How to Replace Front Disc Brakes in a VW Jetta

Offering luxury and power the 2002 through 2006 VW Jetta models are a wise purchase and one you're glad you made. To protect your investment you need to perform timely and scheduled maintenance on it. One form of this maintenance is to replace the front disc brakes on your VW Jetta.

Instructions

Caliper With Guide Pins

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Remove the wheel. Using an open wrench hold the lower guide pin. Remove the bolt that secures the caliper.

2. Pivot the caliper up and then suspend it from the frame using mechanic's wire. To remove the pads, slide the pads straight out.

3. Using a C-clamp, compress the caliper piston into the bore. Insert the new pads by removing the mechanics wire and pivoting the caliper back into it's place.

4. Clean the old bolt and apply thread locking compound. If the old bolt can not be used install a new bolt. Hold the guide pin using a back-up wrench when tightening the bolt. Using a torque wrench, torque the bolt to 26 foot/pounds. Install the wheels. Add oil to the master cylinder reservoir. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.

Caliper With Sleeves and Bushings

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Remove the wheel. Remove the bolt that secures the caliper to the carrier.

2. Push the caliper up and pivot the caliper bottom out of the carrier. Remove the pads and the anti-rattle springs.

3. Install the new pads by putting the anti-squeal pads onto the caliper and then sliding the new pads onto the carrier. Put the caliper top back into place. Remove the mechanics wire and push the caliper up so that it pivots back into place and the bottom.

4. Clean the caliper mounting bolts. Install the caliper mounting bolts and using a torque wrench, torque the bolts to 18 foot/pounds. Install the wheel. Add oil to the master cylinder reservoir. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Drive the vehicle at slow to moderate speeds at first to ensure that the maintenance was performed correctly.

• The parts that are needed to perform this maintenance can be purchased at your local auto parts supply store. You may need to provide the make, model and year of your vehicle, as the store employee may need this information to provide you with the correct supplies.