Perhaps the most important feature on your entire car, the braking system comes in a two forms, drum brakes and disc brakes. The braking system may seem simple, but it is actually a complex system which your safety depends upon. Here’s a brief explanation common Brake repairs in Audi Vehicles.
Disc Brakes: In the case of the disc brake, the hydraulic oil is instead pushed into a caliper and is pressed against a piston, which forces the brake pads against the rotor. This rotor, or disk, is connected to the wheel, and so the car is stopped. Disc brakes are the most common form of brakes Audi’s come with.
Drum Brakes: A hydraulic fluid is pushed into a cylinder that forces the brake shoe outward, causing the lining and the drum, which is connected to the wheel, to come into contact. Therefore, friction stops the vehicle. This type of braking system is common in older import vehicles.
The majority of today’s Audi vehicles utilize disc brakes supplemented with an anti-lock braking system. Antilock brakes use a rapid pumping motion that engages as soon as a wheel locks up, and slowly brings the vehicle to stop as quickly as possible while the driver maintains control even on slippery conditions. Antilock brakes require sophisticated computers consisting of hydraulic actuators, sensors, and electronic control units, which monitor each wheel’s speed.
Signs of Braking System Issues:
The most obvious symptom of failing brakes is being unable to slow down, or having to press the pedal to the floor before the vehicle stops. Oftentimes, there is a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes, which means the pads are severely worn. If you suspect that your Audi’s braking system – including the wheels, rotors, sensors, lines, fluid, computers, or otherwise – are compromised, you should have it inspected as soon as possible. Some symptoms of late-stage brake malfunction include:
- Vibrations while driving
- Grinding, screeching, and/or metal-on-metal sounds
- Burning rubber smells
- An unusual feeling in the brake pedal
- Steering wheel shudder
- Rust
- Increased braking distances
- ABS warning lights on
Prevent Common Brake Problems:
Observing a factory recommended maintenance schedule is important to prevent serious damage to your Audi or, worse yet, bodily harm to you and your passengers. Some of the necessary services include:
- Brake Flush
- Wheel installation
- Brake sensor diagnostics
- System tuning
- Brake pad inspection and changes
- Computer diagnostics
- Disc examination and replacement
Proper maintenance includes the observance of recalls, as well. For example, in late summer of 2014, Audi recalled over 70,000 vehicles for brake booster issues. The manufacturer found a defect resulting in membrane leakage. Models affected include the A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q7 diesels with 3.0-liter TDI turbodiesel V6 engines built between March and December of 2012 and many 2013 Q7 TDIs.
Brake Service:
At German Car Depot, we provide all aspects of brake repair, replacement and maintenance. Our technicians are trained specifically to work on Audi and German vehicles. We are located in Hollywood, Florida, close to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura. Contact our German Car Depot Audi Brake specialists to schedule an appointment.