How to Change the Brakes on a 2001 VW Jetta

Changing the brakes on the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta is an important part of the vehicle's general maintenance. The brakes are comprised of components that work in concert to provide the control and vehicle safety upon which Volkswagen owners rely. The three main parts of the brake system are the brake pads, the the brake rotor and the brake lines. Changing the brakes means replacing the brake pads and the rotors. You can choose to have the replacements performed by a mechanic or you can do this work yourself and save the cost of labor.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench (or 17 mm socket and breaker bar)
• Lifting jack
• Jack stands
• 13 mm socket
• 15 mm socket
• Ratchet
• Rotor
• Brake pads
• Chain lubricant (optional)
• Brake parts cleaner
• Towel
• Caliper piston tool

Instructions

1. Park the Jetta on a flat surface and place the transmission in "Park" (for automatic transmissions).

2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel corresponding to the brake(s) you intend to change. Use the lug wrench included in the Volkswagen wheel maintenance kit or a 17 mm socket and breaker bar.

3. Lift the Jetta with the lifting jack and place jack stands beneath the frame of the vehicle. The tires on the Jetta should be at least two inches clear of the ground.

4. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel(s) from the wheel bolts.

5. Remove the two caliper slide bolts with a 13 mm wrench or socket and ratchet. The caliper bolts are located on the back side of the caliper.

6. Pull the caliper away from the caliper bracket still connected to the brake rotor. Rest the caliper on an idle jack stand or on the steering arm above the brake assembly to avoid stressing the connection between the brake line and the caliper.

7. Remove the old brake pads from the two slots on either side of the caliper bracket. Slide the pads slide off the bracket, by hand.

8. Remove the bolts on the back side of the caliper bracket with a 15 mm socket and ratchet. Remove the bracket from the rotor, by hand.

9. Grab the rotor on either side of the disc and pull it straight out from the wheel bolts. Use chain lubricant to break the bond of rust, if the rotor is stuck to the wheel bolts or to the steering knuckle.

10. Spray the new rotor with brake parts cleaner and wipe the packing oil from the entire rotor.

11. Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts. Slide the disc onto the bolts until the back side is flush with the steering knuckle behind it.

12. Replace the caliper bracket to the new rotor and screw on the 15 mm bolts.

13. Place the new brake pads into the slots of the bracket on both sides of the rotor.

14. Place the caliper piston separator tool on the caliper. The flat part of the tool should rest against the forward-most side of the caliper, while the separator should fit into the round surface of the piston itself.

15. Turn the handle at the end of the tool clockwise to turn the caliper; force it into the side of the caliper. Once the caliper piston is fully opened, turn the tool's handle counter-clockwise to relieve tension. Remove the tool from the caliper.

16. Place the caliper around the brake pads in the caliper bracket. Replace the caliper bolts with the 13 mm socket and ratchet.

17. Place the wheel(s) back onto the Jetta's wheel bolts. Screw on the lug nuts by hand.

18. Lift the vehicle to remove the jack stands. Lower the Jetta's tires to the ground with the jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the 17 mm socket and breaker bar or lug wrench.

19. Press the brake pedal repeatedly to return the caliper piston to its proper position against the brake pads. The pedal response will stiffen indicating that the piston is positioned properly within the caliper.

20. Pull the hood release lever under the vehicle's dashboard to open the hood. Remove the master cylinder cap, located on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the windshield. Fill the reservoir with Volkswagen brake fluid (DOT-3 rating), as needed.

References

• VW Golf, GTI, & Jetta Auto Repair Manual, 1999-2005; Haynes, 2005
• 2 Car Pros: How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors