Audi Audi A8 2010-2017 Brakes Specifications
Audi Audi A8 2010-2017

Audi Audi A8 2010-2017 Brakes Specifications

Find detailed brake specifications for the 2010-2017 Audi A8, including rotor sizes, calipers, pads, and ABS system details. Essential for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Updated

Brake System Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake system specifications for the 2010-2017 Audi A8. It includes detailed technical information, key components, and maintenance guidelines. Use this guide to understand the braking system's design, functionality, and service requirements. Navigate through the sections to find specific details or use 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 filtered to show relevant sections and details.

To navigate, click on the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for a summary of key specifications.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

14.0 in (355mm)

Rear Rotor Diameter

13.0 in (330mm)

Front Caliper Piston Count

6 pistons

Rear Caliper Piston Count

4 pistons

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Available Specifications

Front Brake System

The front brake system of the 2010-2017 Audi A8 features a robust design with high-performance components. This section details the specifications of the front brake calipers, rotors, and pads.

Brake Calipers
  • 6-piston aluminum calipers
  • Fixed caliper design for consistent braking performance
  • Anodized coating for corrosion resistance
  • Integrated brake pad wear sensors
  • Compatibility with high-performance brake pads
Brake Rotors
  • 14.0-inch (355mm) ventilated steel rotors
  • Dual-servo design for improved heat dissipation
  • Cross-drilled rotors for enhanced cooling
  • Minimum rotor thickness: 1.0-inch (25mm)
  • Maximum rotor thickness: 1.1-inch (28mm)
Brake Pads
  • High-friction coefficient brake pads
  • Organic brake compound for quiet operation
  • Wear sensor integrated into pad assembly
  • Pad thickness: 0.47-inch (12mm)
  • Replacement interval: approximately 30,000 miles

Rear Brake System

The rear brake system complements the front system with similar high-quality components, ensuring balanced braking performance.

Brake Calipers
  • 4-piston aluminum calipers
  • Fixed caliper design for consistent braking performance
  • Anodized coating for corrosion resistance
  • Integrated brake pad wear sensors
  • Compatibility with high-performance brake pads
Brake Rotors
  • 13.0-inch (330mm) ventilated steel rotors
  • Dual-servo design for improved heat dissipation
  • Cross-drilled rotors for enhanced cooling
  • Minimum rotor thickness: 0.9-inch (23mm)
  • Maximum rotor thickness: 1.0-inch (25mm)
Brake Pads
  • High-friction coefficient brake pads
  • Organic brake compound for quiet operation
  • Wear sensor integrated into pad assembly
  • Pad thickness: 0.43-inch (11mm)
  • Replacement interval: approximately 30,000 miles

Electronic Brake Assist (BAS)

The Audi A8 features an advanced electronic brake assist system that enhances braking performance and safety.

BAS Features
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Brake Assist with predictive braking
  • Integration with ESP stability control
BAS Components
  • Electronic control unit (ECU)
  • Wheel speed sensors
  • Brake pedal sensor
  • Hydraulic control unit
  • CAN bus communication

Brake Fluid and Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the brake system is crucial for optimal performance. This section covers brake fluid specifications and maintenance intervals.

Brake Fluid Specifications
  • Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
  • Minimum boiling point: 230°C (446°F)
  • Maximum water content: 2%
  • Change interval: every 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • Compatibility with synthetic brake fluids
Maintenance Intervals
  • Brake fluid flush: every 2 years or 24,000 miles
  • Brake pad inspection: every 12,000 miles
  • Rotor inspection: every 18,000 miles
  • Brake hose inspection: every 36,000 miles
  • Caliper lubrication: as needed

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Configuration
Dual-circuit with ABS and EBD
Platform
D4 chassis
Material
Cast iron rotors
Location
Front and rear
Brake System Type
Dual-circuit, servo-assisted with ABS

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
14.0 inches (355 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
12.8 inches (325 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.2 inches (30 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.9 inches (22 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Size
6-piston
Rear Caliper Piston Size
4-piston
Brake Pad Width Front
4.7 inches (120 mm)
Brake Pad Width Rear
3.9 inches (100 mm)

Materials

Rotors
Cast iron with ventilated design
Brake Pads
Semi-metallic friction material
Calipers
Aluminum alloy
Brake Lines
Steel-reinforced rubber hoses
Brake Fluid
DOT 4 synthetic

Features

High Performance Braking
  • Large-diameter rotors for improved heat dissipation
  • Multi-piston calipers for even pressure distribution
  • Ventilated rotors for enhanced cooling
Stability Control integration
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
Regenerative Braking
  • Captures kinetic energy during deceleration
  • Assists in charging the battery
  • Reduces wear on brake components
Adaptive Braking
  • Adaptive Brake Assist
  • Predictive Brake Priming
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Emergency Braking Features
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Automatic emergency calling
  • Post-crash braking

Safety Features

Anti Lock Braking System
  • Four-channel ABS
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Brake Assist System
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Optimizes brake force distribution
  • Reduces stopping distance
  • Improves stability under hard braking
Advanced Driver Assistance
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with braking function
  • Traffic Jam Assist with braking
  • Predictive Emergency Braking

