How to Change the Brake Pads on a 1999 Jetta
The 1999 Volkswagen Jetta is known as the MKIV and is a member of the fourth generation of this popular sedan. The '99 Jetta offers good looks and solid performance. But as the Jetta ages, its components wear out. Parts such as tires, hoses and brakes will all need to be replaced at some point. The brake pads in particular are very important components that should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set and ratchet
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
- Screwdriver
- Brake fluid
- Brake pads
Instructions
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1
Place the vehicle on a level surface. Loosen the wheel's lug nuts with a tire iron. Lift the vehicle with a floor jack and place it on jack stands at all four corners. You can also do the front brakes and then move to the rear, lifting only the corner you are working on. Finish removing the lug nuts and the wheels.
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2
Spray brake cleaner on all of the brake components and wipe them down with a rag. Pry off the large spring clip on the outside of the caliper with a screwdriver. Pry off the plastic caps on the caliper bolts located in the top and bottom of the caliper facing the wheel well. Remove the bolts with a socket. Disconnect the wire for the brake wear sensor.
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3
Slide the brake caliper off of the rotor. Remove the inner pad from the caliper piston and the outer pad from the caliper carrier. Do not let the caliper hang on the soft brake line while you work. Support it on a platform or tie it to a nearby suspension component with a piece of wire.
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4
Open the hood. Unscrew the lid for the brake fluid reservoir. Remove about an inch of the brake fluid with a syringe. Discard the brake fluid that was removed. Place one side of the C-clamp on the piston and the other side on the caliper and compress the piston into the caliper to make room for the new, thicker pads.
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5
Install the inner pad by pressing the clip on the back of the pad into the brake piston. Install the outer pad onto the brake caliper carrier. Slide the caliper over the rotor. Install and tighten the bolts that hold on the caliper. Plug the brake wear sensor into the new pad and reinstall the spring clip with a pair of pliers.
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6
Repeat the process above the other corners of the car. Fill the brake fluid reservoir with fresh brake fluid and then pump the brake pedal until it feels firm again. Replace the wheels and lower the car to the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
The caliper piston on the rear brakes needs to be compressed with a special tool. Place the tool onto the caliper piston and then turn it. This will turn and compress the piston.
