How to Remove Brake Rotors on a 2005 VW Passat

Whenever you change the brake pads on your Volkswagen, you need to either turn the stock rotors or replace them. Otherwise, the new pads won't get as much grip on the rotors as they should, decreasing the braking power of the vehicle. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2005 Volkswagen Passat, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.

Instructions

1

Raise up the front of the vehicle using the jack and set it on jack stands. Make sure that the vehicle is solidly on the stands before crawling underneath it. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and set them out of the workspace.

2

Unbolt the brake caliper from the pad carrier bracket using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the caliper off of the rotor and support it on a jack stand or some other object so that the brake line has zero tension on it. Otherwise, the line could get damaged.

3

Unbolt the top bolt on the pad carrier bracket using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then unbolt the bottom bolt on the bracket with one hand while holding the rotor steady with the other. Lift the pad carrier bracket and the rotor off of the steering knuckle at the same time.