RS3 Brake Pedal Vibration Points to Worn Pads

Had similar symptoms on my 2018 S3 last winter. The spongy brake pedal and vibration often point to multiple brake system issues, not just worn brake pads. In my case, the disc brakes needed complete service. The brake calipers were sticking due to corrosion, and the brake rotors showed uneven wear patterns. The original brake pads were completely worn down to metal, which started damaging the rotors. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. When brake calipers stick, they can cause uneven pressure distribution, leading to longer stopping distances and potential safety risks. The vibration you feel through the pedal typically indicates warped brake rotors. At 88k km on original brake pads, you are well overdue for replacement. Factory brake pads on these performance models typically need replacement around 50k km. Waiting too long can lead to more extensive damage to other brake components. Would strongly recommend getting both front and rear brake systems inspected. When brake calipers start showing these symptoms, its often more cost-effective to address everything at once rather than making repeated shop visits.

Thanks for the detailed response. Your brake system issues sound very similar to mine. The shop just finished the repairs on my RS3 last week. They found the brake calipers were indeed sticking and the brake rotors needed replacement due to scoring. Better to fix it all at once than risk more damage. Did you recall roughly what the total repair cost was? Also curious if youve had any other brake fluid or brake-related problems since getting it fixed?

Thanks for the follow-up. Since getting my hydraulic brakes system fully serviced, the car has been running perfectly, no more squeaky brakes or vibrations. The sticking brake calipers were definitely the root cause. The total repair came to 240 Euro which included fixing an undervoltage issue they discovered during diagnostics. The metal brakes and brake shoes were all in much better shape than expected, so that helped keep costs down. If the rotors had been more damaged, it would have been significantly more expensive. Its been about 8 months since the repair and no brake-related issues at all. The pedal feel is firm again and the disc brakes are working exactly as they should. Just make sure to stay on top of regular brake fluid changes going forward, its cheap insurance against future problems. Regular maintenance really is key with these performance brake systems. When brake components start showing wear, addressing it early prevents those small issues from becoming major repairs.

Got it sorted finally! After reading your response, I took my RS3 to a reputable shop last week. They confirmed exactly what you mentioned, sticking brake calipers and scored rotors. Total bill came to 1450 Euro for new brake pads, rotors, caliper service, and fresh brake fluid. The brake pedal feels rock solid now, no more vibration or sponginess. The mechanic showed me the old brake pads which were completely worn down. They also found some corrosion in the brake calipers that was causing the sticking. The repair took longer than expected because they had to order specific parts for the brake system, but its clearly worth the wait. The car stops way better now and feels much safer. Going to keep up with regular brake maintenance from here on, learned my lesson about waiting too long between services.