Guys,

I have finally managed to find out if anything was done to my car, regarding the wet weather brake fade. The answer is: nothing was done. It didn't rain when the car was at the dealers so the problem couldn't be reproduced.

Also, AUDI (UK) deny that this problem exists on the A3, A4 - yes, A3 - no. So there is nothing in the technical briefings, nothing in the service manuals, to fix the problem on the A3. So the dealer can't fix the problem, if it doesn't exist!! Arrrggh!!

So, what it basically boils down to is this: because not enough A3 owners have reported this problem directly to AUDI (UK), it isn't listed as a problem. If we want to get this dangerous problem sorted, we've all got to right to AUDI (UK).

Therefore if you've got an A3/S3 and you want this problem fixed, WRITE TO AUDI.

This is not just a request to UK people, everyone from Europe write and report this problem!

Come on lets get together on this one!

Regards,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

Was just at my dealer this morning regards this problem, no helpful info however, they want to check out the brakes - and of course they will be normal. Again, denied all knowledge of a problem.

Have you got Audi UK email or something handy?

David

David,

Don't have any e-mails for them I'm afraid, but here is the address...

Audi (UK)
PO BOX 400
Walsall
West Midlands
WS5 4XX
United Kingdom

I take it you are going to write. Thanks for your support. As I say, if we all get together on this, we might get some action.

Cheers,

Alan.

Al B,
Could you let me have the details when your brake problem occurs, ie speed, heavy or light rain ?.
I own a 1.8 A3 (Ebony black) and would like to see if my car suffers like yours, only I'd rather find out when I'm looking rather than get caught out. My vehicle is only used on short journeys, with very little motorway useage, but it is the main family car, therefore safety is paramount.
If it does have the same problem, I have e-mail addresses of people at my dealership (whites in camberley) who will certainly be hearing from me.

In moderate to heavy rain, enough for there to be good spray on the road, after say 5-10 minutes of driving on the motorway, dual carriageway (basically prolonged period without using brakes) when you step on the middle pedal there is a big delay before serious braking power occurs. Full braking power is attainable but it is the sattellite delay that is the problem. Braking again shortly after such an episode is entirely normal - it is just after a prolonged period of not using the brakes. It is as if the brake pads have become saturated with water and it is taking a second or two to burn off. Dry performance is 100%.

Imagine an emergency situation on a wet motorway - this delay could be the difference between sweaty palm and goodness knows what.

It is also interesting to hear that you have not noticed the problem - I did not realise this existed until it was pointed out to me here - It takes an emergency type scenario to reveal the full extent.

Sorry to Al, I know this post was addressed to him specifically and he is normally quick to the reply - I was just passing and thought I'd fill you in - sure he won't mind!!

Regards

David `00A31.8TS Silver

Hi,

Firstly, the best place to reproduce this problem is on a motorway, at night, when there is no traffic about.

Secondly, the weather has got to be really wet, as does the motorway surface. I find drizzling rain, lots of surface spray is best. Unfortunately, the prime conditions are when the weather is like that, AND when there are other cars and lorries about, causing more spray.

Drive for a mile or two at 70mph, check no one is behind you, and then firmly apply the brake pedal. Remembering to have a firm grip of the steering wheel, as the car can pull to one side slightly. Don't come to a complete stop, that would be illegal, just scrub off 10mph or so. Another safety point, don't do this through large pools of water - I don't want anyone Aquaplaning (spelling ?) and going out of control!!

You should find that the brakes don't bite immediately. I find there is a pause of at least 1 or 2 seconds before the brakes do anything! And I can confirm this still happens on my car.

Hope this helps, please take care.

Regards,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

All my driving is stop, start and short runs, and I haven't yet come across this problem but it sounds to me a bit like a brake pad compound problem, I believe racing compound pads have a similar problem where you need to initially get some heat into them before they bite, but when hot they don't fade as much, I had some similar problem with mintex pads on a 205GTI but braking performance when hot far exceeded the standard pads.
John '99 A31.8T Volcano Black

The spray probably cools the pads/disks, as well as coating the disk with water. The combination of the two obviously causes the problem.

Just noticed the colour of your car - nice. I bet it looks good. How about a pic? :)

Alan
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver