First I have limited experience with Audi, as this is a friends car. I have Audi A4 and went through the experience of trying to replace the rear brake pads. I know that the pistons have to be rotated back into the calipers and I was (I think!) successful at that. Prior to replacing the pads, the brakes worked fine.
So here's the problem. On the drivers' rear wheel, I back off the piston just enough to get the new pads into the caliper, around the disk. I made no attempt to back the piston all the way into the caliper ( was that a mistake?). I did the same on the passenger side, but probably backed the piston further into the caliper on this one.
Got everything back together, pumped the brake pedal a few times ( rather hard to insure that the pads were somewhat settled ). I then backed the car down the driveway, which is VERY steep and at the bottom of the driveway applied the brakes quickly and hard, hoping to: 1) insure they were working, and 2) to adjust them ( in the same manner as american cars in the past - which may again be another error ).
At that point the car was driven about 7 miles (by the friend) and at the end of the trip, which was stop and go on california freeway, the rear brake - particularly on the driver's side, was smoking. Also noted when the car was returned, that parking brake had very limited travel ( sounds like it was overadjusted??).
I have since disassembled both rear side, backed the piston all the way in and 'gently' backed out of garage. All seems better, although there is still a slight 'burned pad smell' but that is declining with time. I think the smell is left over glazing, although braking is fine at this point. Parking brake adjustment is now okay.
I have reread the service manual ( which I have and used! ) and I see nothing about backing all the way in, nor any comment on adjusting the pads themselves. I have verified the the parking brake adjustment.
Comments - Suggestions? Does anyone know what I did wrong? ( I know I am probably asking for a large 'ration' here but other's opinions are useful!)
Steve