How to Install Brakes on a 98 Jetta VW

Good brakes are a crucial aspect of vehicle safety. Brakes slow your Jetta using the friction generated by squeezing the rotor between the brake pads. Over time, the pads, and eventually the rotor, will wear out. If you feel comfortable changing the tires, you can replace the pads on your vehicle, as long as the necessary tools are available. Although there are ways to replace the brake pads without one, using a special tool to compress the hydraulic piston during the replacement process makes the job easier. You should always replace the brakes in sets to ensure even braking.

Instructions

1

Block the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. The parking brake needs to be disengaged when replacing the rear brakes.

2

Remove the center wheel cap, using the screwdriver. Loosen the lug bolts, but do not remove them yet.

3

Jack up the vehicle until the tire leaves the ground. Place a jack stand where it will support the vehicle if the jack fails.

4

Remove the lug bolts and take the wheel off the vehicle.

5

Place the drip pan under the wheel hub and clean the area with the brake system cleaner.

6

Remove the retaining bolts from the air deflector shield to improve access when working on front tires. Disconnect the wear sensor wire, if equipped.

7

Remove the two mounting bolts from the caliper and lift the caliper away from the rotor. Use the string or wire to tie up the caliper so that it does not hang by the brake line. This will help prevent damage to the brake line, minimizing the risk of this job becoming a much more difficult one.

8

Extract the old pads and remove the anti-rattle springs. Keep track of which pad each spring came from, as the springs are not interchangeable.

9

Examine the rotor for damage. If signs of damage are present, replace the rotor or remove it and take it to a shop for turning.

10

Push the hydraulic piston all the way into the caliper housing, using the compression tool. Make sure not to damage the rubber seal around the piston. If a compression tool is not available, push back the piston using a C-clamp and a pair of channel locks. Use the C-clamp to compress the piston until it becomes difficult to compress any further, then use the channel locks to turn the piston. Repeat until the piston is fully retracted. This is the most difficult step.

11

Install the anti-rattle springs on the new brake pads; insert them into place in the caliper housing.

12

Remove the string or wire supporting the caliper; slide the caliper back into place, with the rotor between the brake pads. Install and tighten the bolts.

13

Connect the wear sensor wire and install the air deflector housing, if equipped.

14

Replace the wheel and install the lug bolts. Tighten all the lug bolts. Remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground. Finish tightening the lug bolts and replace the center cap.

15

Repeat this process on the other wheel.