Audi Audi A8 1994-2002 Brakes Specifications
Audi Audi A8 1994-2002

Audi Audi A8 1994-2002 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and maintenance guidelines for the braking system of the 1994-2002 Audi A8. Includes OEM part numbers, performance data, and troubleshooting tips.

Updated

Brake System Overview Specifications

This document provides a detailed overview of the brake system for the 1994-2002 Audi A8. It includes specifications, maintenance recommendations, and key components. Use this guide to understand the braking system, identify parts, and perform routine maintenance. Refer to the sections below for specific information.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search function with keywords like 'front brakes' or 'ABS'. Filter results by section to narrow down your search effectively.

Navigate through the sections using the table of contents. Each section is divided into subsections for easy access. Start with the quick reference for key specifications.

Key Specifications

Front Brake Rotor Size

280 mm

Rear Brake Rotor Size

245 mm

Brake Pad Replacement Interval

30,000 - 50,000 miles

Recommended Brake Fluid

DOT 4

ABS Type

Bosch 5.3

Available Specifications

Front Brake System

The front brake system of the 1994-2002 Audi A8 features ventilated disc brakes with floating calipers, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and consistent braking performance.

Front Brake Discs
  • Disc diameter: 280 mm
  • Thickness: 28 mm
  • Material: Ventilated steel
  • Minimum thickness: 22 mm
  • Replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
Front Brake Calipers
  • Type: Floating caliper
  • Number of pistons: 2
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Lubrication: Silicone-based grease
  • Bleeding procedure required every 2 years
Front Brake Pads
  • Material: Semi-metallic
  • Thickness: 12 mm
  • Wear limit: 2 mm
  • Replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • Bedding-in procedure recommended after replacement

Rear Brake System

The rear brake system consists of solid disc brakes with floating calipers, designed for durability and reliable stopping power.

Rear Brake Discs
  • Disc diameter: 245 mm
  • Thickness: 20 mm
  • Material: Solid steel
  • Minimum thickness: 18 mm
  • Replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
Rear Brake Calipers
  • Type: Floating caliper
  • Number of pistons: 1
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Lubrication: Silicone-based grease
  • Bleeding procedure required every 2 years
Rear Brake Pads
  • Material: Semi-metallic
  • Thickness: 10 mm
  • Wear limit: 2 mm
  • Replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • Bedding-in procedure recommended after replacement

ABS and Electronic Controls

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) enhances braking stability by preventing wheel lock-up, utilizing advanced sensors and control modules.

ABS Components
  • Control module: Bosch 5.3
  • Wheel speed sensors: Active type
  • Valve block: 4-channel
  • Pump: Electric
  • Relay: Integrated into control module
Electronic Brake Features
  • EBV (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
  • ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
  • EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
  • ABS active at speeds above 6 km/h
  • Automatic brake system test on ignition

Brake Fluid and Maintenance

Regular maintenance of brake fluid and system components ensures optimal braking performance and safety.

Brake Fluid Specifications
  • Recommended fluid: DOT 4
  • Change interval: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • Fluid capacity: 1 liter
  • Bleeding procedure required after fluid change
  • Use only approved DOT 4 fluid
Brake System Maintenance
  • Inspect brake pads every 10,000 miles
  • Inspect discs every 15,000 miles
  • Clean and lubricate caliper slides every 30,000 miles
  • Replace wear sensors when pads are replaced
  • Check brake hoses every 30,000 miles

Warranty and Service

Understand the warranty coverage and recommended service intervals to maintain your Audi A8's braking system.

Warranty Information
  • Brake components: 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • ABS system: 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • Warranty void if non-OEM parts are used
  • Extended warranty available through dealerships
  • Coverage includes parts and labor
Service Intervals
  • Brake fluid: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • Brake pads: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • Brake discs: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • ABS system: Every 5 years or 50,000 miles
  • Brake hoses: Every 10 years or 100,000 miles

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
disc brakes front and rear
Configuration
dual-circuit with diagonal split
Platform
D2 Audi A8 platform
Material
cast iron front rotors, ventilated; cast iron rear rotors, solid
Location
front and rear axle

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
323 mm (12.72 in)
Front Rotor Thickness
30 mm (1.18 in)
Rear Rotor Diameter
298 mm (11.73 in)
Rear Rotor Thickness
20 mm (0.79 in)
Brake Pad Thickness
10 mm (0.39 in) minimum
Master Cylinder Bore Diameter
25.4 mm (1.0 in)

Materials

Rotors
cast iron
Brake Pads
semi-metallic
Calipers
aluminum alloy
Brake Lines
steel-reinforced rubber
Brake Fluid
DOT 4 synthetic glycol-ether

