Measuring Disc Brake Pad Thickness
Disc brake pads on the front wheels are large enough to last up to 50,000 km. Nevertheless, do not neglect regular visual inspection:
PROCEDURE
The minimum pad thickness, excluding the backing plate, must be 2 mm. The backing plate itself, that is, the metal plate to which the friction material is bonded, is about 5 mm thick.
For a quick check, with the wheel cover removed, shine a lamp through the opening in the wheel and assess the lining thickness.
A more accurate check is performed with the wheel removed. Place a ruler against the pad and measure as shown in the upper illustration. Do not forget to inspect the friction lining on the inner side!

Measuring Front Brake Pad Thickness:
1 – lining material;
2 – metal backing plate.
Test yourself
A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.