How to Get the Brake Rotors Off a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX

The brake rotors on a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX are stand-alone rotors attached to a separate hub. The minimum thickness allowable on the rotor is 20 mm when measured with a micrometer. Subtract .030 from the present thickness to allow for machining, and if the result is higher than the minimum stamped on the rotor hub, the rotor can be saved. DOT 4 brake fluid must be used in the Jetta GLX. This not a difficult process and can be done easily with some simple tools. It is advisable that the brake pads be replaced as well when installing new rotors. Used brake pads have acquired a wear pattern from the old rotors and will quickly transfer this pattern to the new rotors diminishing their service life.

Instructions

1

Use the 27 mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Do not attempt to remove them; just loosen them so they are easier to remove when the tire is elevated. Raise the car at the proper jack points on the side of the car. Place jack stands under the sub-frame. Lower the car so it rests on the stands. Remove the lug nuts and the wheels.

2

Remove the two slider bolts securing the caliper to the mounting bracket, using a 13 and 15 mm wrench. Place the 15 mm on the inside nut to keep it from moving and with the 13 mm wrench remove the two bolts from the rear of the caliper.

3

Open the bleeder screw using a wrench. Lift the caliper off the rotor. Pull one of the brake pads out of the caliper support bracket and place it in the caliper. Pinch the brake pad with the large adjustable pliers to push the caliper pistons into their bores. Close the bleeder screw and tighten it to 12 foot-pounds only. Hang the caliper on the spring with a suitable piece of wire or rope. Remove the two bolts securing the caliper-mounting bracket to the knuckle using a socket.

4

Remove the single Phillips bolt in the hub area of the rotor using the impact driver. If the single bolt offers resistance, hit the impact driver with a hammer to break it loose. Strike the rotor hub several times just above the wheel studs. Pull the rotor off the hub.

5

Install the new rotor on the hub and tighten the Phillips screw that secures the rotor to the hub. Install the caliper-mounting bracket and tighten the two bolts to 80 foot-pounds of torque.

6

Install the brake pads into their slots in the caliper-mounting bracket. Lower the caliper over the rotor. Install the two bolts securing the caliper to the mounting bracket using the 15 and 13 mm wrenches. Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts just to the point they are all in contact with the wheel.

7

Lower the car. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with DOT 4 brake fluid until it reaches the full mark as seen through the plastic bottle. Replace the cap on the reservoir. Start the car and pump the brake pedal slowly for 10 times to adjust the brakes before attempting to move the car.