How to Replace a 2007 VW Jetta 2.5 Rear Brake Pad

In 2005, Volkswagen gave the Jetta a significant makeover, eliminating the Jetta's simple styling, which had been its mainstay since its release in 1980, and introducing a modern and sporty design. The 2007 model year was a down year for the Jetta, as Volkswagen had to eliminate the 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engine from its lineup -- a popular option for fuel economy-conscience buyers -- due to emission regulations. Replacing the rear brake pads on the 2007 Jetta 2.5 is not much different than for most other cars, with exception to the types of bolts used.

Instructions

1

Open the Jetta's hood, and unscrew the cap from the master cylinder reservoir. Siphon out about half of the fluid from the master cylinder reservoir, using a clean turkey baster. Transfer this fluid to a small container.

2

Loosen the wheel bolts on the rear wheels, using a ratchet and socket. Raise the rear of the Jetta of the ground, using a floor jack, and position jack stands under the rear suspension. Lower the Jetta onto the jack stands. Remove the wheel bolts, and pull the rear wheels off the vehicle.

3

Remove the two caliper bolts, using a ratchet and socket, while holding the caliper pin -- the sleeve that the caliper bolt screws into -- from turning with a combination wrench. Pull the caliper off the caliper bracket, and hang it from a nearby suspension component, using a bungee strap.

4

Pull the brake pads from the caliper bracket, and pull the anti-rattle clips -- the thin metal shims above and below the brake pads -- from the caliper bracket.

5

Remove the two caliper bracket bolts, using a ratchet and Torx-bit socket, and pull the caliper bracket off the rear hub. Remove the two screws securing the rotor to the hub, using a ratchet and hex-bit socket. Pull the brake rotor off the hub.

6

Inspect the rotor for visual defects, including cracks, hot spots, ground areas and deep grooves. If defects exist, replace the rotor with a new one.

7

Line the bolt holes in the rotor up with the bolt holes in the hub, and press the rotor onto the hub's center ring until it contacts the hub. Hand-tighten the rotor-retaining screws, then tighten them with a ratchet and hex-bit socket.

8

Set the caliper bracket back onto the Volkswagen's hub, and hand-tighten the bracket's retaining bolts. Tighten the bracket-retaining bolts to 66 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and Torx socket.

9

Install new anti-rattle clips -- included with the brake pads -- onto the upper and lower parts of the caliper bracket. These clips can only fit in one direction to prevent incorrect installation. Slide new brake pads into the caliper bracket.

10

Twist the caliper piston clockwise as you press it inward, using a caliper piston tool. This process varies greatly, depending on the type of tool uses, so refer to the tool's instructions for specifics.

11

Set the caliper on the caliper bracket, and hand-tighten the caliper bolts into place. Tighten the caliper bolts to 26 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket to turn the bolt, while holding the caliper pin still with a combination wrench.

12

Repeat Steps 3 through 11 to replace the brake pads and rotor, if needed, on the other side of the Jetta.

13

Reinstall the rear wheels onto the Jetta's hub, and hand-tighten the wheel bolts. Raise the rear of the Jetta off the jack stands, using a floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the rear of the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts 80 foot-pounds, in a crisscrossing pattern, using a torque wrench and socket.

14

Press and release the brake pedal repeatedly until it feels firm. Check the level of the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir, and add DOT 4 brake fluid until the level reaches the "Max" line.

15

Take the old brake fluid in the small container to a used-auto-fluid recycling center for disposal. Some auto parts stores take this old fluid free of charge.