004-2011 Audi A6. It includes detailed information on brake components, maintenance requirements, and performance characteristics. Use this guide to understand the braking system, identify components, and perform routine maintenance or repairs. 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 such as 'brake rotor size,' 'pad material,' or 'fluid type.' This will help you quickly locate relevant sections and details.

Navigate through the sections by scrolling or using the section titles. Each major section contains subsections with detailed specifications. Use the quick reference section for a concise overview of key brake specifications.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Size

320 mm (12.6 inches)

Rear Rotor Size

302 mm (11.9 inches)

Brake Pad Material

Ceramic or Semi-Metallic

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4 LV

ABS System

Dual-Channel with EBD

Available Specifications

Brake Components

This section details the key components of the Audi A6 brake system, including rotors, calipers, pads, and fluid specifications. Understanding these components is essential for maintenance and repairs.

Front Brake System
  • Rotor size: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
  • Caliper type: Dual-piston floating caliper
  • Pad material: High-performance ceramic or semi-metallic
  • Brake hose material: Reinforced rubber
  • Fastener torque specification: 120 Nm (88.5 ft-lb)
Rear Brake System
  • Rotor size: 302 mm (11.9 inches)
  • Caliper type: Single-piston floating caliper
  • Pad material: Ceramic or semi-metallic
  • Brake hose material: Reinforced rubber
  • Fastener torque specification: 100 Nm (73.8 ft-lb)

Maintenance and Service

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal brake performance. This section outlines the recommended service intervals and procedures for the Audi A6 brake system.

Scheduled Maintenance
  • Brake fluid change interval: Every 24,000 miles or 36 months
  • Brake pad replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on usage
  • Rotor inspection interval: Every 12,000 miles
  • Brake hose inspection interval: Every 24,000 miles
  • Caliper service interval: Every 60,000 miles
Brake Fluid
  • Recommended fluid type: DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)
  • Fluid capacity: Approximately 1 liter
  • Bleeding procedure: Use a vacuum or pressure bleeding tool
  • Fluid flush interval: Every 36 months or 24,000 miles
  • Fluid specification: Meets Audi/Volkswagen standards

Troubleshooting Common Issues

This section provides guidance on identifying and addressing common brake-related issues in the Audi A6. Use the symptoms and solutions provided to diagnose and repair problems effectively.

Symptoms and Diagnostics
  • Spongy brake pedal: Indicates air in the system or low fluid level
  • Scraping or grinding noise: Worn brake pads or warped rotors
  • Vibration during braking: Misaligned or warped rotors
  • Brake light on dashboard: Low brake fluid level or system fault
  • Loss of brake assist: Faulty ABS sensor or module
Repair Solutions
  • Bleed the brake system if air is present
  • Replace worn or damaged brake pads
  • Resurface or replace warped rotors
  • Top up or replace brake fluid as needed
  • Inspect and clean ABS sensors

Upgrades and Modifications

This section explores performance upgrades and modifications for the Audi A6 brake system. Use this information to enhance braking performance for sport driving or heavy-duty use.

Performance Upgrades
  • Upgrade to high-performance brake pads
  • Install cross-drilled or slotted rotors
  • Upgrade to stainless steel brake lines
  • Install a high-performance brake fluid
  • Add a brake cooling kit
Safety Enhancements
  • Install a brake monitoring system
  • Upgrade to adaptive cruise control
  • Add automatic emergency braking
  • Install a brake assist system
  • Upgrade to a high-performance ABS module

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
disc brakes front and rear
Configuration
floating caliper front, fixed caliper rear
Platform
MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix)
Material
cast iron rotors, aluminum calipers
Location
vented front discs, solid rear discs

Dimensions

Front Brake Rotor Diameter
12.6 in (320 mm)
Rear Brake Rotor Diameter
11.8 in (300 mm)
Front Brake Rotor Thickness
1.1 in (28 mm)
Rear Brake Rotor Thickness
0.8 in (20 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Diameter
1.97 in (50 mm)
Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
1.38 in (35 mm)
Brake Pad Area
13.9 sq in (90 sq cm) front, 10.8 sq in (70 sq cm) rear

Materials

Rotors
cast iron with protective coating
Calipers
aluminum alloy
Brake Pads
semi-metallic friction material
Brake Lines
steel reinforced rubber hoses

Features

Advanced Brake Systems
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Brake Assist (BA)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Automatic Brake Drying (ABD)
  • Fade Compensation
Brake Calibration
  • Load-dependent brake force distribution
  • Speed-dependent brake proportioning
  • Cornering brake control
Pedal System
  • Dual-circuit master cylinder
  • Tandem booster
  • Adjustable brake pedal
Noise Reduction
  • Composite brake pads
  • Anti-rattle springs
  • Damped caliper carriers

