Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2001 Audi A4

I was chasing a brake squeal. When I removed the front pads on our Audi A4, (2001), three of the four pads were not attached to their backing plates. These were the original ate pads; the car has traveled about 38000 miles.

Front brake failure. Out of four pad/shoes, 3 pads physically separated off of their respectivie shoes. One of the three actually came out during driving. When this occured, I temporarily lost braking ability as the brake pedal went to the floor without providing any decelaration. Car needed to be towed to the dealership as it became usafe to drive. The remaining pad/shoe that was not separated was in reaonable condition measuring 7. 7mm (out of 10mm). The two remaining separated pads are chipped showing major delamination and major degredation. Remaining pads & shoes have been saved. Brake pads/shoes & rotors were replaced by ira Audi 97 andover street danvers, MA 978-739-8806 this appears to be a catastrophic product failure once the pad lets loose completely. Events leading up to failure: about a week before, I was hearing a thunk sound when the car would change from reverse to forward motion. This occured only after the vehicle was sitting overnight.

Front brake pads separated from their backing plates.

While braking at any speed consumer heard a squeaking noise. Mechanic determined that the front/rear brake pads fell off.

In wet conditions, the braking ability of this car is reduced. When first applying the brakes, there is a delay before full braking power is available. The theory is that water is being splashed onto the rotors and must be cleared before the pads can achieve full contact.

Braking system does not initially apply any meaningful stopping power when driving in wet conditions. This results in a 1-2 second delay in actual slowing when applying brakes in the wet. This situation has occurred with both stock and aftermarket wheels and brake pads and light as well as heavy wet conditions, and at all speeds.