At Meta Mechanics, we specialize in keeping your high-performance Audi RS4 running at its best, and that includes ensuring your brake system is in top shape. One often overlooked aspect of brake maintenance is brake fluid (also referred to as brake oil). Over time, brake fluid can degrade, absorb moisture, and lose its effectiveness, which can compromise your ability to stop safely. Recently, we performed a brake fluid change on an Audi RS4, and we’d like to share the details of our service and what we discovered during the process.
What We Found and the Solutions We Provided
1. Brake Fluid Contamination
Problem: Upon inspecting the Audi RS4’s brake fluid, we found that it had absorbed moisture and was showing signs of contamination. Brake fluid contamination is a common issue, especially in older vehicles or those that have not had regular brake fluid changes.
Solution: As part of our service, we flushed the old brake fluid and replaced it with fresh, high-quality DOT fluid (or as per Audi’s specifications). We made sure to remove any moisture and air bubbles from the system during the flush, ensuring optimal brake fluid performance.
2. Old Brake Fluid Reducing Performance
Problem: The old brake fluid was starting to lose its viscosity and effectiveness, which could cause reduced braking efficiency, especially under high-stress conditions such as heavy braking or on mountain roads. This was evident during our diagnostic tests, where the brake response felt sluggish.
Solution: After replacing the fluid, we conducted thorough brake system testing to ensure that the new fluid was properly distributed throughout the system and the brakes were responding with the expected force. The new fluid ensured consistent hydraulic pressure and reliable braking performance.
3. Moisture and Corrosion Concerns
Problem: The moisture in the old fluid had the potential to cause corrosion in critical braking components like the brake master cylinder, calipers, and brake lines. While no immediate damage was found, it’s crucial to prevent long-term issues.
Solution: By flushing and replacing the brake fluid, we removed the moisture from the system, reducing the risk of corrosion and extending the life of the brake system. We also inspected the brake lines and calipers for any signs of wear or corrosion, and everything was found to be in good condition.
4. Brake Fluid Level Check
Problem: The brake fluid was slightly low, which can affect the braking response and lead to air entering the brake lines. Low brake fluid levels are often a sign of an underlying issue, such as a leak in the system.
Solution: We topped off the fluid to the appropriate level and performed a full inspection of the brake lines and master cylinder. There were no leaks detected, and we ensured that the fluid was at the proper level for optimal braking performance.
Audi RS4 Inspection of Brake Fluid Level and Condition
Audi RS4 Check for Fluid Contamination (water, dirt, air bubbles)
Audi RS4 Removal of Old Brake Fluid
Audi RS4 Flushing of the Brake Fluid System (if necessary)
Audi RS4 Refill with New, Manufacturer-Specified Brake Fluid
Audi RS4 Bleeding the Brake Lines to Remove Air
Audi RS4 Inspection of Brake System for Leaks
Audi RS4 Test of Brake Pedal Feel and Response
Audi RS4 Check and Top-Up of Fluid Reservoir
Audi RS4 Final Brake Performance Test
