A3 Quattro Rear Disc Removal

[colinjmatt]

I'm trying to find out whether or not the calliper carriers need to be removed to be able to replace the rear discs on a Quattro. I've already had a go at taking them off without removing the carrier without any luck. I've loosened the disc and had it nearlly off, but the edges of the carrier are stopping it. Is there a special method to do this? Or am I wasting my time trying to find a way?

Do the carriers need to come off it? If so I'll have to take it to a garage as I can't for the life of me release those bolts (I have the M14 spline bit and I've put a fair amount of penetrative oil and strength into it too).

 

[antmax7]

Have you tried turning it the other way just a thought they might be left hand thread???

 

[RobinA3]

Yes the carrier does need to come off. They are held on by 2 big splined bolts and you'll need a nice big bar on them - although there isn't much room in there to get the bar into.

They are a standard thread and not left handed thread.

I did the rear brakes on my old A3 Quattro and it was a bit of a ***** to do.

 

[colinjmatt]

Yes the carrier does need to come off. They are held on by 2 big splined bolts and you'll need a nice big bar on them - although there isn't much room in there to get the bar into.

They are a standard thread and not left handed thread.

I did the rear brakes on my old A3 Quattro and it was a bit of a ***** to do.

I was afraid of that. I'll give it a good go when I can next. Either that or send it to the local garage and let them swear at it.

 

[5ean]

Carriers normally have to come off for new discs.. If it was pads only you'd be fine

 

[torquemaster]

It's a pita to take the carrier off. I really advise you to pay for this. M14 bolts are torqued to 90NM (66lb-ft)+90 degrees and this is insane in terms of final torque. You wont be able to move them on jack stands. And yes, you must take the caliper carrier off.

 

[bing]

HI
I have just done the discs and pads all round on my 57 plate 2.0 170 sportback
and managed to do the rears WITHOUT taking calipers off
you just jiggle them and they will come off well mine did

not sure if same rear brakes as yours thou

fronts 312x25
rears 255 x 10 i think thrown boxes away now

cheers bing

 

[colinjmatt]

Right, Think I'm gonna give it one more try then I'm going to pay a monkey with a big wrench to do it for me if I fail.

Oh, and the discs I have are 286mm

 

[veeeight]

Impact wrench?

 

[RobinA3]

HI
I have just done the discs and pads all round on my 57 plate 2.0 170 sportback
and managed to do the rears WITHOUT taking calipers off
you just jiggle them and they will come off well mine did

not sure if same rear brakes as yours thou

fronts 312x25
rears 255 x 10 i think thrown boxes away now

cheers bing

Quattro's are different and the carrier does need to come off.

It can be done on axle stands - i did them on axle stands, you just need a good selection of tools and some epic strength!

You can get an impact good in there as space is soooooo limited!

Its a right pain in the **** of a job.

 

[Steve-B]

I appreciate that this is an old thread now but I've literally just done this myself to our 2007 TDi Quattro 170, so it might be of some use to somebody.

Our car has the larger 286mm discs and I can confirm that if you want to replace discs this size, the calliper carriers will definitely need to be removed. I can also confirm that if you are trying to do this yourself at home on the driveway, it is an absolute nightmare of a job!

You'll need to remove the rear shock absorber to give you some more room, as it's easier to get to the bolts from above rather than under the car, which means also removing the inner arch liner. You'll need a selection of different length bars and extensions and you'll also need a short 14mm spline bit for the two carrier bolts. The bolts are a nightmare to get to and are incredibly tight and probably haven't been undone for years and years but is is definitely possible.

Good luck!

 

[prt57]

Just 2 things to add.
1. When you tighten up the lower shock absorber bush, the car must be on its wheels with one person sitting in the back of the car. This prevents unessasary wear of the bush that happens if it is tightened with the wheel in the air.

2. The caliper carrier spline bolts are stretch bolts and so should be replaced.

 

[Steve-B]

Just 2 things to add.
1. When you tighten up the lower shock absorber bush, the car must be on its wheels with one person sitting in the back of the car. This prevents unessasary wear of the bush that happens if it is tightened with the wheel in the air.

2. The caliper carrier spline bolts are stretch bolts and so should be replaced.

Yes very true, good information to share