How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 2006 Jetta

The Jetta is one of the most popular models that VW has ever produced, thanks to its simple but handsome styling, strong performance and German reliability. The brake pads on the Jetta should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary. Whether it’s the front or rear brakes, this is a job that can be done by a trained Volkswagen technician. It can also be done by the home mechanic with the right tools. The rear brakes in particular require a special tool that makes the job far easier.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Socket and ratchet set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake cleaner
• Rags
• Syringe or turkey baster
• C-clamp
• VW caliper tool
• New brake pads

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. Loosen the lug nuts to the Jetta's wheels with a lug wrench. Lift the car with a floor jack and lower it onto jack stands at all four corners. Remove the lug nuts and the wheels and set them out of the way.

2. Clean the front brake rotor, brake caliper and nearby components with brake cleaner and a rag. Spray the cleaner liberally onto the parts and then wipe them down with a clean rag so they are reasonably free of dirt and oil.

3. Pry off the large spring on the outside of the caliper with a flathead screwdriver. Locate the two bolts that hold the caliper on. These are located on the top and bottom of the caliper and face the wheel well. Remove the plastic caps on the bolts, and the remove the bolts with a socket and the ratchet. Remove the brake wear sensor.

4. Slide the caliper off of the rotor. Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper and the caliper bracket. Support the caliper with a piece of wire or a string tied to a nearby suspension component so there is no weight on the brake lines.

5. Open the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay. Remove about 1 inch of the brake fluid with a syringe or turkey baster so the fluid does not overflow when the brake caliper pistons are compressed. Use a C-clamp to compress the piston in the caliper. Place one pad of the C-clamp on the piston and the other on the outer part of the caliper. Tighten the clamp so the piston compresses into the caliper.

6. Install the new pads, one on the caliper carrier and on the inner side of the caliper. Slide the caliper over the rotor and install and tighten the caliper bolts. Reinstall the brake wear sensor and the brake caliper springs clips. Repeat the above steps for the other front wheel of the car.

7. Compress the pistons on the rear brake calipers with the VW caliper tool. Place the tool onto the piston. Turn the tool, which will compress and turn the caliper piston, compressing it into the caliper. The rest of the procedure is the same as Step 6.

8. Replace the wheels when all of the brakes are done. Lower the car to the ground. Fill the brake fluid reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Pump the brakes until the brake pedal feels firm again.

References

• Edmunds: How To Replace Brake Pads
• "Volkswagen Jetta Service Manual 2005, 2006 1.9L TDI, 2.0L FSI, 2.5L;" Robert Bentley; 2007

Resources

• VW/Audi Brake Caliper Tool