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • Acoustic brake pads
  • Anti-squeal shims
  • Dampened brake rotors
Smooth Braking
  • Progressive brake pedal feel
  • Electronic Brake Priming
  • Smooth transition between regenerative and mechanical braking
Low Dust Braking
  • Low-dust brake pads
  • Clean wheel design
  • Rotor coating to reduce brake dust

Accessories

High Performance Brake Kits
  • Cross-drilled rotors
  • High-friction pads
  • Upgraded brake fluid
  • Lightweight calipers
Brake Upgrades
  • Ceramic brake pads
  • Slotted rotors
  • Braided steel brake lines
  • Performance brake discs
Custom Brake Options
  • Painted calipers
  • Engraved rotor hats
  • Custom brake pad compounds
  • Upgraded brake hardware

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Inspect brake pads,Check rotor thickness,Inspect brake lines,Test brake fluid boiling point,Visual inspection of brake components, Note: Recommended to use Audi-approved brake parts
  • Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Replace brake pads,Machining or replacing rotors if worn,Brake fluid change,Inspect and clean brake sensors,Check ABS and ESP system functionality, Note: Brake fluid replacement is critical for system performance
  • Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Inspect brake calipers,Check brake line condition,Replace brake pads if worn below 1mm,Inspect and clean brake hardware,Performance test brake system, Note: Brake system inspection should be done by a certified technician
Maintenance Notes
  • Always use the recommended brake fluid
  • Avoid mixing different brake fluid types
  • Clean brake components with approved solvents only
  • Test drive after any brake service

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: All brake components excluding wear items
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Brake system components related to powertrain functionality
Corrosion Warranty
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 12 years
Coverage: Perforation of brake rotors and drums
Roadside Assistance
Miles: Unlimited miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: 24/7 emergency brake service

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG
Manufacturing Plant
Neckarsulm, Germany
Manufacturing Process
  • Precision machining of brake components
  • High-strength coating of rotors
  • Assembly of calipers and brake lines
  • Quality control testing of brake systems
  • Final vehicle assembly with brake system integration
Quality Control
inspection: Dimensional checks, Material integrity tests, Functional testing, Endurance testing
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, Audi Quality Standard
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycling of brake materials
  • Reduction of energy consumption in manufacturing
  • Use of eco-friendly coatings
  • Minimization of waste
Production Metrics
Annual Production: Over 100,000 units
Manufacturing Lead Time: 6-8 weeks
Quality Rating: 99.9% defect-free rate
Supplier Partnerships: Global network of approved suppliers

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect brake pads for wear
  • Measure rotor thickness
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Inspect brake lines for damage or leaks
  • Test ABS and EBD system functionality

Recommended to perform brake inspection in a certified workshop

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Replace brake pads
  • Resurface or replace rotors if necessary
  • Change brake fluid
  • Clean and lubricate brake hardware
  • Check brake sensors and connections

Use Audi-approved brake fluid to ensure compatibility

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Inspect brake calipers for tightness and leaks
  • Check brake line flexibility and condition
  • Replace brake pads if worn below minimum thickness
  • Inspect and clean ABS sensors
  • Perform brake system performance test

Brake system service should be performed by a qualified technician

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 2010-2017 Audi A8?

The 2010-2017 Audi A8 features ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Front brake rotors are 14 inches in diameter, while rear rotors are 13 inches. The braking system includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and optional ceramic composite brakes on certain models. Brake pads are designed for high performance and durability, with a minimum thickness of 8mm for front pads and 7mm for rear pads. Compatibility with aftermarket parts requires adherence to Audi OEM specifications or equivalent.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 2010-2017 Audi A8?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2010-2017 Audi A8 includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 miles and replacing them when worn below 3mm. Brake rotors should be inspected every 30,000 miles and resurfaced or replaced if warped or worn excessively. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or as specified in the service manual. Additionally, brake lines and sensors should be checked for damage or leaks during routine servicing.

Q3

How do I install or replace the brakes on a 2010-2017 Audi A8?

To replace the brakes on a 2010-2017 Audi A8, start by safely lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Next, remove the caliper and pads, taking care not to damage the brake hose. Remove the old rotor and install the new one, ensuring it is properly seated and secured. Reattach the caliper and install new brake pads, making sure they are correctly aligned. After reassembly, bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles and test the brakes thoroughly before driving.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues in the 2010-2017 Audi A8?

Common brake issues in the 2010-2017 Audi A8 include spongy brake pedals, grinding noises, and dashboard warning lights. A spongy pedal may indicate air in the brake lines or low brake fluid levels. Grinding noises often result from worn brake pads or warped rotors. Dashboard warnings may signify faulty sensors or system malfunctions. To diagnose, inspect brake fluid levels, check for worn components, and scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner. Consult a professional if issues persist.

Q5

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

For optimal brake performance in the 2010-2017 Audi A8, use high-quality brake pads designed for your vehicle's weight and driving conditions. Consider upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors for improved heat dissipation and reduced brake fade. Ensure proper brake fluid levels and use a high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point. Regularly clean and lubricate brake components to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation.

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 Service Manual

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide covering brake system diagnostics, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2010-2017 Audi A8.

Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Update

Coming Soon

Official Audi bulletin detailing updates and improvements to the braking system for enhanced performance and reliability.

Audi A8 Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed catalog of genuine Audi parts for the brake system, including part numbers and compatibility information.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

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