How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes in a VW Passat

The Volkswagen Passat has disc or drum brakes in the rear of the car. Disc brakes are easier to replace than drum brakes and are well known for their efficient stopping power. If your Passat has disc brakes in the rear read further to learn how to replace them in a couple of hours or less.

Things You'll Need

• Car jacks
• 4 Jack stands
• Torque wrench
• Wrench
• New brake pads
• Thread locking compound

Instructions

1. Raise the Passat off the ground with a car jack. Support it on all side with jack stands. Keep children out of the vicinity when you replace the rear disc brakes.

2. Remove the rear wheels by loosening the lug nuts with a torque wrench. Set the wheel assemblies on the ground, face up, to prevent damage to them.

3. Disconnect the parking brake cable by removing the cable clip from the caliper. Secure the guide pin with a wrench and take out the upper brake caliper mounting bolt. Rotate the caliper downwards and take out the old brake pads.

4. Rotate the caliper piston clockwise and compress it in to the housing. Attach the new brake pads to the pad carrier.

5. Fasten the caliper to the pad carrier. Apply a thread locking compound to the upper caliper mounting bolt or use a self-locking bolt. Torque the bolt to 271 ft. lb.

6. Reattach the parking brake cable to the caliper. Verify that the parking brake cable operates properly.

7. Replace the wheel assembly. Lower the Passat to the ground and pump the brakes to seat the pistons after you replace the brakes.