Owners with - brake squeal - please register your frustrations HERE!

[CarrG]

Good work 45bvtc!

Now... do you know how to fix sagging bucket seats??

Audi seems to think there is no issue there either!!

 

[S3 AD]

I do sort of, my last S3 has buckets and the upper left bolster went very saggy with a few weeks, after a trip to camberly Audi they striped the seat and confirmed that something internal wasnt put together properly and they rebuilt the seat using new bolster pads and it was then perfect for 3 years. it ened up being somthing like 10 hrs of work but was covered by them/Audi. HTH

 

[45bvtc]

Good work 45bvtc!

Now... do you know how to fix sagging bucket seats??

Audi seems to think there is no issue there either!!

Thank you for the appreciation...

Brakes are one thing but seats, however, are an altogether bigger problem.

A motor vehicle seat generally consists of a steel sub-frame, carefully designed foam elements, webbing and springs, plus the outer covering that we can sit on. Many of the elements will be entirely bespoke to a particular seat: I know this because the seat specification in a modern day motor car is one of the 20-elements of a motor vehicles type approval for which I was once responsible.

If you do have a sagging bucket seat issue then you need to find someone with the appropriate experience and tools to strip the seat of its outer covering and carefully inspect the internal components. The strip process itself will be relatively easy, putting it back together, however, is another matter, and here you will need a specialist with the appropriate tools and oodles of experience, knowledge, and ability.

There is one guy here in Staffordshire who could help and maybe you might contact him: Dave Haden Upholstery, 59 High St, Walsall Wood, Walsall, West Midlands. WS9 9LR

His telephone number is: 01543 375437

And website: D Haden Upholstery

Dave is a really nice helpful person.

Hope this helps

Regards

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

Well this is what I have to put with every day


I'm hoping an official Audi fix is not too far away !

This is the clip that I sent to Coulsdon Audi a couple of months ago. Prompted a new set of discs and pads to be fitted under warranty but the squeal is back now...

 

[45bvtc]

This is the clip that I sent to Coulsdon Audi a couple of months ago. Prompted a new set of discs and pads to be fitted under warranty but the squeal is back now...

Well done monkeyboy_marcus; I'll put a fiver (£5) on it that the pistons have worn through the paint and now in direct contact with the steel backing of the brake pad and showing a shiny metal surface contacts, like so:




And your video was taken on a nice DRY road, too!

I calculate it takes 500 to 1250-miles for the pistons to wear through the paint and then the brakes start squealing. Think about it, the replacement pads didn't squeal on day one, only after you'd done 500 or so miles. And the brakes on new cars don't squeal, either. It's all adding up to this being the problem.

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

Well done monkeyboy_marcus; I'll put a fiver (£5) on it that the pistons have worn through the paint and now in direct contact with the steel backing of the brake pad and showing a shiny metal surface contacts, like so:

View attachment 8899


And your video was taken on a nice DRY road, too!

I calculate it takes 500 to 1250-miles for the pistons to wear through the paint and then the brakes start squealing. Think about it, the replacement pads didn't squeal on day one, only after you'd done 500 or so miles. And the brakes on new cars don't squeal, either. It's all adding up to this being the problem.

Well, I test drove the car @ 1.5k miles and there was no squeal. I bought it with 1.9k miles and there was a slight squeal a couple of times a day and this increased in frequency up to about 3k miles (see clip above), then plateaued until the front discs and pads were changed under warranty @ 5k miles. Up to about 5.5k miles there was an occasional whisper of squeal that you would only notice if you listened hard/knew the conditions/speed were probably right for it to occur. Now at circa 6.5k miles it is back again, not quite as loud as before but on dry days with as much frequency as before.

With the squeal back the car is really unpleasant to drive around town and I'd rather drive my lasses Golf. £40k is a lot to pay for a car with this sort of issue and for that price I'd expect Audi to prioritise a fix - been about 4 months since I first reported it...

 

[Suzuka62]

This car is a joy to drive but the brake squeal on my car's brakes is driving me crazy and giving me headache. It's taking away a lot of the pleasure at the mo. car is booked in with Audi again tomorrow. Please add me to the list

 

[45bvtc]

Well, I test drove the car @ 1.5k miles and there was no squeal. I bought it with 1.9k miles and there was a slight squeal a couple of times a day and this increased in frequency up to about 3k miles (see clip above), then plateaued until the front discs and pads were changed under warranty @ 5k miles. Up to about 5.5k miles there was an occasional whisper of squeal that you would only notice if you listened hard/knew the conditions/speed were probably right for it to occur. Now at circa 6.5k miles it is back again, not quite as loud as before but on dry days with as much frequency as before.

With the squeal back the car is really unpleasant to drive around town and I'd rather drive my lasses Golf. £40k is a lot to pay for a car with this sort of issue and for that price I'd expect Audi to prioritise a fix - been about 4 months since I first reported it...

Yep! I 'd say I was spot on with the miles. I can't wait to hear what Coulsdon Audi says....

PS: and I really don't care if Audi say I'm wrong (a dummkopf) providing they resolve the issue for all us owner/drivers, and the TTRS guys of course.

PPS: the brakes on this RS3 don't squeal at all, now.

 

[45bvtc]

Maybe this could be the Audi proposal: NOT to be used for the first 500-miles.

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

I think it time you posted your letter from Martin Sander, Director of Audi UK, so that we can ALL be advised of his authorised response to this issue. I for one would love to see it, an ex Technical Director myself.

@ elton121272 - any chance of posting this letter? I'm planning on writing to Mr Sander myself...

 

[Kohaku]

I dont know how you lot put up with it.

If it were me,I'd be in the showroom causing such an uproar,they would probably give me my money back to get rid of me. or inform them that I am going to give them some free publicity.

Listened to the vid above.totally unacceptable...You guys have got to up the ante......dont pussyfoot around any longer.

Mines July 11.are most of yours 62's by any chance.

The only issue I have had is the o/s Air Intake.not causing any problems.they will do it when I take it in for a service..otherwise fautless

 

[Kohaku]

So it basically is everybody that ownes an RS3

1. elton121272
2. CatnipRS3
3. SGJ
4. JonnyG
5. Macdaddy
6. 45bvtc
7. jamseyd24
8. HullRs3
9. CarrG
10. geek
11. S3 AD

Does any one own an RS3 that doesnt have musical front brakes?

.

Yes ...Me....dont use them much though.

 

[Kohaku]

Dont forget WHEN you get this crap sorted.

You expect to also be compensated for the inconvenience, time wasted. humiliation & embarrassment of owning a 40k reject..and all and sundry smiling everytime you pull up at a junction/lights.

You can get anyone to do anything.. the skill is the what and how you say it.

I had a similar situation with one of our w----- bankers recently. Recieved a letter stating they were billing me for an unauthorised OD.it transpired that,after a lot of sorting that they had made an error causing the problem.After giving them a strong earbashing,instead of me paying them £25. I demanded £50...and got it.

Dont put up with it any longer.I'm get to stressed reading this thread.

 

[45bvtc]

.

Yes ...Me....dont use them much though.

Well-done Kohaku:

The production date for my RS3 is 30th June 2011 (before yours, even). My car was registered 12th September 2011 and I purchased 6th October 2011 with delivery miles only.

My RS3 has now 3600 miles on the odometer; it will be staying with me for a long, long time.

Fortunately, for me, my brake squeal is now FULLY sorted: I NOW understand the cause of the brake squeal and its resolution.

From Audi's perspective, brake squeal is not a safety critical issue; I therefore do not believe Audi, or Mr. Martin Sander, Director of Audi UK, even, will address the issue.

As a hands-on automotive engineer of long standing, I believe the arrangement pattern of the anti-squeal pad affixed to the back of the Audi original brake pad to be a design fault; the anti-squeal pad misses completely the contact patch of the brake piston(s), and this due most probably to the 'designer' not understanding the function of the anti-squeal material and/or lack of hands-on in-service knowledge: and we ALL make mistakes, rectifying the mistake is the hard bit, Audi.

It's also worth noting that the development/road test engineers at the time may not have encountered the brake-squeal issue, as most will have been driving the car balls-out (an engineering term, obviously) and not have been concerned with vehicle retardation at car park/shopping speeds, as we are.

However, I estimate the cost of four self-adhesive anti-squeal shims (to Audi) to be less than £15/car, and less than 2-hours in service time to apply (even I can do it in 2-hours, or thereabouts, and I'm a pensioner...).

Keep up the pressure guys, it's up to you; but rember, MY BRAKES DON'T SQUEAL ANYMORE...

View attachment 8915

 

[Kohaku]

Surely got a cast iron case under sale of goods act.......End Of

 

[45bvtc]

As elton121272 posted: "As I said previously I received a formal response from Martin Sander (Head of Audi UK)"

Well elton121272, again; there are some of us would really love to see the relevant text of that letter. Some of us would prefer to get a resolution to our brake squeal feature sooner rather than later, preferably before we journey squealy (at low speed only) into 2013.

 

[CatnipRS3]

I got a call yesterday from my Audi dealership that the factory are 'due' to announce a 'fix' for the problem this Friday (14th Dec)

I said 'due'?....Hmmm!

I'll let you know the outcome of the call I have been promised on Friday.

 

[robbiemac]

Audi RS3 owner, front brake squeal developed after 700 miles........ Kinda like it as I was feeling left out
Happy Christmas everyone
Robbiemac

 

[45bvtc]

I got a call yesterday from my Audi dealership that the factory are 'due' to announce a 'fix' for the problem this Friday (14th Dec)

I said 'due'?....Hmmm!

I'll let you know the outcome of the call I have been promised on Friday.

That's great news CatnipRS3.

Might the 'fix' be a full-face anti-squeal shim I wonder?

Note again that robbimac's brake squeal has now developed at 700-miles, that's just about right for the pistons to wear through the paint.

I'm going to pull the brake pads from someone else's squealing RS3 today, weather permitting his journey to me. We will photograph the pads before applying my fix; I'll then ask the owner to post his own findings for everyone to review.

I'd also wish to echo robbimac's greetings to wish a Happy Christmas to everyone and Silent Brakes (sorry) for the New Year.

 

[CatnipRS3]

Just a side note 45bvtc...when I spoke with Audi UK last week they said they had issued a bulletin to all dealers NOT to do any fixes, repairs or whatever that relates to the 'squeaking brake' issue...any fix after Nov 23rd will void any further warranty work relating to brakes until an official 'fix' comes from Germany.

My car was booked in for my dealership to try the 'Copperslip' method but they called 2 days before to say they can no longer do it.

Might be worth checking with your dealer 45bvtc to check you are still covered after the mods you have done.

Regards

 

[45bvtc]

Just a side note 45bvtc...when I spoke with Audi UK last week they said they had issued a bulletin to all dealers NOT to do any fixes, repairs or whatever that relates to the 'squeaking brake' issue...any fix after Nov 23rd will void any further warranty work relating to brakes until an official 'fix' comes from Germany.

My car was booked in for my dealership to try the 'Copperslip' method but they called 2 days before to say they can no longer do it.

Might be worth checking with your dealer 45bvtc to check you are still covered after the mods you have done.

Regards

Thank you that information, and I do hear what you say, however, until Audi do deliver then I intend to continue driving quietly. May I say that both the application of Copperslip (a temporary solution in my view, now) and/or the application of a self-adhesive anti-squeal shim are both easily reversible; and I can't see Audi being so petty anyway?

But thank you for your approach to and from Audi, it does appear that we will get a satisfactory resolution one way, or another.

Thanks again and very best regards.

 

[45bvtc]

Just applied my brake-squeal resolution to a second RS3 (2500-miles from new and with serious brake squeal) and found the same/similar issues as my own car:

1) All brake pads were dry and very tight in the calipers; I had to carefully knock each pad out from its housing within the caliper.

2) On each brake pad the brake pistons had practically worn through the anti-squeal backing.

3) The back of each pad was cleaned with a suitable solvent and a Mintex self-adhesive anti-squeal pad attached.

4) Each pad had a smear of Copperslip added to both the edges of the pad and the contact area of the brake piston.

5) Pads refitted, sliding easily into the caliper.

6) Total time of work for both calipers was 1.1/4 hours - into the garage and out.

7) 8-mile road test to include 5 to 0mph approaches to at least six town centre speed humps.

Result = ZERO brake squeal

The RS3's owner will monitor and report/post effectiveness of the applied resolution.

Happy Christmas to all.

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

Just a side note 45bvtc...when I spoke with Audi UK last week they said they had issued a bulletin to all dealers NOT to do any fixes, repairs or whatever that relates to the 'squeaking brake' issue...any fix after Nov 23rd will void any further warranty work relating to brakes until an official 'fix' comes from Germany.

My car was booked in for my dealership to try the 'Copperslip' method but they called 2 days before to say they can no longer do it.

Might be worth checking with your dealer 45bvtc to check you are still covered after the mods you have done.

Regards

Very interesting, as I had a long conversation with the Coulsdon Audi workshop manager yesterday afternoon, who said more or less the same thing (although "may" void, not "will" void necessarily). I'm due to meet with the business manager for this branch next week and will report back on any feedback...

 

[45bvtc]

Very interesting, as I had a long conversation with the Coulsdon Audi workshop manager yesterday afternoon, who said more or less the same thing (although "may" void, not "will" void necessarily). I'm due to meet with the business manager for this branch next week and will report back on any feedback...

As I understand it, and I've checked, your warranty will be void if you change the pad material, disc, or caliper. If all you are doing is 'lubricating' the original Audi pad within the original Audi caliper (which Audi should have done anyway) then you will not have made a change to the original structure of the braking system as supplied (all original components being detailed within Vehicle Type Approval).

Any lawyers out there?

Audi has had this issue reported to them for 12-months now (not to mention the same issue with the TTRS) and they still have not been able to: a) identify the cause, and b) provide a solution. Are they just saying, "do nothing", "wait for us", "we'll find a solution".

Maybe all you squealers out there need to make a combined visit to Audi UK and do a squeal-by.

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

Just applied my brake-squeal resolution to a second RS3 (2500-miles from new and with serious brake squeal) and found the same/similar issues as my own car:

1) All brake pads were dry and very tight in the calipers; I had to carefully knock each pad out from its housing within the caliper.

2) On each brake pad the brake pistons had practically worn through the anti-squeal backing.

3) The back of each pad was cleaned with a suitable solvent and a Mintex self-adhesive anti-squeal pad attached.

4) Each pad had a smear of Copperslip added to both the edges of the pad and the contact area of the brake piston.

5) Pads refitted, sliding easily into the caliper.

6) Total time of work for both calipers was 1.1/4 hours - into the garage and out.

7) 8-mile road test to include 5 to 0mph approaches to at least six town centre speed humps.

Result = ZERO brake squeal

The RS3's owner will monitor and report/post effectiveness of the applied resolution.

Happy Christmas to all.

Sounds like a solution to me! I've pointed the Coulsdon Audi workshop manager and business manager in the direction of this thread, so hopefully this info will be relayed back to the appropriate personnel in Deutschland... I know that one of the workshop manager's concerns was for a fix to be permanent, so look forward to hearing about the long-term effectiveness of this approach.

 

[CatnipRS3]

I have also been told....the delay is also due to the fact Audi's brake supplier for the RS3 & TTRS is Brembo and they are working with the guys there, rather than this just being an Audi made part/s. ie: 2 parties involved!

Roll on Friday!

 

[A3simon]

Well-done Kohaku:

The production date for my RS3 is 30th June 2011 (before yours, even). My car was registered 12th September 2011 and I purchased 6th October 2011 with delivery miles only.

My RS3 has now 3600 miles on the odometer; it will be staying with me for a long, long time.

Fortunately, for me, my brake squeal is now FULLY sorted: I NOW understand the cause of the brake squeal and its resolution.

From Audi's perspective, brake squeal is not a safety critical issue; I therefore do not believe Audi, or Mr. Martin Sander, Director of Audi UK, even, will address the issue.

As a hands-on automotive engineer of long standing, I believe the arrangement pattern of the anti-squeal pad affixed to the back of the Audi original brake pad to be a design fault; the anti-squeal pad misses completely the contact patch of the brake piston(s), and this due most probably to the 'designer' not understanding the function of the anti-squeal material and/or lack of hands-on in-service knowledge: and we ALL make mistakes, rectifying the mistake is the hard bit, Audi.

It's also worth noting that the development/road test engineers at the time may not have encountered the brake-squeal issue, as most will have been driving the car balls-out (an engineering term, obviously) and not have been concerned with vehicle retardation at car park/shopping speeds, as we are.

However, I estimate the cost of four self-adhesive anti-squeal shims (to Audi) to be less than £15/car, and less than 2-hours in service time to apply (even I can do it in 2-hours, or thereabouts, and I'm a pensioner...).

Keep up the pressure guys, it's up to you; but rember, MY BRAKES DON'T SQUEAL ANYMORE...

View attachment 8910View attachment 8911View attachment 8912View attachment 8915

Will be doing this next year once I'm home.

 

[JonnyG]

Just got back from 45bvtc's house after having his "fix" done on my front pads. Wow, what a knowledgeable, competent and capable guy .. I wish he could do all my servicing too ... so a big thanks from me to 45bvtc

It took around an hour to do both front wheels, one at a time.

The car was perfect on the way back home, not a peep from the brakes at all :thumbsup:

I will report back again after a few more days of town driving with a further update but I'm confident it has worked.

Here are a few photos :-


Brake Pads Out :-

Brakes with Pads Out :-

Pads ready for going back in :-

Brake Pads back in and pins put back

 

[ex911driver]

Were the anti squeal shims put in or just Copperslip?

 

[Kohaku]

JonnyG.

Are you sure he knows what he's doing.I have heard he's only recently completed his apprenticeship

 

[45bvtc]

Were the anti squeal shims put in or just Copperslip?

See previous Heinz:

3) The back of each pad was cleaned with a suitable solvent and a Mintex self-adhesive anti-squeal pad attached.

4) Each pad had a smear of Copperslip added to both the edges of the pad and the contact area of the brake piston.

 

[ex911driver]

I was looking for the anti squeal pad,I can see it in the pic. Sorry my mistake

 

[nickbb]

Sadly, you have to add me to the list. I've only just seen this post. Mine has 3k miles so far and has been perfect, apart from the ****** brake squeal which stared a few hundred miles ago. I had read about overheating brakes, but I doubted that was the cause because the brakes squeal starts when they are warm ( eg after 10mins). Anyway, booked into the Audi dealer I bought the car from. They test drove it, it made no noises. They checked the car quite thoroughly and told me it was perfect. So I then took the "technician" out in the car, and ****** me, the brakes didn't squeal. (I mentioned the overheating issue I'd heard about and he said there was a fix for that and my car had already had that at the factory when it was built).

Having now read this post, I think I'll forward it to the dealer and get my car back in. I've had a lot of quick cars, and only two have ever had noisy brakes, one had ceramic brakes and they were a nightmare with a sort of graunching noise ( but incredibly effective), the other was a track car which had very hard pads and made a very loud squeal but only when they were very hot.

Cheers
nick

 

[monkeyboy_marcus]

Sadly, you have to add me to the list. I've only just seen this post. Mine has 3k miles so far and has been perfect, apart from the ****** brake squeal which stared a few hundred miles ago. I had read about overheating brakes, but I doubted that was the cause because the brakes squeal starts when they are warm ( eg after 10mins). Anyway, booked into the Audi dealer I bought the car from. They test drove it, it made no noises. They checked the car quite thoroughly and told me it was perfect. So I then took the "technician" out in the car, and ****** me, the brakes didn't squeal. (I mentioned the overheating issue I'd heard about and he said there was a fix for that and my car had already had that at the factory when it was built).

Having now read this post, I think I'll forward it to the dealer and get my car back in. I've had a lot of quick cars, and only two have ever had noisy brakes, one had ceramic brakes and they were a nightmare with a sort of graunching noise ( but incredibly effective), the other was a track car which had very hard pads and made a very loud squeal but only when they were very hot.

Cheers
nick

Had a similar issue with the car refusing to sing for the technician after two visits and the workshop being unable to undertake any exploratory work without evidence of a fault. Ended up buying the HD Hero 2 camera and keeping it in the car ready for the next nails down the blackboard episode, the results of which are illustrated in the post above. Good investments I reckon, track days, skiing, mountain biking etc...

 

[Kelza]

Hi there ,u can add my name to the brake squeal list! Cheers​

 

[JonnyG]

Today my commute into the city centre and back was a lot more peaceful....not even a little squeak. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this fix will last. So far so good

 

[boozyjay]

I've just purchased an RS3 from Audi Approved and the squeal can be awful at times. Can you add me to the list please. I will be speaking to my local Audi Dealer about it. I don't want to be getting someone using copperslip etc if it affects the warranty.

 

[45bvtc]

I have also been told....the delay is also due to the fact Audi's brake supplier for the RS3 & TTRS is Brembo and they are working with the guys there, rather than this just being an Audi made part/s. ie: 2 parties involved!

Roll on Friday!

Hi CatnipRS3, any news from your Audi dealership (none from mine, I've checked)?

It's gone 12 o'clock here in Staffordshire and I've now changed from holding-my-breath to crossing-my-fingers, my breath holding abilities are not what they were, Kohaku please note (LOL).

You might get onto them (and/or everyone else onto theirs) or the buggers will be off home again to sit in front of the fire...

PS: the brakes ARE Brembo (they've been manufacturing brakes in Italy since 1961 and ours are not their only brake products that squeal): if you review JohnnyG's photos you will see that the brake caliper has Brembo cast proudly onto the upper face (above the pad aperture) and that the pads themselves carry the Brembo roundel/symbol.

KEEP UP the pressure guys (and gals! Are there any gals owning RS3s out there? Sandra, maybe?)

Very best wishes to all and safe driving.

PS: Don't forget the winter rubber; I had an RS3 easily 'tramp' its front wheels this week on a damp road at 1ºC air temp: mine on cold weather/winter rubber doesn't do that.

 

[Kohaku]

KEEP UP the pressure guys (and gals! Are there any gals owning RS3s out there? Sandra, maybe?)

There you go the diplomatic route is a waste of time.just as I thought.

If you want results,you have to make it happen.Dont forget as 45 says.these are employees,they want a quiet life.

My philosophy is ......If it's not RIGHT it's WRONG... I dont want anything that's not right..your cars are not right..end of

How many would by a car for 40k.with sqeaking breaks thrown in for free..........I suggest ..nobody.

You know what you've got to do................Kick ****.

ps.. Saturday,for obvious reasons would be a very good day to visit your showroom for a fracas.

Nearly 20 cases and not 1 satisfactory conclusion except JonnyG (not by Audi) btw.

Come on guys,lets put an end to all this nonsense.


The Sale of Goods Act 1979 ..states..
of satisfactory quality, and
fit for purpose – this means both their everyday purpose,

You have a cast iron case.imo............Your rights - Understanding the Sale of Goods Act - Sale of goods - Which? Consumer Rights

 

[Kohaku]

I've just purchased an RS3 from Audi Approved and the squeal can be awful at times. Can you add me to the list please. I will be speaking to my local Audi Dealer about it. I don't want to be getting someone using copperslip etc if it affects the warranty.

I expect you negotiated a very nice discount for your for the new breaking system.

Take it back tomorrow m8.it's not as it should be.