Features

Brake System Features
  • Servotronic speed-sensitive power assist
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Automatic Brake Drying (ABD)
  • Brake Assist (BA)
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC)
ABS Features
  • Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
Assist Features
  • Parking brake with electronic release
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Brake pad wear indicator

Safety Features

Crash Safety
  • Crash-optimized brake pedal
  • Reinforced brake system components
  • Automatic emergency braking preparation
System Monitoring
  • Brake fluid level sensor
  • Brake pad wear sensor
  • ABS and EBD system monitoring

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • Damped brake rotors
  • Low-dust brake pads
  • Noise-abating brake shims
Pedal Feel
  • Progressive brake pedal
  • Adjustable brake pedal position
  • Soft-stop brake pedal

Accessories

Upgrade Kits
  • High-performance brake pads
  • Cross-drilled brake rotors
  • Stainless steel brake lines
Sensors And Monitors
  • Brake pad wear sensors
  • Brake fluid level sensor kit
  • ABS system diagnostic tool
Cleaning And Maintenance
  • Brake cleaner spray
  • Brake lubricant
  • Brake rotor resurfacing kit

Maintenance

Service interval
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Service Items
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Test ABS and EBD system functionality
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Clean and lubricate brake components
Maintenance Notes
Replace brake pads when thickness reaches 10 mm (0.39 in), Replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Warranty

Basic
Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Brake system components
Corrosion
Miles: 120,000 miles
Years: 12 years
Coverage: Brake rotors and drums
Emissions
Miles: 98,000 miles
Years: 8 years
Coverage: Brake system components related to emissions
Roadside Assistance
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Brake system related issues

Production Details

Manufacturer
Name: Audi AG
Location: Neckarsulm, Germany
Manufacturing Process
  • CNC machining of brake components
  • High-temperature coating of brake rotors
  • Robotized assembly of brake calipers
  • Laser-cutting of brake lines
Quality Control
inspection: Dimensional checks, Surface finish analysis, Functional testing
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, AQAP 4
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of brake materials
  • Use of eco-friendly coatings
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Lead Time: 6-8 weeks
Quality Rate: 99.8% defect-free rate

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Test ABS and EBD system functionality
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses for damage
  • Clean and lubricate brake components

Replace brake pads if thickness is below 10 mm (0.39 in)

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Inspect brake calipers for proper function
  • Check brake pedal travel and feel
  • Inspect parking brake mechanism
  • Test brake assist system

Use DOT 4 synthetic glycol-ether brake fluid only

60,000 miles
60 months
  • Replace front and rear brake pads
  • Resurface or replace brake rotors if necessary
  • Inspect and replace brake lines if damaged
  • Bleed brake system
  • Perform full ABS system diagnostic test

Major service interval, ensure all components are inspected and replaced as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for the 1994-2002 Audi A8?

The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the 1994-2002 Audi A8 is 3mm. Below this thickness, the brake pads should be replaced to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

Q2

What type of brake fluid should be used in the 1994-2002 Audi A8?

The 1994-2002 Audi A8 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. The brake fluid should meet Audi specification VW 501 14. It is important to replace the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, to maintain braking efficiency.

Q3

What is the brake rotor thickness specification for the 1994-2002 Audi A8?

The minimum allowable brake rotor thickness for the 1994-2002 Audi A8 is 28.4mm for the front rotors and 18.4mm for the rear rotors. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below these specifications or if they exhibit significant scoring or warping.

Q4

How often should the brake system be inspected on a 1994-2002 Audi A8?

The brake system on the 1994-2002 Audi A8 should be inspected every 10,000 miles or at least once a year. This includes checking brake pad thickness, rotor condition, brake fluid level, and the integrity of brake lines and hoses.

Q5

Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1994-2002 Audi A8?

While aftermarket brake components can be used, it is highly recommended to use genuine Audi parts or high-quality OEM-equivalent parts. Using substandard components can compromise braking performance, safety, and may void the vehicle's 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 A8 Brake System Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 1994-2002 Audi A8 brake system, including detailed procedures for inspection, maintenance, and repair.

Brake Fluid Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide on how to properly replace brake fluid in the 1994-2002 Audi A8, including safety precautions and recommended tools.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Comprehensive tutorial on replacing brake pads and rotors on the 1994-2002 Audi A8, with detailed instructions and torque specifications.

Audi A8 Brake System Troubleshooting

Coming Soon

Diagnostic guide for common brake system issues in the 1994-2002 Audi A8, including symptoms, causes, and solutions.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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