Audi Audi S3 1999-2003 Brakes Specifications
Audi Audi S3 1999-2003

Audi Audi S3 1999-2003 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the 1999-2003 Audi S3 brakes system, including component details, performance metrics, and maintenance guidelines. Ideal for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the brakes specifications for the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific brake specifications by entering keywords such as 'brake disc diameter', 'pad thickness', or 'caliper type'.

Navigate through the documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections and subsections.

Key Specifications

Front Brake Disc Diameter

312 mm

Rear Brake Disc Diameter

256 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Master Cylinder Bore Diameter

22.2 mm

Parking Brake Cable Tension

50-70 N

Available Specifications

Front Brake System

Detailed information about the front brake system, including disc size, caliper type, and pad specifications

Brake Disc Specifications
  • Diameter: 312 mm
  • Thickness: 25 mm
  • Material: Ventilated cast iron
  • Minimum thickness after wear: 22 mm
Brake Caliper Details
  • Type: Single-piston floating caliper
  • Caliper material: Aluminum alloy
  • Piston diameter: 57 mm
  • Mounting: Bolted to the hub carrier

Note: Ensure proper torque when mounting the caliper to avoid leaks or misalignment.

Brake Pad Specifications
  • Pad material: Semi-metallic
  • Pad thickness (new): 12 mm
  • Minimum pad thickness: 3 mm
  • Pad area: 48 cm²

Rear Brake System

Technical details of the rear brake system, including disc dimensions, caliper design, and pad measurements

Brake Disc Specifications
  • Diameter: 256 mm
  • Thickness: 12 mm
  • Material: Solid cast iron
  • Minimum thickness after wear: 10 mm
Brake Caliper Details
  • Type: Single-piston floating caliper
  • Caliper material: Aluminum alloy
  • Piston diameter: 38 mm
  • Mounting: Bolted to the rear axle
Brake Pad Specifications
  • Pad material: Organic
  • Pad thickness (new): 10 mm
  • Minimum pad thickness: 2 mm
  • Pad area: 32 cm²

Note: Organic pads provide quieter operation but may wear faster under heavy use.

Brake Hydraulics

Information about the hydraulic system, including master cylinder, brake lines, and fluid specifications

Master Cylinder
  • Bore diameter: 22.2 mm
  • Type: Tandem master cylinder
  • Reservoir capacity: 500 ml
  • Material: Aluminum
Brake Lines
  • Material: Reinforced rubber with steel braiding
  • Length (front): 1.2 m
  • Length (rear): 1.5 m
  • Operating pressure: 120 bar
Brake Fluid
  • Type: DOT 4
  • Boiling point (dry): 230°C
  • Boiling point (wet): 155°C
  • Recommended change interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 km

Note: Always use fresh brake fluid to maintain optimal braking performance.

Parking Brake

Details about the parking brake system, including cable type, lever mechanism, and adjustment specifications

Cable System
  • Type: Bowden cable
  • Cable length: 1.8 m
  • Material: Steel with PVC coating
  • Tension adjustment: Manual via adjuster nut
Lever Mechanism
  • Lever ratio: 4:1
  • Material: Steel
  • Mounting: Center console
  • Travel distance: 6 clicks
Adjustment Specifications
  • Cable tension: 50-70 N
  • Lever force: 150-200 N
  • Engagement point: 30-40% of lever travel

Note: Ensure proper cable tension to avoid excessive wear or insufficient braking.

Brakes Specifications

Brake System Type

System
Hydraulic dual-circuit with diagonal split
Assistance
Vacuum servo-assisted
ABS
Bosch 5.3 ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Front Brakes

Type
Ventilated discs
Disc Diameter
312 mm
Disc Thickness
25 mm
Minimum Disc Thickness
23 mm
Caliper Type
Single-piston floating caliper
Pad Material
Sintered metal
Pad Thickness New
14 mm
Pad Thickness Minimum
2 mm
Part Number Disc
8N0 615 301
Part Number Pads
8N0 698 151

Rear Brakes

Type
Solid discs
Disc Diameter
232 mm
Disc Thickness
9 mm
Minimum Disc Thickness
7 mm
Caliper Type
Single-piston floating caliper
Pad Material
Organic
Pad Thickness New
12 mm
Pad Thickness Minimum
2 mm
Part Number Disc
8N0 615 601
Part Number Pads
8N0 698 451

Brake Fluid

Type
DOT 4
Capacity
1.0 liter
Replacement interval
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Specification
ISO 4925 Class 4

