mart_o_rama

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/68260/dsc00337.jpg">

Are those the "guide pins" beneath the pad? If so, then the fact that they are at an angle, not flat horizontal, is why i'm having a hard time fitting the new, thicker pads back in.

This picture shows a pad that I filed fairly intensively to get it in the caliper. Only the backing plate luckily and not the actual brake pad material.

Also, check out the old pad:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/68260/dsc00335.jpg">

I don't know what to think of it besides that the caliper simply doesn't look to be doing a good job...

So right now I have one caliper with filed pads that fit properly and "move", and one caliper with a pad that I jammed in with a hammer. I tried to remove that pad but it was of course stuck but I could jiggle it a little sideways so I thought "good enough!" but perhaps no. Time will tell. Right now the car stops fairly effectively, but I recall the S4 was much "grippier".

Cal G, thank you for the nice write-up, I do believe some of my pistons are perhaps close to being seized. One of my next job will be to remove the complete calipers and disassemble and clean.

Martin

Perpetual Novice

I did 3 front end brake jobs on the A8 before I clued in. I would always get horrendous squeal.

Now I know to clean and lube everything: for me it was especially important to get the guide pins cleaned and lubed.

Always Overcharged

to reduce squeal????
I added a tensioner clip that mounts beneath the caliper and puts pressure laterally on the pad stopping unwanted shudder and reducing squeal as much as 80%

TOMAS7

Please explain your tensioner clip. Can you give me a little more detail.

ryoung

On my Brembo's, that piece of metal is perfectly horizontal and flush up against the inside wall of the caliper. As you know, it's actually an L-shaped piece of metal (you can't see the bottom of the "L" in the pic) that keeps the pad from falling thru the caliper.

<img src="http://pws.prserv.net/usinet.Young/photos/Brembo_with_pads.jpg">

mart_o_rama

Will that piece of metal come out if I take the entire caliper off the car and disassemble it?

Always Overcharged

caliper using main bolts and simply puts pressure on the pad to stop movement.
Ask at your dealership and if they dont know have them ask Simon at Archibalds Christchurch franchise

TOMAS7

Thank you.

ryoung

You shouldn't need to remove the caliper from the car. I moved last year, and my old Brembo's are in a box somewhere. If I can find them, I'll double-check.