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S4 Brake pads

Your S4

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers US S4s only. The S5 has its own page.

Stronger stops
Medium$80–$2101–2 hrs
All S4 mods

Why do it

Performance pads bite harder and fade less than worn stock pads.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.

Steps

  1. Remove the old pads

    • Remove the wheel and pull the pads out.
    Watch this step (on a 2001 S4) (0:32–1:54)

  2. Fit the front pads

    • Fit the new pads and clip in the wiring.
    Watch the install (on a 2001 S4) (1:10–2:34)

  3. Do the rear

    • Press in the rear piston while rotating it, fit the pads and caliper.
    Watch this step (2:34–3:50)

  4. Take apart the front

    • Remove the wheel and the caliper.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 2006-2009 S4) (1:10–4:40)

  5. Prep the bracket

    • Clean the bracket and hardware.
    Watch this step (6:00–7:52)

  6. Fit the pads and caliper

    • Fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (7:52–10:05)

  7. Finish the front

    • Refit the sensor and tighten everything.
    Watch this step (10:05–12:18)

  8. Remove the rear caliper and pads

    • Remove the wheel and take out the pads.
    Watch the rear (TRQ, on a 2006-2009 S4) (1:07–2:51)

  9. Fit the rear pads and caliper

    • Fit the pads and bolt it back up.
    Watch this step (10:53–15:09)

  10. Remove the front wheel and sensor

    • Remove the wheel and unplug the brake wear sensor.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on a B8 S4) (1:29–3:22)

  11. Remove the front caliper and pads

    • Undo the caliper and take out the pads.
    Watch this step (3:22–4:28)

  12. Fit the new front pads

    • Grease and fit the new pads.
    Watch this step (6:55–7:30)

  13. Refit the caliper

    • Bolt the caliper back on, then refit the sensor and anti-rattle clip.
    Watch this step (7:30–8:59)

  14. Release the rear parking brake

    • Put the electronic parking brake into service mode.
    Watch the rear (FCP Euro, on a B8 S4) (1:33–2:59)

  15. Remove the rear caliper and pads

    • Remove the wheel, undo the caliper and take out the pads.
    Watch this step (3:10–4:12)

  16. Fit the rear clips and pads

    • Fit the anti-rattle clips and new pads.
    Watch this step (6:18–7:52)

  17. Refit the rear caliper

    • Bolt on the caliper, refit the wheel and set the parking brake.
    Watch this step (7:52–9:25)

  18. Remove the front wheel

    • Raise the car and remove the wheel.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro, on a B9 S5) (3:01–3:22)

  19. Remove the front caliper

    • Undo the caliper. It's the same job on the S4.
    Watch this step (3:22–7:56)

  20. Swap the front pads

    • Fit the new pads.
    Watch this step (9:18–19:38)

  21. Refit the front caliper

    • Bolt it back up.
    Watch this step (19:38–23:40)

  22. Retract the rear caliper

    • Put the electronic parking brake into service mode.
    Watch the rear (FCP Euro, on a B9 S5) (4:10–5:26)

  23. Remove the rear caliper

    • Remove the wheel and undo the caliper.
    Watch this step (5:26–9:42)

  24. Fit the rear pads

    • Fit the new pads.
    Watch this step (15:58–17:55)

  25. Refit the rear caliper

    • Bolt it up and reset the parking brake.
    Watch this step (17:55–23:22)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.