How to Replace the Front Brakes on a 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg

The 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg was a special edition model powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged motor. The 2001 Jetta is the fourth edition (MKIV) of this model and carried on the tradition of German engineering and great styling wrapped in practical, fun-to-drive package. The front brakes on the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition are the same as the standard Jetta and are easy to replace when the time comes.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• 7-mm allen wrenches
• Socket set and ratchet
• T30 Torx bit
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts for the front wheels with a lug wrench. Raise the car with a floor jack and lower it securely onto jack stands. Finish removing the wheels and set them aside.

2. Spray brake cleaner onto the brake components and nearby components and wipe everything down thoroughly with a rag.

3. Remove the anti-rattle spring on the caliper with the pliers. Remove the two bolts that hold the caliper to caliper carrier with an allen wrench. Remove the caliper carrier with a socket. Slide the caliper off of the rotor. Tie the caliper to a nearby suspension piece or support it with a box so that there is no weight on the brake line, which could potentially damage it.

4. Remove the set screw that holds the rotor in position on the hub with a T30 Torx (star-shaped) bit. Pull the rotor straight off of the hub. You may need to tap it from the back with a rubber mallet if it is frozen on from dirt and moisture.

5. Spray the new rotor and the hub where the rotor mounts with brake cleaner and wipe it off with a clean rag. Slide the new rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the set screw and tighten it.

6. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper. Open the brake fluid reservoir (located in the engine bay). Place the C-clamp over the piston and compress the piston into the caliper until there is enough room for the brake pads to slide over the rotor.

7. Install the new pads in the caliper. Reinstall the caliper carrier and the caliper in the reverse of removal.

8. Slide the caliper over the rotor. Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them. Reinstall the anti-rattle spring with the pliers. Repeat the above steps for the other side of the car.

9. Reinstall the wheels. Lower the car to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern with the lug nuts. Pump the brake pedal until the pedal feels firm.

References

• VW Vortex: VW Jetta MKIV Brake Replacement