Safety Features

Active Safety
  • ABS with electronic traction control
  • Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
  • Predictive brake assist
  • Brake pre-fill function
Passive Safety
  • Crash-optimized pedal cluster
  • Brake failure warning system
  • Redundant brake circuits

Comfort Features

Convenience
  • Automatic brake hold function
  • Electric parking brake
  • Brake drying in wet conditions
  • Hill descent control
Pedal Feel
  • Progressive pedal travel
  • Adjustable pedal firmness
  • Low effort required

Accessories

Performance Upgrades
  • High-performance brake pads
  • Cross-drilled rotors
  • Upgraded brake fluid
  • Performance brake kits
Replacement Kits
  • Brake pad wear sensors
  • Rotor replacement sets
  • Caliper rebuild kits
  • Brake line kits
Additional Accessories
  • Brake dust shields
  • Brake cooling ducts
  • Brake fluid reservoir caps

Maintenance

Service interval
12,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months
Maintenance Items
  • Brake pad replacement
  • Brake rotor inspection
  • Brake fluid change
  • Brake line inspection
  • Caliper lubrication
  • Parking brake adjustment
Maintenance Notes
  • Use Audi-approved brake fluid (DOT 4)
  • Replace brake pads when wear sensor triggers
  • Inspect brake rotors for warping or excessive wear
  • Check brake hoses for cracks or damage

Warranty

New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Miles: 50000
Years: 4
Coverage: bumper-to-bumper including brakes
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 50000
Years: 4
Coverage: brake components and hydraulics
Corrosion Perforation Warranty
Miles: 120000
Years: 12
Coverage: brake rotors and drums
Roadside Assistance
Miles: unlimited
Years: 4
Coverage: 24/7 emergency brake service

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG
Manufacturing Process
  • CNC machining of brake components
  • High-temperature treatment of rotors
  • Robot-assisted assembly
  • Laser welding of calipers
  • Painting and coating processes
Quality Control
inspection: Dimensional checks, Surface finish analysis, Material hardness testing
Testing: Performance testing, Endurance testing, Noise testing
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of production materials
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
  • Reduced packaging waste
Production Metrics
Annual Production: 100,000 units
R And D investment: $50 million
Supplier Partners: 15 global suppliers

Service Information for Brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to brake system

15,000
12
  • Inspect brake pads for wear
  • Check brake rotors for warping
  • Test brake fluid for moisture content
  • Inspect brake hoses for cracks
  • Clean brake calipers and sliders

Use Audi-approved brake inspection tools and procedures

30,000
24
  • Replace brake pads
  • Resurface or replace brake rotors
  • Change brake fluid
  • Inspect and clean brake sensors
  • Lubricate brake caliper slides

Recommended to use Audi factory parts for replacement

60,000
48
  • Major brake system overhaul
  • Replace all wear components
  • Inspect and replace brake lines if necessary
  • Rebuild brake calipers
  • Perform brake system performance test

Special tools required for caliper rebuild and system bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brake system in the 2004-2011 Audi A6?

The 2004-2011 Audi A6 features a dual-circuit braking system with servo assistance. It includes ventilated disc brakes at the front (diameter: 330mm or 345mm depending on engine) and solid disc brakes at the rear (diameter: 269mm). The system is compatible with 16-inch or larger wheels and supports ABS, ESP, and EBD. Brake fluid type is DOT 4, and the master cylinder has a 25.4mm diameter. The system is designed for optimal performance with Audi-approved brake pads and rotors.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brake system?

Regular maintenance includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 1.5mm, and checking rotors for warping or excessive wear. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles. Ensure proper cleaning of brake components and lubrication of moving parts. Always use Audi-approved materials to maintain system integrity and performance.

Q3

How do I install or replace brake components on the Audi A6?

To replace brake pads, jack up the vehicle, remove the wheels, and caliper. Slide out the old pads, insert the new ones, and reinstall the caliper. For rotors, remove the caliper and rotor, install the new rotor, and reinstall the caliper. Bleed the brake system if air enters the lines. Always follow proper safety procedures and consult a professional if unsure.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues?

If the brake warning light illuminates, check the brake fluid level and connections. For spongy brakes, bleed the system to remove air. Grinding noises may indicate worn pads or warped rotors. Vibrations during braking could signal uneven rotor wear. Consult a professional for comprehensive diagnostics and repairs.

Q5

How can I optimize the performance of my Audi A6 brakes?

For optimal performance, use high-quality, Audi-approved brake pads and rotors. Ensure proper wheel alignment to prevent uneven brake wear. Regularly clean brake components to prevent corrosion. Consider upgrading to performance brake pads for improved stopping power. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and upgrades.

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 Soon

Comprehensive guide covering brake system maintenance, repair, and replacement procedures.

Technical Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Official updates and technical bulletins for brake system improvements and recalls.

Audi A6 Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed list of genuine Audi brake components and accessories.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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