Audi Audi A8 2002-2010

Audi Audi A8 2002-2010 Brakes Specifications

Find detailed brake specifications for the 2002-2010 Audi A8. Includes front and rear brake components, ABS details, and maintenance tips. Perfect for repairs and upgrades.

Updated Jan 31, 2025

Brake Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2002-2010 Audi A8. It includes detailed technical information, maintenance guidelines, and troubleshooting tips. Use the sections below to navigate through the content, or refer to the quick reference section for key specifications. This guide is intended for automotive professionals and enthusiasts seeking precise information about the braking system of the Audi A8.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the browser's find function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and type in relevant keywords. This will help you quickly locate details about components, specifications, or maintenance procedures.

Navigate through the document by scrolling through the sections below. Each major section is divided into subsections for easier access to detailed information. Use the table of contents or the quick reference section for rapid access to key specifications.

Key Specifications

▲

Front Brake Rotor Diameter

345mm

■

Rear Brake Rotor Diameter

314mm

●

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

◆

Brake Pad Replacement Interval

Every 30,000 miles

★

Brake Fluid Change Interval

Every 24 months

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 2002-2010 Audi A8, including its architecture, key features, and fluid specifications.

Brake System Architecture

Dual-circuit braking system with diagonally split circuits
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic control
Hydraulic Brake Assistant (HBA) for enhanced braking performance

Brake Features

Ventilated brake discs on all wheels
Floating brake calipers with pistons
Automatic Brake Drying (ABD) function
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integration

Brake Fluid Specifications

Brake fluid type: DOT 4
Recommended fluid: Audi-approved DOT 4 fluid
Fluid change interval: Every 24 months or 30,000 miles
Fluid reservoir capacity: Approximately 1.5 liters

Brake Components

This section details the specifications of individual brake components, including discs, pads, calipers, and master cylinder.

Front Brake Specifications

Front brake discs: Ventilated, 345mm diameter
Front brake pads: Audi-specified organic or semi-metallic
Front calipers: 6-piston fixed calipers
Disc thickness tolerance: 9.5mm minimum

Rear Brake Specifications

Rear brake discs: Ventilated, 314mm diameter
Rear brake pads: Audi-specified organic or semi-metallic
Rear calipers: 4-piston fixed calipers
Disc thickness tolerance: 8mm minimum

Brake Rotor and Pad Details

Front rotor thickness: 30mm
Rear rotor thickness: 20mm
Pad wear threshold: 2mm minimum
Rotor replacement threshold: 1mm below minimum thickness

Maintenance and Service

This section outlines the recommended maintenance and service intervals for the braking system, including inspections, replacements, and fluid changes.

Brake Inspection Intervals

Brake pads: Inspect every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Brake discs: Inspect every 18,000 miles or 18 months
Brake fluid: Test every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Brake hoses: Inspect every 36,000 miles or 36 months

Brake Pad Replacement

Replace pads when thickness reaches 2mm or less
Always replace pads in pairs (front or rear)
Use Audi-approved brake pads for optimal performance
After replacement, bleed the brake system

Brake Rotor Replacement

Replace rotors when thickness is below minimum specification
Always replace rotors in pairs (front or rear)
Use Audi-approved rotors for correct fitment and performance
Clean and lubricate hub assembly before installation

Troubleshooting

This section provides guidance for diagnosing and addressing common brake-related issues in the 2002-2010 Audi A8.

Common Brake Issues

Spongy brake pedal: Air in the brake system or worn master cylinder
Brake light on dashboard: Faulty ABS sensor or low brake fluid level
Braking vibration: Warped brake discs or unevenly worn pads
Pulling to one side: Misaligned suspension or uneven brake wear

Diagnostic Procedures

Check brake fluid level and condition
Inspect brake pads and discs for wear
Test ABS and ESP functionality
Scan for fault codes using VAG-COM or equivalent tool

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Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type: Dual-circuit hydraulic system with diagonally split circuits

Configuration: 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes

Platform: Audi A8 (D3 platform)

Material: Cast iron rotors with aluminum calipers

Location: Front and rear axle

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter: 13.6 in (345 mm)

Rear Rotor Diameter: 12.8 in (325 mm)

Front Rotor Thickness: 1.26 in (32 mm)

Rear Rotor Thickness: 0.98 in (25 mm)

Brake Pad Thickness New: 0.47 in (12 mm)

Brake Pad Thickness Minimum: 0.12 in (3 mm)

Front Caliper Piston Diameter: 1.97 in (50 mm)

Rear Caliper Piston Diameter: 1.38 in (35 mm)

Master Cylinder Bore: 0.87 in (22 mm)

Materials

Rotors: Cast iron with corrosion-resistant coating

Brake Pads: Low-metallic friction material

Calipers: Aluminum alloy

Brake Lines: Stainless steel braided hoses

Brake-Fluid: DOT 4 synthetic glycol ether

Features

ABS System

Anti-lock braking system
Electronic control unit
Wheel speed sensors
Hydraulic control unit

Brake Assistance

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Automatic brake drying

Ventilated Discs

Front and rear ventilated rotors
Internal cooling vanes
Cross-drilled rotors
Slots for heat dissipation

Regenerative Braking

Integration with Audi's quattro system
Kinetic energy recovery
Reduced brake wear
Improved fuel efficiency

Brake Cooling

Dedicated cooling ducts
Airflow optimization
Heat shields
High-temperature brake fluid

Safety Features

ABS

Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking
Maintains vehicle stability
Reduces stopping distance
Works in conjunction with ESP

EBD

Dynamically distributes brake force
Reduces stopping distance
Improves stability under braking
Works in all driving conditions

