How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a VW Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has been an enduringly popular car in the U.S. ever since it was introduced. The Golf combines simple German styling with the practicality of a hatchback. As in all cars, the Golf's rear brake pads should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary. With the proper tools, this is a job that can be done by the owner.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Socket set and ratchet
- Pliers
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
- New brake pads
- Brake fluid
- VW brake-caliper tool
- Siphon
- Drain pan
Instructions
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1
Use a tire iron to loosen the lug nuts for the rear wheels. You can also use a socket and a ratchet to loosen the lug nuts. Place a floor jack under the car and raise the rear end. Lower it onto a pair of jack stands on either side of the car. Finish removing the wheels and set them aside.
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2
Remove the two large brake-caliper bolts, located on the top and bottom of the caliper facing the wheel well. Use the appropriately sized socket to remove these.
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3
Remove the brake-pad spring clips on the caliper with a pair of pliers. Slide the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a piece of wire tied to a nearby suspension piece so that the caliper is not dragging on the soft brake line.
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4
Remove the inner and outer brake pads. Spray brake cleaner on the caliper, the rotor and any nearby components. Depending on the year of Golf that you have, there may be a brake-wear sensor wire that also needs to be disconnected.
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5
Open the brake-fluid reservoir, which is located in the engine bay. Remove about one-half inch or so of brake fluid with a siphon. Move back to the brake caliper. Place the VW caliper piston-retracting tool onto the piston. Turn the tool so that it turns and compresses the piston into the caliper.
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6
Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper in the same orientation as the old ones, ensuring that they are facing the correct direction. Slide the caliper over the rotor and reinstall and tighten the caliper bolts. Install the caliper spring clips. Repeat the above steps for the opposite side of the vehicle.
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7
Replace the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Fill the brake-fluid reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Reinstall the lid. Pump the brake pedal until the brake pedal feels solid again.
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