black b7

I only have about 8400 miles on her and the brakes began to squeak the other day like the brakes on a bus or large truck. However, the squeaking went away after a few hard presses on the brake pedal. Is it time for new brake pads already or is squeaking a common thing that goes in and out. It happened after about 500 miles also for about a day and then went away.

Reggie

or in the pads.

I think your sensors on the pads will tell you if you need new ones

SoCalB7

They are now using brake pads that are asbestos-free, which can sometimes create greater noise than do the old-style brake pads.

You might want to sign up for a "My Audi" account on the Audi USA website, and have a look at their comment on this to see if this applies to your situation.

SoCalB7

Brake Wear and Sound

The braking system is the single most important safety system on your automobile. It has the capability of converting large amounts of kinetic energy into heat energy within a matter of seconds, under every imaginable climatic condition. All of this is accomplished through a total braking friction area that may be less than 48 square inches.

As you can see, we often ask quite a bit from very little when we trust our brakes to bring our car to a complete and safe stop, time after time. Although this system was designed to do just that, there are some consequences that arise that are sometimes unavoidable.

Brake wear is subject to many variables. The normal loading or use of the car, the type of driving (city or highway), or even different driving styles can make a difference in brake wear on the same make and model of vehicle. There are no "normal" brake wear standards. In any case, your braking system should be checked on a regular basis to assure that it is in proper operating condition (refer to your vehicle's scheduled maintenance).

Brake sound or squeal is frequently believed to be a symptom of defective or worn brake pads. Actually, this type of brake sound can develop in perfectly good and relatively new brakes. Most brake sounds are unavoidable and require no action. Unusual sounds should be investigated and repaired, if needed.

-- Brake materials used in Audi vehicles

Due to environmental concerns, Audi, along with other automotive manufacturers, has eliminated the use of asbestos in its products. As a substitute, Audi has adopted semi-metallic brakepads, which offer excellent performance. However, because of the metal-to-metal contact involving semi-metallic pads, the sounds generated by the brake system under normal operation can be greater than vehicles equipped with the previous asbestos linings.

All sound is caused by vibration. The squealing sound you may hear when you apply your brakes is usually caused by the brake pads vibrating in their mounts - which is a perfectly normal condition. This phenomenon is most prevalent in vehicles with front disc brakes. Front brakes are responsible for a high percentage of the stopping action for front wheel drive vehicles. Disc brakes, by their very design, are more likely to have the pads vibrate.

Depending upon the local environment, weather conditions and individual driving patterns, sounds from the braking system may be more or less apparent. The following sounds are characteristic of all braking systems (including other vehicle manufacturers) and are therefore unavoidable. These sounds do not indicate any improper operation or malfunction of the brake system.

-- Trace squeak/squeal sound

Occurs with front semi-metallic brake pads at medium speeds when light to medium pressure is applied to the brake pedal.

Occasionally may occur on rear brakes during the first few stops and/or with cold brakes (especially morning) and/or high humidity.

-- Grinding sound

Common to rear brake assemblies and some front disc brakes during the first few stops (such as after the vehicle has been parked overnight).
Caused by trace corrosion (light rust) on the metal surfaces during vehicle non-use or storage. This light corrosion is typically cleared from the metal surfaces after a few stops, causing the sound to disappear.

-- Groan sound

A small groan may be heard when coming to a quick stop or when allowing the vehicle to move forward slowly from a stop (automatic transmission equipped vehicles only).

Sounds that do not fit the characteristics of those listed above should be examined by your authorized Audi Dealer to determine whether or not a brake concern is present.

Although brake squeal can be annoying, it does not present a risk to the safety or performance of your braking system. This sound, which is common to many cars, cannot be permanently eliminated.