How to Change Brake Pads on a 2000 Jetta

The brake pads on your 2000 Volkswagen Jetta squeeze against the brake rotors to slow and eventually stop the Jetta during braking. When the brake pads become worn, the wear indicators make contact with the rotors, producing an audible alert for the driver. Brake pads that are allowed to remain in use for prolonged periods, after the wear indicators have been exposed, will damage the rotors by scoring their surface. Scored rotors will perform less efficiently and prematurely wear down new brake pads.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• 5/8-inch hex socket
• Ratchet
• Flat head screwdriver
• C-clamp
• Brake pads
• Brake grease

Instructions

1. Apply the Jetta's parking brake and put the transmission in "park."

2. Lift the vehicle with the jack and place jack stands beneath the frame to support the Jetta.

3. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheels from the wheel bolts.

4. Remove the caliper slide bolts with the 5/8-inch hex socket and ratchet.

5. Pull the caliper from the caliper bridge. Remove the worn brake pads from the caliper bridge, on either side of the rotor.

6. Squeeze the caliper piston into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp. Apply brake grease to the sides of the caliper and to the back of each of the new brake pads.

7. Place the new pads into the slots provided by the caliper bridge.

8. Return the caliper to the caliper bridge surrounding the brake pads. Replace the caliper slide bolts with the socket and ratchet.

9. Return the wheels to the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand. Remove the jack stands and lower the Jetta to the ground. Screw on the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

10. Press and hold the brake pedal three times to inject brake fluid into the caliper and return the piston to its proper position.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the brake pads from the caliper bridge if they're stuck to the rotor or the bridge. Inspect the rotor for damage and replace the rotor if it is badly scored or warped.

References

• Edmunds: How to Change Your Brake Pads
• "Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Jetta Auto Repair Manual, 1999-2005;" Haynes; 2005