How to Change the Brakes on a 2001 VW Jetta VR6

The 2001 VW Jetta VR6 is the six-cylinder version of Volkswagen's Jetta. The VR6 is known among enthusiasts for its incredible power output and torque. However, with all of that power, a good braking system is needed. A caliper system provides maximum clamping force to stop the Jetta VR6. The VR6 is equipped with squeal tabs on the brakes that will make a loud noise when the brake pads need to be replaced. Replacement brakes are available from most auto parts stores.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Socket set
• C-clamp
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Impact wrench

Instructions

1. Jack up the Jetta VR6 on the front and rear jack points, located behind the radiator and behind the trunk, respectively. Place jack stands under the front and rear pinch welds and lower the vehicle onto the stands.

2. Remove the lug nuts on the wheels using an impact wrench and pull the wheels off the wheel hub assembly.

3. Compress the caliper piston. To do this, place the C-clamp over the caliper so that the screw end of the clamp is flat against the outboard brake pad. Then tighten the clamp until there is about a 1/2-inch gap between the caliper bracket and the back of the outboard brake pad.

4. Remove the clamp and loosen the caliper pin bolt (bottom-most bolt on the back of the caliper) and upper caliper bolt.

5. Swing the caliper up from the bottom and remove the old pads. Note the orientation of the pads.

6. Install the new brake pads with the same orientation as the old pads and close the caliper.

7. Tighten the upper caliper bolt and the pin bolt. The rest of the installation is the reverse of removal.

References

• "Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI Service Manual"; Bentley Publishers; 2005