Audi Audi S8 1996-2011 Brakes Specifications
Detailed brake specifications for the 1996-2011 Audi S8, including rotor sizes, caliper details, and maintenance tips. Essential for owners, technicians, and enthusiasts.
Audi S8 Brake Specifications Overview (1996-2011) Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the Audi S8 models produced from 1996 to 2011. It includes detailed information on brake components, maintenance recommendations, and performance characteristics. Users can navigate through the sections to find specific details or use the quick reference section for key specifications. For precise repairs or upgrades, always consult the official Audi service manual or a certified technician.
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. This will help you quickly locate relevant details within the document.
Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section is divided into subsections that provide detailed information. Start with the quick reference section for key specifications before exploring more detailed sections.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Size
365mm (14.37 inches)
Rear Rotor Size
330mm (12.99 inches)
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
ABS System
Electronic with Brake Assist
Brake Pad Replacement Interval
30,000 - 50,000 miles
Available Specifications
Brake System Overview
This section provides a general overview of the Audi S8 brake system, including the types of brakes used, their dimensions, and key features. It is essential for understanding the overall braking setup before delving into specific components.
Brake System Overview
This section provides a general overview of the Audi S8 brake system, including the types of brakes used, their dimensions, and key features. It is essential for understanding the overall braking setup before delving into specific components.
Front Brake Specifications
- Rotor size: 365mm (14.37 inches)
- Caliper type: 8-piston fixed front calipers
- Pad type: High-performance brake pads with wear sensors
- Cooling system: Ventilated rotors with internal cooling vanes
- Material: Cast iron rotors with aluminum calipers
Rear Brake Specifications
- Rotor size: 330mm (12.99 inches)
- Caliper type: 4-piston fixed rear calipers
- Pad type: High-performance brake pads with wear sensors
- Cooling system: Solid rotors with integral parking brake
- Material: Cast iron rotors with aluminum calipers
Brake Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance. This section outlines recommended maintenance intervals and procedures for the Audi S8 brake system.
Brake Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance. This section outlines recommended maintenance intervals and procedures for the Audi S8 brake system.
Brake Fluid and Pads
- Brake fluid type: Audi-approved DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
- Brake fluid change interval: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles
- Brake pad replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions
- Pad wear threshold: Replace when pads are worn down to 1mm or less
- Fluid reservoir check: Inspect fluid level and condition at every service interval
Electronic Brake Aids
The Audi S8 features advanced electronic brake aids that enhance braking performance and safety. This section details the key systems and their functions.
Electronic Brake Aids
The Audi S8 features advanced electronic brake aids that enhance braking performance and safety. This section details the key systems and their functions.
ABS and Stability Control
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control
- Brake Assist (BA) for emergency braking situations
- Automatic Brake Drying (ABD) for wet weather conditions
- Hill Descent Assist (HDA) for steep inclines
Brake Upgrades and Modifications
For enthusiasts looking to enhance braking performance, this section provides information on common upgrades and modifications for the Audi S8 brake system.
Brake Upgrades and Modifications
For enthusiasts looking to enhance braking performance, this section provides information on common upgrades and modifications for the Audi S8 brake system.
Performance Brake Upgrades
- Upgraded brake rotors: Cross-drilled or slotted rotors for improved cooling
- High-performance brake pads: Ceramic or carbon-carbon pads for reduced fade
- Bigger brake kits: 380mm or larger rotors with 6-piston calipers
- Stainless steel brake lines: For reduced brake pedal sponginess
- Performance brake fluid: High-boiling-point fluid for track use
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- ventilated disc brakes
- Configuration
- front and rear ventilated discs
- Platform
- D2
- Material
- steel rotors, aluminum calipers
- Location
- front and rear axle
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 13.8 in (350 mm)
- Front Rotor Thickness
- 1.26 in (32 mm)
- Rear Rotor Diameter
- 11.8 in (300 mm)
- Rear Rotor Thickness
- 0.87 in (22 mm)
- Front Caliper Piston Size
- 6-piston
- Rear Caliper Piston Size
- 4-piston
- Pad Area
- 65.0 sq in (419 cm2)
Materials
- Rotors
- high-carbon cast steel
- Calipers
- aluminum alloy
- Brake Pads
- semi-metallic
- Brake Lines
- steel braided
Features
- Brake Types
-
- ventilated front discs
- ventilated rear discs
- two-piece rotor design
- cross-drilled rotors
- slotted rotor options
- Cooling Systems
-
- air ducts for front brakes
- ventilated rotor design
- internal cooling vanes
- Electronic Aid
-
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
- EBA (Emergency Brake Assist)
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- Pedal Features
-
- progressive brake pedal
- adjustable brake pedal
- brake pedal with damping
- Additional Design
-
- floating rotor design
- anodized rotor hats
- piston dust seals
Safety Features
- ABS System
-
- four-channel ABS
- electronic brake force distribution
- emergency brake assist
- Esp System
-
- electronic stability control
- traction control system
- roll stability control
- Brake Assist
- automatic emergency braking
- Parking Brake
- electronic parking brake
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- noise-dampening brake pads
- rotor coatings
- insulated brake hardware
- Pedal Feel
-
- progressive pedal feel
- adjustable pedal firmness
- servo-assisted braking
- Heat Management
-
- ventilated rotors
- internal cooling vanes
- high-performance brake fluid
Accessories
- Upgrade Options
-
- high-performance brake pads
- cross-drilled rotors
- alloy brake calipers
- braided steel brake lines
- Brake Kits
-
- performance brake packages
- big brake kits
- track-day brake upgrades
- ceramic brake upgrades
- Additional Accessories
-
- brake duct kits
- brake cooling packages
- brake fluid upgrade kits
Maintenance
- Service interval
- 12,000 miles or 12 months
- Service Items
-
- brake pad inspection
- rotor inspection
- brake fluid check
- caliper inspection
- bleed brake system
- inspect brake lines
- Maintenance Notes
- Use DOT 4 brake fluid only. Clean brake components with approved brake cleaner. Avoid using high-pressure washes on hot brake components.
