I'm sure this isnt the first post for this issue but I'm looking for some help before I replace my rear brakes. I found a pretty good DIY guide but it was for a 2000 A4 1.8T Quatrro I have a 2001. Is there a diffrence. Also I'm not very mechaniclly inclinded, is this something I could tackle with friend thats done brakes on other cars before? Any tips for this project that will make it go easier?
Thanks!
Jeff

 

I don't believe there's a difference. The front brake pistons compress back into the calipers but the rears are screw-in - you'll need the piston retractor tools to do it (AutoZone loans them out). Otherwise, it's a no-brainer and you'll have no trouble.

 

I too will be doing my rear pads/rotors soon and read that you need vagcom if you have esp for bleeding the brakes. What all do you need to be able to do with vagcom?

 

no electronics will be needed for this job. only thing is the rear caliper carrier bolts will be a bitch because they are allens. just don't strip them and find a replacement with a regular bolt head.

 

to compress the brake use a C-Clamp and pliers to rotate the piston.. you have to do it at the same time .. pretty annoying..

 

Or work smart. Make the job easy and borrow the correct tool from AutoZone.

Even ECSTuning sells the thing for only $40. It's more than worth it, seeing as it come with multiple adapters and a large majority of cars require the tool.

 

yea i got mine from harbor freight for like 25$

 

i would def. recommend renting the part from autozone but if its 10 at night... and have no where to go.. using the clamp does help... good luck with the rear brake BTW

 

I bought the tool from ECS. Worked Great. Made changing the pads a cinch.

 

The problem with using a C clamp and pliers is that you have a chance to **** the piston and damage it on the way back in. I have done it on an Integra before but it had a large slot in the back of the piston so you could apply pressure and screw it in at the same time (have not changed the rear brakes on my Audi so I am unsure if it has the same thing. I always use the old pad and a c clamp to get it back in evenly but obviously you cannot use the screw in pistons that way.