How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 1997 VW Jetta

Remove the calipers to access the brake pads.

Replacing the brake pads on your 1997 Volkswagen Jetta is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Worn brake pads will negatively impact the performance of the Jetta's brake system, to be sure; but prolonged neglect of worn brake pads will also lead damaged brake rotors. The brake pad wear indicators dig into the surface of the rotor to alert the driver that the pads need replacement. Allowing the indicators to scrape at the surface of the rotors will score the surface of the disc, which will lead to premature brake pad wear.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench or 17 mm socket and breaker bar
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 13 mm socket
• Ratchet
• Brake pads
• C-clamp

Instructions

1. Park the Jetta on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with the brake pads you need to replace. Use a lug wrench (17 mm) or tire iron to loosen the lugs.

3. Place the Jetta's lifting jack under the frame near the wheel. Lift the vehicle and support it with jack stands. You can perform the brake pad replacement with the Jetta supported by the jack, but jack stands will provide a safer platform of support while you work.

4. Remove the lug nuts and slide the wheels off of the wheel bolts.

5. Turn the wheel (front wheels only) to access the bolts on the back side of the brake caliper.

6. Remove the caliper bolts with the 13 mm socket and ratchet. The two bolts are located at the top and bottom of the caliper's inward side. Remove the caliper from the caliper bridge and prop it onto the steering arm above the brake assembly.

7. Slide the worn brake pads from the caliper bridge. The bridge holds the brake pads in place on both sides of the rotor.

8. Place the new brake pads into the slots on both sides of the Volkswagen's rotor.

9. Place an old brake pad against the caliper piston. The piston is the metal ring with the rubber sleeve surrounding it and extends from one side of the caliper.

10. Place the C-clamp onto the old pad (against the piston) and the outside of the caliper. Screw in the C-clamp to force the old pad against the piston. The piston will sink into the side of the caliper to make room for the bulkier new brake pads. Remove the C-clamp and old brake pad.

11. Return the caliper to the caliper bridge. The caliper will fit around the new pads.

12. Replace the caliper bolts and screw them in with the 13 mm socket and ratchet.

13. Turn the wheel so that the wheel bolts are perpendicular to the side of the Jetta. Replace the wheel onto the bolts and screw on the lug nuts.

14. Remove the jack stands and lower the Jetta to the ground. Use the 17 mm lug wrench to tighten the lugs.

15. Press the brake pedal until the pedal response returns to normal. Depressing the brake pedal will move the caliper piston back into place against the new pads.

References

• "VW Golf & Jetta Auto Repair Manual 1993-1998;" Haynes; 2002
• 2 Car Pros: How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors