Hi All,
When I started this thread I had already spoken and written to Audi UK - below is a copy of some of the communications. First of all I got a fairly generic response from Martin Sander via Darren, one of the Customer Service Managers'. I quickly responded with the further communication below. Without posting the full dossier - you get the point and the picture. I have spoken with martin's office yesterday and expressed various Acts which basically show the car as being 'miss sold' and unless I receive a time and action plan next week, I will be forced to seek legal advice on rejecting the car, pursuing a full refund. I also couldn't express and convey enough how dissappointing their whole customer service and lack of communications have been.
I have been assured I will receive feedback by the middle of next week. I agreed to wait till then. I have continuously provided them with references to numerous threads on this forum - most recently this work and the fine research done by 45...
Anyway, I suggest we all now contact Audi UK and put something similar in writing.
For me personally I think once a fix has been agreed then we should have it applied to new pads and discs as my 4.5k miles on the current ones have been an unpleasant one and they should consider a free advice as a gesture of goodwill...thoughts?
Cheers.
From: "Hitchin, Darren"
Date: 29 November 2012 09:05:36 GMT
To: elton121272
Subject: RS3 Brake issue
Dear Mr Bruce,
Below is the response direct from Martin Sander (MD) office, which can also be confirmed in writing, whilst this does not resolve the issue for you right now, Audi UK are committed to resolving this asap â
Dear Mr Bruce
Audi RS3
I am writing with reference to your recent contact with Audi regarding the brake squeal on your Audi RS3.
I am sorry that this issue has become apparent on your RS3 and that the vehicle has not met your expectations.
We are currently working very closely with both our colleagues in Quality & Technical and Audi AG to understand the nature of your concern. We are undertaking a thorough investigation to identify any possible remedy that should reduce the noise experienced from the brakes.
Brake noise is caused by vibrations occurring between the brake pad and discs and is usually outside of the normal hearing range, and therefore not audible to the driver. We are aware of isolated cases with the RS3, where under specific driving conditions, noises can be heard.
When designed, a braking system must take into account a large number of factors, especially when being used on a high performance car such as the RS3. The brake pads have to work effectively through a range of temperatures and also in a hostile environment, where they are affected by external conditions such as humidity, road salt, grit and dirt contamination.
The RS3 has been designed as a high performance vehicle and as such the development focus was to produce a braking system to match. This does not mean that it was at the expense of driving comfort; however some compromises have to be considered, as not all drivers will use the vehicle under the same conditions or driving style.
Brake noise has no detrimental effect on a vehicles braking performance or the components life expectancy. It is mainly caused when the brake is applied lightly, consistently and it has been proven that occasional hard braking applications can and will reduce the possibility of brake noise occurring.
Whilst I appreciate this may not be the update you were hoping for, Please accept my personal assurance that this topic is being treated with the highest level of priority; however I regret that I am currently unable to provide you with an exact a timescale of when a solution will be available. We will make further contact with you as soon as a solution has been identified to rectify the brake squeal on your Audi RS3.
Yours sincerely
Martin Sander
Director of Audi UK
************************************
Kind Regards
Darren Hitchen
Customer Relations Manager
Audi UK Customer Services
MY RESPONSE TO ABOVE EMAIL:
Good afternoon Darren,
First of all thank you for the response.
Whilst I appreciate Audiâs perspective on a manufacturing front with regards to high performance brakes and their component parts I feel I must re-iterate and stress my case.
Rest assured I am fully aware of audible noise levels and expectations with regards high performance vehicles. Prior to owning 3 new Audiâs in the last 2 years, I have previously owned numerous performance vehicles ranging from M3âs to Mitsubishi Evoâs. Having owned each one from new I can honestly say I have never, experienced such a high decibel brake squeal like I have with the RS3. To be frank it makes the journey completely unacceptable. I treat my car with great pride and as a company director I do not feel comfortable when clients and customers are in the car and they also witness and experience such a high drone which certainly doesnât do Audi any justice.
In the last week it has got to the extent that Iâve found myself using a company âpoolâ car for certain journeys as I feel somewhat embarrassed driving with colleagues in the car, when they know I am such an enthusiast. Brakes squealing like an old bus isnât normal!
Again I appreciate the way the brakes should be worked and also the variances to driving conditions as well as outside weathering elements which can all contribute. However after having the brakes stripped and de-glazed at Glasgow Audi, to find the noise is still there as I drive from the forecourt must say something is still wrong.
On receiving your email as I returned home last night, I immediately went out to the car and took her for a spin. The noise was as ever apparent. Using my iPhone I recorded a 45 sec sample of the noise experienced from inside the cabin with the window partially down. The file is attached for your reference and experience. THE FILE ISN'T ATTACHED HERE BUT IS SIMILAR IF NOT WORSE TO THOSE ALREADY IN THIS THREAD. Iâm sure you will appreciate the increased noise levels to that of a pedestrian. If this is not able to be opened on your local desktop, please send to someone with an iPhone and you will share my experience. Alternatively advise and I will begin to prepare a fully documented visual and audible file for your benefit and progress. The RS3 is far too good a piece of machinery to have this problem.
I have experienced this noise since almost my first month of ownership, although the noise levels increased as I approached the 1-2k mark with the car now on 4.2k miles. Initially I was told it was the brakes settling and then Audi looked and witnessed this to the extent I have had 2 visits to Glasgow Audi.
I feel the car experience has been completely diluted since my purchase in March as everyone hearing this noise assumes the same as me â something is wrong, and if not from a technical experience then it sounds like I have been miss sold. So much so I feel the car should be entitled to be rejected as its certainly not normal activity or an experience anyone â and I genuinely mean anyone â would be comfortable to accept....even if it was a Pigani Zonda!! Seriously I hope the file attached is able to be listed to as I would like to hear your thoughts on it?
I have attached some previous correspondence also shared with Glasgow Audi. There are a couple of URLâs attached from the RS3 Owners Clubs forums that have a fair few owners sharing a similar experience although none Iâm sure as long or as blatant as mine. A fix which seems to be used is copper-slip which apparently lubricates the appropriate areas and those who have had this done are satisfied. Others have had pads & discs replaced.
See the following urlâs:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/rs3-forum/165951-rs3-recall-update.html
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/rs3-forum/158424-squeeky-brakes.html
A very interesting post from an RS3 owner which may be of use comments:
In my car the pads were way too tight in the calipers; I had to carefully drive out each pad, however, once coated with Copperslip I was able to easily re-fit the pads. I believe (I'm a retired automotive engineer) the calipers and pads have been assembled dry and stored before assembly to the car.
My car has now done 2200 miles and the issue has not returned.
To conclude: it's not a brake discissue, and it's not a brake pad issue, but the 'dry' assembly of the two.
Either way I would like a speedy resolve or at least short term an alternative car to drive whilst this is corrected.
I would appreciate this email being kindly passed to Martin Sander for his information.
I look forward to hearing from your soon.