Brake Pads Replacement

Brake Pads Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
4. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. Only on the A4WD, install and hand tighten a wheel lug nut in order to retain the rotor.
7. Compress the front caliper piston, with the following procedure:
7.1. Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad.
7.2. Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston pushes into the caliper bore enough to slide the caliper off the rotor.
7.3. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper.

Notice: Refer to Support the Brake Caliper While Flex Hose is Connected Notice in Service Precautions.

Important: DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.





8. Remove the caliper from the mounting bracket and support the caliper with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.





9. Only on the RWD, remove the inboard brake pad.
10. Only on the RWD, remove the retainer spring.
11. Only on the RWD, remove the outboard brake pad.





12. Only on the A4WD, remove the inboard and outboard brake pads.
13. Inspect the following parts for cuts, tears, or deterioration:
^ The disc brake mounting hardware
^ The caliper dust boot
14. Replace any damaged parts.

Important: Do not attempt to polish away any corrosion. If corrosion is found, use new parts, including bushings, when installing the caliper.

15. Inspect the caliper bolts for corrosion or damage.

Installation Procedure

Important: Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot.





1. Using a C-clamp (1), bottom the piston into the caliper bore. Use an old brake pad or wooden block (2) placed across the face of the piston.





2. Only on the A4WD, install the inboard brake pad.
3. Only on the A4WD, install the outboard brake pad.





4. Only on the RWD, install the retainer spring onto the inboard brake pad.
5. Only on the RWD, install the inboard brake pad.
6. Only on the RWD, install the outboard brake pad.





7. Only on the RWD, compress the outboard pad ears to the caliper.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

8. Install the caliper mounting bolts.
^ Tighten the bolts to 51 Nm (38 ft. lbs.).
9. Only on the A4WD, remove the wheel lug nut securing the rotor to the hub.
10. Install the tire and wheel.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal approximately 2/3 of the pedal's travel distance.
13. Slowly release the brake pedal.
14. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 12-13 until a firm brake pedal is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
15. Fill the brake master cylinder to the proper level.
16. Burnish the pads and rotors.