How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a 1995 Jetta

Not every car repair requires a mechanic.

Routine maintenance of your Volkswagen Jetta will help keep it running for many, many years. Some maintenance requires you to bring the car the a qualified auto mechanic, but some maintenance you can do yourself, in your own driveway, which will save you time and money. Replacing your rear brake pads is an important yet fairly simple process that can be accomplished in a few short hours at your home.

Things You'll Need

• Jack stands
• Socket wrench
• Sockets
• Open-ended wrench
• Brake-system cleaner
• Piece of wire
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

Removing the Old Pads

1. 

   Using the right tool for the job makes the job easier.

   Using your socket wrench and an appropriately sized socket, loosen the lug bolts on the rear wheels.

2. 

   Only use a jack to raise the car, not to support it.

   Block the front wheels, to prevent the car from rolling, and raise the rear end of the car, supporting it on jack stands.

3. 

   Place a drip pan under the wheel to catch the runoff.

   Remove the wheels and clean the brakes and calipers with brake-system cleaner.

4. 

   New bolts must be installed with the new pads.

   Loosen and detach the parking-brake cable from the caliper, and loosen and remove the caliper guide-pin bolts, using an open-ended wrench. Discard the guide pins.

5. 

   Coated wire is strong yet flexible enough to hold the caliper open.

   Lift the caliper away from the brake pad and tie it into place, using the wire and the suspension strut.

6. 

   Replace the brake pads on both rear wheels at the same time.

   Remove the used brake pads from the mounting bracket and remove the anti-rattle springs from the bracket.

Install New Brake Pads

1. Clean the calipers and mounting brackets with brake-system cleaner.

2. Retract the piston entirely into the caliper by turning it clockwise. This will make the brake fluid in the master-cylinder reservoir rise, but should not cause it to overflow unless it is too full, in which case it will need to be siphoned off.

3. Replace the anti-rattle springs onto the caliper-mounting brackets, and install each pad with the friction material facing the brake disc.

4. Slide the calipers back into position over the pads and thread the guide-pins back into place.

5. 

   Replace the tires and you are ready to ride off into the sunset.

   Restore the pressure in the brake line by repeatedly pumping the brake pedal, then reconnect the emergency brake and replace the tires.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to siphon off brake fluid, do not do it by mouth, as brake fluid is poisonous.

• If there is unusual or uneven wear on the brake pads you should have a mechanic diagnose the underlying cause before replacing the brake pads.

References

• Cockeyed: Easy, Illustrated Instructions on How to Change Brake Pads