New face here at Audi Forums (found link from imolas). I think me and you may be both in the same boat. Is this the light you're getting in your car?

From what I've been told, that light indicates that its time for new brakes. I also noticed after this light came on my brakes started squeeling. Anyway I hope this helps. I'll let you know what I find regarding the brakes since I'm going to go check them right now.

 

Hi Flip..hey thanks for possing this, this is exactly the symbol. Where did you find this because I look thru every pages in the manual and couldn't find it. And do you know why the manual and actual cluster is different, is it something that manufacturer make a booboo. Please let me know what is that warning light for. I tried to find out the price for replacing pads and discs..oh boys this is ever expensive, I'm looking at about cdn$ 1100 (dealer).

Anyone can tell me this?, normally you machine the rotor if there is enought meat on it but according to the audi advisor they don't recommend machining, they don't do it period. Is it something wrong with that guy or just me. Also, is there any such instruction step by step on how to change the rotors and pads yourself.

 

OK.... first, yes, that symbol means there is something wrong with the pads. It could be a sensor or it could be the pads.

Second, Audi does not machine the rotors because there have been reports of warping after the rotors have been ground down. The issue is whether the rotors can handle the heat after they get thinner than stock. Your rotors may not need to be ground - take them to a brake specialist and ask them. If they do need to be ground, then get them done at a reputable shop. Then it's a crap shoot if they will warp, but if you make it clear to the brake machinist that you want minimal grinding and that you will be tracking the car (just lie about this) so you can't afford to have the rotors warp later, then I think the guy will be extra careful with his process. Plus he may be more forthright and let you know if he thinks your rotors will be able to handle the extra heat.

After that, if you still need rotors, at least you'll know for sure who's been truthful or not.

 

here's what you are looking for:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel25.shtml
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel2.shtml

You can pick up factory replacement rotors for like 100 bucks for both front ones. Pads will run you around 50 bucks. Time involved is in the neighborhood of 2 hours for the front wheels for a novice.

All it really requires is:
1. remove wheels
2. removed caliper springs
2. remove the two screws on backside of calipers
4. pop off calipers.
5. removed rotor (may need to use sledge hammer to break it loose)
6. reinstall new companants.

 

Thanks everone for all the inputs, it was a great help to me. I just got the front pads replaced in a local small mechanic shop, cost $50. The warning light is gone now as one of you guy told me previous post.

I just learned that, as per history record of the last owner, it showed the rotors was never machined during the last 2 replacement of pads, only at one point it got replaced instead. So I think after replacing the pads a couple of time or so, the rotors should be about time to replace new one. It probably make sense as audi advisor suggested, if the rotors get machined the material may be obsorb to much heat and creating a warpage. Therefore, I'm just going to replace the rotors when the time comes, even thought this local mechainc said usually they machine them, I figure that probably it just for someone to make extra $$$. Well, the whole thing should be a simple issue but for me it was the hell of a learning and research. Thanks again guys I really appreciated.

 

by the way, $50 is just for the labour, front pads cost about $120. Which is not too bad, I thougth it was going to cost me about 1k.

 

$150 for pads! You might have gotten a good deal on labor, but sheesh those are some expensive pads.

 

Jest.., you mentioned about $100 for both front rotors and $50 pads (factory parts), that is very cheap. Where about in the state selling this cheap, might be better for me to just get it shiped from there next time. Here in Toronto is very expensive place not to mention the high taxes either.

 

I picked up everything from ECS Tuning

ECS Slotted Front Rotors - $119.96
Mintex Pads - $49.00


As far as shipping, if i recall correctly it was around 10 bucks. The shipping was so cheap beause ECS is only an hour from my house.

 

Done the break - replace both front pads. Now there is another light is on - Check Eng. (now what, doesn't seem to let me go free with this car). According to the manual, it is a Malfunction Indicator Light and there is a special testing equipment that plug into some sort of socket in the car to see the problem. So now of course bring to the dealer and they will do it, but I wonder if anyone know what would be the problem based on the begining of this post - problem with break pads.