Q8 Brake Job / parts, procedure questions

[JWack]

Hi, all

New to the family is a '19 Q8 PP. I'm having a hard time finding information. Most of the info I can find is for SQ8s or RSQ8s , which I suppose makes sense as those buyers are probably more enthusiast than the standard Q8 buyer and more active online. Dealer claimed it would need brakes 'soon.' Rather vague but they've begun to get quite squeaky, though only when cold. After the first couple brakes they're quiet again. Searching is difficult because forums group Q8 and Q7 into the same forum, and they're is a very small ratio of Q8 posts compared to Q7. And "Q8" is too short a search term so its not included in the search. Same with tags, minimum is 3 characters.

I'm looking for some definitive answers on a few things:
-I've seen one or two posts claiming the brake setup is identical between a Q7 and Q8. Is this true? A lot of parts sites don't have Q8 as an option to select. If it is true it'll make searching for both advice on the job and the parts much easier.
-Audi claims I must replace rotors and pads at the same time as the rotors are not made to last for more than 1 pad cycle. Is this true? If not, can I use a caliper to measure the thickness and determine whether they're still good? And in so, what is the spec?
-I've seen a couple posts referencing the pad sensor (?) or similar part, and suggesting its cheap enough, and they're fragile enough, that they're worth swapping when doing the brake job. Anyone wish to agree with that assessment?
-For anyone who has done this job on a Q8, can you please recommend parts you used and how the job was?

Any info is helpful. Thank you!

[captain_video]

I did the brakes on my 2014 Q7 and it was the easiest brake job I've ever done. It's still got the original rotors so I think your dealer is just trying to gouge you. It's easy enough to check the thickness of the rotors to see if they warrant replacement. I haven't replaced mine so I can't attest to the level of difficulty. It's been several years since I did it so I'll try and recall the process from memory. If you look at the top of the rotor there should be a pin that runs through the outer caliper frame, then the brake pads and out through the inner caliper frame and held in place with a clip. Remove the clip, pull out the pin and then just lift out the brake pads. I believe there may also be a spring that gets installed along with the holding pin. I don't recall if there were sensors attached but I think there were. They just unclip from the pad(s) and are plugged into a connector attached to the spindle, IIRC. They're not all that expensive and should be replaced along with the pads.

The only caveat is that my Q7 has a standard emergency brake and not an electronic one. If yours is electronic then you may need to use VCDS with a laptop to release the brake motors, although that may only be necessary if you're removing the calipers to replace the rotors. You can find out how to do that on the Ross-Tech website in their knowledge base. Otherwise it shouldn't be a problem if only replacing the pads.