Audi Rear Brake Pad Replacement — Extra Mileage with Original Audi Premium Brakes

Problem Identification and Background

I faced a persistent problem with the rear brakes on my Audi vehicle. The rear brake pads wore out extremely quickly, requiring replacement approximately every 12,000-15,000 kilometers, which is a significantly shorter lifespan than what you'd expect from such a premium vehicle. The problem was particularly frustrating because:

• The rear brake pads needed replacement twice a year (approximately 2 brake pad replacements between the mandatory 30,000 km services)
• The wear was uneven: the inner brake pad wore much faster than the outer one
• Every "expert" explained this as normal behavior, attributing the rapid wear to the vehicle's weight, cornering loads, and stability systems

However, this explanation was unsatisfactory, especially considering that previously the vehicle had gone much further with the same type of brake pads.

In my article on Audi Rear Brake Preventive Maintenance, I wrote in detail about the maintenance of the electric parking brake motor, which was important but only partially solved this problem. Now I'm sharing my experience with significantly increasing the lifespan of brake pads.

Preventive Maintenance Performed

As a first step, I had the rear electric (parking brake) motor maintained as a preventive measure, since this part is exposed to the risk of water ingress, which can lead to complete replacement. This was a forward-looking step to prevent potential problems.

Shortly after the parking brake maintenance (about 8,000 km later), the rear brake pads needed to be replaced. At this point, they had only lasted about 12,000-15,000 kilometers, and it was visibly apparent that the inner pad was much more worn than the outer one. Although it's a known fact that the inner brake pad typically wears faster, the extent of this wear far exceeded the usual difference.

Solution: Complete Brake System Maintenance

The next time, instead of a simple brake pad replacement, I had complete maintenance performed on the rear brake system:

1. Complete brake caliper slide maintenance: Thorough cleaning and lubrication
2. Use of original VAG/Audi lithium-based grease: Proper lubrication of the brake caliper slides
3. Installation of original Audi/VAG brake pads with anti-wear plates
4. Replacement of all necessary bolts with original parts
5. Installation of anti-vibration plates

The difference in brake system operation was immediately noticeable, but the real surprise came later:

• The new set of brake pads lasted more than 35,000 kilometers compared to the previous 15,000 km
• The pad wear was even, with no significant difference between the inner and outer pads
• During the most recent removal, I found that the slides remained in perfect condition

Details of Parts Used

Only original AUDI/VAG brake discs and brake pads were used on the vehicle in all cases, with PR-2EA brake code:

• Brake pad part number: 4G0615415G (with anti-vibration plate and bolt)
• Brake disc (new): 8W0616601K (replacing the original 4H0615601H)
• Mounting bolts: WHT001921
• Brake disc mounting bolt: N10648301
• Lubricant: Original VAG lithium-based grease

Lessons Learned and Economic Benefits

This experience provides several important lessons:

1. Preventive maintenance pays off: Complete slide maintenance and proper lubrication significantly increased the lifespan of the brake pads (more than doubling it), resulting in significant cost savings in the long run.
2. The quality of original parts matters: Using original VAG/Audi parts and lubricants is essential for proper function and durability.
3. Uneven wear is not normal: If there is a significant difference in wear between the inner and outer brake pads, it usually indicates improper functioning of the brake caliper slide, which can be fixed with proper maintenance.
4. Question "expert" opinions: When experts explain unusually rapid wear by referring to the vehicle's weight or driving style, it's worth getting a second opinion or examining the problem more deeply.

Economic benefits: Achieving a lifespan of 35,000 km instead of 15,000 km provides not only convenience but also significant economic advantages. Replacing the pads once every two years instead of twice a year results in substantial savings, especially when considering both the cost of parts and labor.

Related article: Audi Rear Brake Preventive Maintenance - Parking Brake Motor Maintenance