[spijun]

Common cash-cow for dealers to recommend new pads\discs(rotors). I'd never get an Audi dealer to fit them, as it's a simple job any mechanic can do, or even yourself if you're at all handy and have a few tools.

You can replace the front but for the rear you need vag-com

 

[spijun]

Vag-com old name, now VCDS:

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Audi_A4_(8K)_Parking_Brake
http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/index.html

 

[spijun]

why do you need this troubleshooting device to change brakes? If I understand correctly - a VCDS gives you error codes.

VCDS has many other functions not only for errors codes

VCDs is needed to open rear brake , which are electromechanical .
Handbrake is not standard, electromechanical parking brake caliper runs an servo motor

 

[spijun]

Thanks for the reply..

1 - Is it pretty easy to do front brakes? Couple bolts - push back caliper, grease pins, new pads, put back together? I think I'll take these on myself. Typically it's something that isn't too difficult.

2 - I want to put good parts on. OEM is expensive though dealer - anyone know of other options for good parts other then my dealer?

Send me your email address on PM
I have the manual in PDF the form

 

[spijun]

Greetings All; tannero and spijun; thank you for the thread. New member here...Just returned from the dealer with my wife's Q5 for its 15k; diagnosed with front pads in need of replacement with 17k miles, could not believe it. 600 US dollars quote for front axle only. Dealer advised the pads are really 'soft' for performance! I have averaged 30k between replacements on the mountain roads in my area, and I do the rotors every other pad change. Hoping for any DIY thread advice since I really don't want to afford 600$ front axle brakes every year.

I have done my own VW and Honda brakes; our first Audi and not familiar with the vag com or VCDS for the rear. As I understand from the helpful posts above, the VCDS is needed to open the rear due to the e-brake....does that apply if the electronic brake is activated, or if on a lift, the ebrake would not be on?

spijun; I would be very interested in learning where you acquired the PDF form, as I would like to attempt for myself. Thanks All for the great thread.

I see you mention U.S. $
Here's the link for the brakes:
http://store.zeckhau...p?cPath=44_2617
http://www.adamsroto...bum=1&gallery=1
http://brakeperforma...d=impact.radius

Here in post # 2 and 3 You have PDF instructions;
http://forums.audiwo...d.php?t=2843164

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2843698&highlight=brake