Brake Pad Thickness — Checking (Audi A6 C5)

Table of contents: Front disc brakes ↓ Rear disc brake pads ↓

Attention! The thickness of the brake pads can be checked through the hole in the wheel disk, illuminating the pads with a flashlight. The inner pad can be checked using a mirror and also illuminating it with a flashlight. If the conditions do not allow the residual thickness of the pads to be accurately determined, the wheels should be removed and the residual thickness of the pads should be checked with a caliper.

Front disc brakes

Note! Experience shows that brake pad wear on the passenger side is slightly greater than on the driver's side. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the front wheel on the driver's side to check the remaining pad thickness.

1. Mark the position of the front wheel on the hub with paint. The balanced wheel can be installed in its original position.

2. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts before jacking up the vehicle and placing it on jack stands.

3. Place the vehicle on jack stands and remove the wheels.

4. Check the thickness "a" of the inner and outer brake pads with a caliper (see illustration). The remaining thickness of the pads is measured together with the metal support lining (basis). The wear limit is considered to be reached if the thickness "a" of the brake pads together with the base is 7 mm. In this case, the pads are subject to replacement.

15.4. Check the thickness "a" of the inner and outer brake pads with a caliper

5. Install the wheel using the marks made before removing the wheels. Do not grease or oil the wheel mounting bolts.

6. Screw in the bolts and lower the vehicle.

7. Tighten the wheel bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 120 Nm.

Rear disc brake pads

8. Check the remaining thickness of the pads through the hole in the wheel disk, illuminating the pads with a flashlight. Before doing this, if necessary, remove the cap. There is no need to remove the wheel itself.

9. Inspect the inner brake pad with a mirror, illuminating the pad with a flashlight. The wear limit is considered to be reached if the thickness "a" of the rear wheel brake pads together with the base is 7 mm (see illustration). In this case, the pads must be replaced.