How to Change VW Break Pads

Volkswagen vehicles may come equipped with either disc or drum style brakes. For models that are equipped with disc style brakes, there are components of the braking system known as brake pads. The brake pads are what come in contact with the brake rotors, also known as brake discs, when the brake pedal is pressed. After having been used, the brake pads will eventually wear down and begin to squeal, if they are equipped with a wear indicator. The brake pads must be changed once they have worn down too much.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle. Apply the parking brake and place the car jack at either the vehicle's specified jack-point, or on a solid part of the frame. Use the car jack to raise the vehicle high enough so that the wheels can be removed. Place wheel chocks underneath the wheels which are still on the ground. Place jack stands underneath the vehicle, on a solid part of the frame, then lower the vehicle so that it is resting on the jack stands.

2

Remove the wheel. Use the torque wrench and socket set to remove the lug nuts, which hold the wheel in place.

3

Remove the old brake pads. Hold the lower guide pin with the open wrench, and use the torque wrench and the socket set to remove the bolt which connects the lower guide pin to the brake caliper. Pivot the brake caliper up, to gain access to the brake pads. Slide the old brake pads out.

4

Install the new brake pads. Put one of the old brake pads against the piston and use the C-clamp to push the piston in, so that there will be room for the new brake pad. Put on the safety glasses and check the brake fluid reservoir underneath the hood to monitor the brake fluid level. If the brake fluid level becomes too high, you will need to use the siphon to remove some brake fluid before the piston can be pushed in.

5

Apply brake lubricant to the backs of the new brake pads. Slide the new brake pads in to place. Pivot the brake caliper down, and either install new bolts, or clean off the old bolts and apply a thread-locking compound to them. Refer to the vehicle repair manual, and use the torque wrench and socket set to tighten the bolts to the correct torque specification.

6

Put the wheels back on. Put the wheels in place, and use the torque wrench and socket set to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification. Use the car jack to raise the vehicle, then remove the jack stands and wheel chocks. Slowly lower the vehicle completely. Pump the brake pedal until it becomes firm. If you had to remove any brake fluid, fill up the brake reservoir to the correct level, using the correct type of new brake fluid.