How to Change the Brake Pads on a VW Passat

After sales on the rear-engine VW Beetle began to decline in 1973 and the acquisition of Audi, VW Motors designed the front water-cooled engine VW Passat. Available in 1974, the Passat has endured six generational redesigns and is still available on the market today. The Passat has always used front disc brakes and now is also available in rear disc brakes.

Instructions

1

Refer to the repair manual for your VW Passat. Since the vehicle has endured 35 years and six generations, there are different procedures to remove and replace front or rear brake pads. While the concept remains somewhat standardized, there may be important alternative procedures for successfully installing the pads on your year Passat.

2

Open the hood and siphon one-third of the brake fluid from the master cylinder and then discard the fluid. Resecure the master cylinder cap.

3

Remove the hubcaps if applicable. Loosen the lug studs using the breaker bar with a 17 mm socket. Lift the Passat with a floor jack and position the jack stands under the frame rails to support it. Remove the lug studs and then remove the wheels.

4

Remove the bottom caliper bolt with a wrench. Most Passats will require you to hold the guide pin in place with an open-end wrench while removing the carrier bolt.

5

Pivot the caliper upward and use mechanic's wire to support it to the suspension coil spring.

6

Remove the old pads from the caliper bracket by pulling them straight out. Place an old pad onto the caliper piston and retract the caliper piston into the bore using a large C-clamp and slowly tightening. Some older Passats may require a screw-in caliper tool set to compress the piston. Refer to the repair manual for the specific caliper type you have before attempting to squeeze in the piston.

7

Inspect the surface of the rotors to determine if they should be replaced. The presence of scoring, grooves or rust on the plate surface of the rotor should suggest the replacement of them.

8

Clean the surface of the rattle plates with a small wire-bristled brush and then apply a light coat of anti-seize compound in the pad seats of the clips. Install the new pads.

9

Remove the mechanic's wire and then reposition the caliper over the pads and rotor. Apply a light coat of thread lock-tight compound on the threads of the lower caliper bolt, align the bolt into the guide pin and then tighten the bolt while holding the guide-pin in place with a wrench.