EBA

Automatically applies maximum brake force
Reduces stopping distance in emergencies
Activates during panic braking
Works seamlessly with ABS

Stability Control

Integration with Audi's ESP system
Brake intervention for stability
Reduces understeer/oversteer
Improves traction control

Comfort Features

Brake Wear indicator

Visual and audible warnings
Monitors pad thickness
Integrated with instrument cluster
Prevents unexpected brake failure

Soft Stop

Smooth brake application
Reduces jerk during low-speed stops
Improves passenger comfort
Works in conjunction with adaptive cruise control

Noise Reduction

Anti-squeal shims
Dampening brake pads
Optimized rotor design
Rubber-mounted calipers

Hill Hold Assist

Automatically holds brakes on inclines
Prevents rollback
Works in both forward and reverse
Integrated with ESP system

Low Dust Pads

Reduces brake dust on wheels
Low-metallic pad composition
Maintains braking performance
Environmentally friendly

Accessories

High Performance Kits

Cross-drilled rotors
High-friction brake pads
Upgraded brake fluid
Lightweight brake components

Brake Cooling Kits

High-flow brake ducts
Aluminum cooling lines
Heat shields
Ceramic brake pads

Brake Upgrade Packages

Larger rotor kits
6-piston front calipers
Floating rotor options
Performance brake pads

Maintenance

Service interval: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Items To inspect

Brake pads
Rotors
Brake fluid level
Brake lines
Caliper operation
ABS sensors

Items To Replace

Brake pads every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid every 30,000 miles
Rotors every 50,000 miles
Brake sensors every 60,000 miles

Notes

Use DOT 4 brake fluid only
Avoid machining rotors below minimum thickness
Replace pads and rotors together if worn
Bleed brakes after fluid replacement

Warranty

Basic: Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: All brake components

Powertrain: Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Brake system components

Corrosion: Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 12 years
Coverage: Perforation of brake components

Maintenance: Miles: 30,000 miles
Years: 2 years
Coverage: Brake fluid and pads

Production Details

Manufacturer: Name: Audi AG
Location: Ingolstadt, Germany
Established: 1909

Manufacturing Process

Casting of brake rotors
Machining of calipers
Assembly of brake components
Testing and quality control

Quality Control: inspection: 100% inspection of critical components
Testing: Dynamic and static testing of brake systems
Certification: Compliance with EU and FMVSS standards

Sustainability: Recycling: Recyclable materials used in production
Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Emissions Reduction: Low-VOC paints and coatings

Production Metrics: Annual Output: Over 100,000 units per year
Supplier Network: Global network of approved suppliers
R&D investment: Significant investment in brake technology development

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles

12 months

Inspect brake pads and rotors
Check brake fluid level
Inspect brake lines and hoses
Test ABS and ESP systems
Clean brake calipers

Perform visual inspection of all brake components

30,000 miles

24 months

Replace brake pads
Replace brake fluid
Inspect and clean ABS sensors
Check caliper operation
Measure rotor thickness

Use Audi-approved parts and fluids

60,000 miles

48 months

Replace rotors if worn
Replace brake sensors
Inspect and replace brake lines if necessary
Bleed brake system
Check emergency brake function

Perform thorough brake system test after service

90,000 miles

72 months

Major brake system overhaul
Replace all brake components if necessary
Upgrade to high-performance pads and rotors
Inspect and replace master cylinder
Perform full system flush

Critical service interval - do not exceed

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What are the technical specifications of the brakes for a 2002-2010 Audi A8?

The 2002-2010 Audi A8 features a braking system with ventilated discs front and rear. Front brake rotors are typically 14.4 inches in diameter, while rear rotors are 13 inches. The system utilizes multi-piston calipers for superior stopping power. The brakes are compatible with Audi's electronic stability control and brake assist systems. Ensure all replacement parts meet Audi OEM specifications for optimal performance.

What maintenance is required for the brakes on a 2002-2010 Audi A8?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2002-2010 Audi A8 includes inspecting brake pads every 30,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 1/8 inch, and resurfacing or replacing rotors as needed. Brake fluid should be changed every 3 years or 60,000 miles. Ensure proper cleaning of brake components and lubrication of moving parts during servicing.

How do I install or replace brakes on a 2002-2010 Audi A8?

To replace the brakes, start by safely lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Use a wrench to loosen the caliper bolts, then slide the caliper off the rotor. Remove the old brake pads and install the new ones. If replacing rotors, remove the retaining screws and replace the rotor. Reinstall the caliper and bleed the brake system to remove air bubbles. Tighten all bolts to the specified torque and test the brakes before driving.

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues on a 2002-2010 Audi A8?

Common brake issues include spongy brakes, excessive noise, or reduced stopping power. Check for air in the brake lines, worn-out brake pads, or warped rotors. If the brake light is on, scan for fault codes using an OBD-II tool. Inspect the brake fluid level and top it off if necessary. For grinding noises, replace the pads and resurface or replace the rotors. Always refer to the service manual for detailed diagnostic procedures.

How can I optimize the performance of my Audi A8 brakes?

For optimal brake performance, use high-quality brake pads designed for your Audi A8. Ensure proper brake fluid levels and use the recommended DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid. Regularly clean the brake components to prevent corrosion. Consider upgrading to performance rotors and pads for improved heat dissipation and stopping power. Avoid aggressive driving and maintain a safe following distance to reduce brake wear.

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

Comprehensive guide covering brake system specifications, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2002-2010 Audi A8.

Audi Technical Bulletin: Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Official updates and technical bulletins from Audi addressing brake system improvements and common issues for the 2002-2010 A8 models.

Audi A8 Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed catalog of genuine Audi brake components, including part numbers and compatibility information for the 2002-2010 A8.

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