Warranty
- Bumper To Bumper
- Miles: 48,000 milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: all brake components excluding wear items
- Powertrain
- Miles: 70,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: brake system components
- Corrosion
- Miles: 120,000 milesYears: 12 yearsCoverage: perforation of brake rotors and drums
- Roadside Assistance
- Miles: unlimited milesYears: 4 yearsCoverage: 24/7 emergency brake service
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Audi AG
- Manufacturing Process
-
- precision machining of rotors
- aluminum casting for calipers
- assembly with automated systems
- quality control inspection
- Quality Control
- inspection: dimensional and visual inspectionTesting: performance and durability testingCertification: ISO 9001:2015 certified
- Sustainability
-
- recycling of production materials
- energy-efficient manufacturing
- reducing emissions during production
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: 10,000 unitsFailure Rate: <1%Warranty Claims: low
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect brake pads for wear
- Check rotor thickness and surface condition
- Inspect brake fluid level and condition
- Check calipers for proper function
- Inspect brake lines for leaks or damage
- Test brake system for proper function
Perform brake fluid change if necessary. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid.
- Replace brake pads if worn below 1/8"
- Clean and lubricate brake caliper pins
- Inspect and clean brake pad sensors
- Check ABS system for fault codes
- Inspect parking brake function
- Test emergency brake assist
Use torque wrench for caliper bolts. Lubricate caliper pins with approved grease.
- Replace brake rotors if warped or worn
- Replace brake fluid and bleed system
- Inspect and replace brake lines if damaged
- Inspect master cylinder for leaks
- Check ABS sensors and wiring
- Perform full brake system test drive
Use specialized tools for rotor resurfacing. Bleed brake system thoroughly to avoid air bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 1996-2011 Audi S8?
What are the technical specifications of the brakes for the 1996-2011 Audi S8?
The 1996-2011 Audi S8 features a braking system with 13.8-inch ventilated discs at the front and 11-inch discs at the rear. The system utilizes dual-circuit power-assisted ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD). Brake calipers are aluminum, with 4 pistons at the front and 2 pistons at the rear. The brake fluid recommended is DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, and the brake pads are designed for high-performance applications with a minimum thickness of 8mm when new.
Q2 What maintenance is required for the Audi S8 brakes?
What maintenance is required for the Audi S8 brakes?
Regular maintenance includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000-15,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 2mm, and checking rotors for warping or excessive wear. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles. Additionally, the ABS system should be tested every 12 months or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance schedule. Brake hoses and lines should be inspected for cracks or leaks during routine servicing.
Q3 How do I replace the brake pads on my Audi S8?
How do I replace the brake pads on my Audi S8?
To replace brake pads, start by raising the vehicle and removing the wheels. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Take out the old pads, inspect the rotors for wear, and install the new pads. Reinstall the caliper, tighten the bolts to the specified torque (approximately 30-40 Nm), and repeat for all wheels. Bleed the brake system if necessary and test the brakes before driving.
Q4 Why is my Audi S8 experiencing spongy brakes?
Why is my Audi S8 experiencing spongy brakes?
Spongy brakes are often caused by air in the brake system, worn brake pads, or a low brake fluid level. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir and top it off if necessary. Bleed the brake system to remove air bubbles. If the issue persists, check for worn brake pads or rotors, and replace them if needed. Also, inspect brake hoses for cracks or damage, as they can cause a loss of brake pressure.
Q5 How can I optimize the braking performance of my Audi S8?
How can I optimize the braking performance of my Audi S8?
For optimal braking performance, use high-performance brake pads designed for your vehicle, such as ceramic or semi-metallic pads. Ensure the brake rotors are in good condition and resurfaced or replaced if necessary. Upgrade to high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point to reduce brake fade. Consider installing stainless steel brake lines for consistent pedal feel and improved braking response.
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 S8 Brake Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive guide covering brake system inspection, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 1996-2011 Audi S8.
Technical Bulletin: Brake System Update
Coming SoonOfficial Audi technical bulletin detailing updates and improvements for the braking system of the 1996-2011 Audi S8.
Audi S8 Brake Parts Catalog
Coming SoonDetailed catalog of OEM and aftermarket brake components, including part numbers and compatibility information.
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