Parking Brake

Type
Mechanical, cable-operated
Activation
Hand lever
Cable Adjustment
Automatic self-adjusting
Part Number Cable
8N0 609 721

Brake Pedal

Pedal Travel
Maximum 150 mm
Free Play
3-5 mm
Force Required
Approximately 400 N for full braking

ABS System

Control Unit
Bosch 5.3
Sensor Type
Inductive
Wheel Sensor Air Gap
0.3-1.1 mm
Part Number Control Unit
8N0 907 379

Brake Hoses

Material
Reinforced rubber
Front Length
450 mm
Rear Length
600 mm
Burst Pressure
Minimum 200 bar
Part Number Front
8N0 611 771
Part Number Rear
8N0 611 772

Brake Rotor Runout

Front Max Runout
0.05 mm
Rear Max Runout
0.05 mm
Measurement Method
Dial indicator at 10 mm from outer edge

Brake Pressure

Front Circuit Pressure
120 bar
Rear Circuit Pressure
80 bar
Testing Equipment
Pressure gauge with adapter 8N0 612 001

Diagnostic Specifications

ABS Fault Codes
Readable via VAG-COM or OBD-II scanner
Common Faults
  • Wheel speed sensor failure
  • ABS pump motor malfunction
  • Brake light switch failure
Diagnostic Tool
VAG-COM recommended

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the brake system

10,000 miles
12 months
  • Inspect brake pads and discs for wear
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Inspect brake hoses for cracks or leaks

Replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage

30,000 miles
36 months
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Inspect ABS system for faults
  • Check parking brake adjustment

Use only Audi-approved DOT 4 brake fluid

60,000 miles
72 months
  • Replace front and rear brake pads
  • Inspect brake discs for thickness and runout
  • Check brake caliper operation

Replace discs if thickness is below minimum specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the brake disc diameter and thickness for the 1999-2003 Audi S3?

The front brake discs for the 1999-2003 Audi S3 have a diameter of 312 mm and a thickness of 25 mm. The rear brake discs have a diameter of 256 mm and a thickness of 22 mm. Always ensure replacements meet these specifications.

Q2

What type of brake pads are recommended for the Audi S3?

The 1999-2003 Audi S3 requires low-metallic or ceramic brake pads for optimal performance. Genuine Audi brake pads are recommended to ensure compatibility and safety. Aftermarket pads must meet Audi's TÜV certification standards.

Q3

How often should the brake fluid be replaced on the Audi S3?

Audi recommends replacing the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid with a minimum boiling point of 230°C (446°F) to maintain braking performance and safety.

Q4

What is the recommended brake pad wear limit for the Audi S3?

The brake pads should be replaced when the friction material thickness is less than 3 mm. Inspect pads regularly, as aggressive driving or harsh conditions may accelerate wear.

Q5

Can I upgrade the brakes on my 1999-2003 Audi S3?

Yes, the Audi S3 can accommodate performance brake upgrades, such as larger discs or high-performance calipers. However, ensure the upgrades are compatible with the vehicle's ABS and ESP systems. Consult an Audi specialist for proper installation and calibration.

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 S3 Brake System Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official Audi service manual detailing brake system maintenance, repair, and specifications for the 1999-2003 S3.

Brake Pad Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for replacing brake pads on the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including torque specifications and safety precautions.

Brake Fluid Compatibility Chart

Coming Soon

A comprehensive chart listing approved brake fluids for the Audi S3, including DOT 4 specifications and performance ratings.

Performance Brake Upgrade Options

Coming Soon

Detailed overview of aftermarket and OEM performance brake upgrades for the 1999-2003 Audi S3, including compatibility and installation tips.

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.

15+ Years
Experience
500+ Guides
Guides
50+ Makes
Vehicles
1000+ Solutions
Solutions

Diagnostic

Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.

Repair

Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.

Additional Expertise

Documentation

Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.

Training

Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.

Certifications & Research

Certifications

  • ASE Master Technician Certification
  • Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
  • Performance Tuning Expert

Research & Community

Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.

Legal Disclaimer

Important information about using this content

Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.

General Information
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to maintain accuracy in our content, all specifications, procedures, and technical information should be verified against your vehicle's official service manual or with the manufacturer directly.
Warranty & Liability

The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.

We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.

Technical Information
  • All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
  • Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
  • Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
  • If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.
Intellectual Property
All content, including text, images, and specifications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

© 2025 Audi Specs. All rights reserved.