aj25

I've got 1500 miles on my S4 as I enter week 5 since delivery.

Starting around 1300-1400 miles I began hearing a sharp, very loud squeal that occurs during braking, usually at lower speeds. I've only heard it 4 or 5 times -- it's not every time I brake. Is this the infamous "brake squeal" ... or could it be something else?


-aj

DrGP

I've had it as well but only sporadically at extremely low speed. First time it happenned I thought it was another car.

wje

This has been fairly widely reported. There's apparently a service directive for it, ask your dealer.

For me, it only happens at very low speed (usually stopping at a traffic light), it's incredibly loud and obnoxious, but only happens when the outside temp is below 45f.

One of the recommended 'cures' was to do 4 or 5 full-abs stops from 60 to 0. Didn't work for me. It was fun, though. Those big rotors are pretty effective.

Plan_Man

I had 13.5K miles on the TTS when this developed. Got to the level of a '74 Volvo in short order and drove me nuts. It was almost every time I came to a moderate stop. Stop lights and signs, parking lots... embarrassing. Talked to the service tech when I picked it up and he said the fix was a thorough cleaning to start, then a series of 60-20 mph stomps to de-glaze after warming up, followed by two full ABS stops to reset the caliper travel and another quick cleaning. All clear now.

His explanation was that residual brakedust and grime start caking on the leading edges of the brakes creating a harmonic vibration when the pads make contact. Remove the build-up and remove the noise.

Squeal was pissing me off proper, I can tell you!

rktskicar

Mine did that. Mine was so bad, I took it into the dealer. They essentially did some hard ABS stops to get the crud off the rotor. Bed your brakes a few times and it will go away.

Bruce

MalSer

Ditto, mine did it for a while but now at 4300 miles it never occurs. I'd say it's likely the same situation but every car is different. My temporary solution was to do a few hard stops & just turn up the radio. It's surprising what Metallica, Rascal Flats, Kansas, or the Phantom of the Opera original cast sound track can drown out...eclectic yet effitive.

rktskicar

Kansas, that is old stuff. I saw them once in concert (shows how old I am). "Carry On Wayward Son" is one of my favorites.

Bruce

MalSer

"Carry On Wayward Son" is the only Kansas tune on my iPod. I was reminded what a great song it is when I heard it while watching tv (Supernatural) and it sounds great in my S4, really showcases the sound system (at least to my ears).

William Wynn

definitely need to bed the brakes and it will go away; there are detailed instructions if you Google Audi brake bedding. It worked for me. I did 5 or 6 hard stops on a deserted stretch of interstate hwy from 65-70 mph and then drove without stopping for at least 20 minutes to let things cool down.