Tools needed to complete brake rotor and pad replacement: Flat Head Screw Driver Ratchet Breaker Bar 21MM Socket 7MM Allen/Hex T30 Torx - Version 1 or Version 2 Caliper Compressor (optional but highly recommended)
Full Answer
What tools do you need to change brake pads and rotors?
What Tools Do You Need To Change Brake Pads and Rotors? 1. Ratchet and Socket Kit. To fix your vehicle, you must have a socket set. 2. Torque Wrench. 3. Brake Pad Spreader or C-Clamp. 4. Torx / Allen Set. 5. Brake Bleeder Wrench.
Can I use old brake pads with new VW rotors?
The surface area of a new VW brake rotor must meet a flat/smooth brake pad, free from imperfections. The face of old brake pads is imperfect having a glazed and scored surface instead of a flat/smooth surface. Using old brake pads with imperfections will not allow the new VW brake rotors to bed in properly.
What do I need to replace my car brakes?
Before you get started, make sure you have the right replacement parts on hand for the job. This includes brake pads, rotors if they’re being replaced and even brake fluid if you will be bleeding your brakes during the replacement. You’ll need to remove the tires from the vehicle to work on the brakes so you need a jack and jack stand.
How do I know if my VW brake rotors are bad?
The main indication of worn rear VW brake rotors is a grinding metal-on-metal sound coming from the rear of the car every time you depress the brake pedal. When the VW brake pad material has been fully exhausted, contact with the VW brake rotor will cause this type of grinding sound.
What tools do I need to change brakes and rotors?
The Tools Needed to Change BrakesStart With the Right Protection.Brake Pads and Rotors.Jack and Jack Stand.Lug Nut Wrench.Brake Caliper Piston Tool.Brake Bleeder Wrench.Allen Wrench Set.
What tools do I need to change my brake pads?
The Tools Needed to Change BrakesStart With the Right Protection. Before you start any project on your car, make sure that you are properly protected. ... Brake Pads and Rotors. ... Jack and Jack Stand. ... Lug Nut Wrench. ... Brake Caliper Piston Tool. ... Brake Bleeder Wrench. ... Allen Wrench Set.
How do you change brakes on a VW Golf?
0:0110:21How to replace VW Golf Mk4 Front Brake Pads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have a look on the brake caliper at the back right here we need to pull cap off. There.MoreSo if you have a look on the brake caliper at the back right here we need to pull cap off. There. Like so that reveal the Allen bolt that's in there do the same with the bottom one which is located.
What tool do you need to take off brake calipers?
Use sockets and a ratchet to remove the caliper from the suspension. You need a line wrench to remove the brake line from the top of the caliper before removing the caliper from the suspension. This slotted wrench can be slipped past the brake line but still have almost complete contact with the bleed nipple.
Do you need a torque wrench to change rotors?
You don't need a torque wrench to tighten bolts and a short allen key wrench limits the amount of torque you can apply. Snug them up evenly using a cross-bolt pattern as you suggested and then check them occasionally to be sure bolts haven't loosened any.
What size socket do I need to change brakes?
You at least need a set of 3/8″ (drive size) sockets set with sizes 8-19mm. Some vehicles use Allen or Torx bits for the caliper guide pins. Torx and Allen bits are not interchangeable.
How do you change the brakes on a 2013 VW Golf?
2:315:44Volkswagen Golf (2013 - 2016) - Replace the front brake padsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply little brake lubricant such as ceratec grease to the pad mounting surfaces install the newMoreApply little brake lubricant such as ceratec grease to the pad mounting surfaces install the new outer brake pad and inner brake pad.
How do you remove VW brake pads?
0:575:00How to change the front Brake Pads on a VW Golf VII GTE TSI 1 4YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCouple with a torque wrench in order not to damage wheel nuts to remove the caliper loosen the brakeMoreCouple with a torque wrench in order not to damage wheel nuts to remove the caliper loosen the brake caliper bolts using the wrenches. Disconnect the brake pad wear indicator.
How much do VW brake pads cost?
Brake pads for a VW can cost anywhere between $150 per axle and $450 per axle depending on the type of brake pad desired. Volkswagen Brake rotor replacement can cost anywhere between $300 - $750 for total four rotors to be replaced.
Can you replace rotors yourself?
Replacing brake pads and rotors is not a hard or long DIY job. However, this time, it was time consuming. I went to the local parts house, and bought two front rotors and brake pads. I took them home, put her car on jack stands and started taking the old ones off.
What size is a brake bleeder wrench?
The Brake Bleeder Wrench has a standard size of 5/16 in. x 3/8 in. This wrench is used for bleeding air from brake cylinders with bleeder screws. This double-ended tool is offset for smooth access.
What do I need to change my own brakes?
Why replace your own brake pads?Disposable mechanic's gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.Jack and jack stands.Lug wrench.C-clamp or length of wood to retract the piston.Wrench (choose a socket, open end or adjustable wrench)Turkey baster for drawing out brake fluid.More items...
How to tell if brake rotors need replacing?
Another symptom that VW brake rotors need replacing is vibration felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel while pressing on the brake pedal. This is an indication that the VW brake rotors are warped and have worn thin, due to age or overheating caused by some other brake component failure.
How to repair brakes?
Before investing in brake repair be sure to properly inspect the following brake components: 1 Caliper piston, which is located under the caliper piston boot. Look for any pitting or rust. If you note any pitting or rust behind the boot, the caliper should be rebuilt or replaced. 2 Check the brake hoses for any signs of age, splitting or being collapsed. 3 Confirm the integrity of your brake fluid, it's color and age. 4 Confirm brake master cylinder functions. Example: Use an infrared heat gauge to look at the temperature of each rotor after a test drive. A temperature difference often points to an underlying issue on a side or corner that may require a more detailed inspection. 5 Rusted and dirty caliper guide pins 6 Brake pad retaining clips 7 Brake rotor to wheel hub cleanliness 8 Brake carrier bracket to brake pad mating areas free of rust and road debris.
What to do if your wheel hub is rusting?
If it isn't replaced, the new brake rotors won't ride 100% true. Use a brake hub and rotor True Gauge Tool to confirm correct brake rotor alignment .
What are the parts of a brake system?
The braking system's main components include: Brake rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, calipers, caliper carrier brackets, caliper guide pins and boots, brake pad retaining clips, hoses, wheel hubs, brake fluid, brake master cylinder, etc. Spending the extra time and money to properly inspect and diagnose the root cause of brake problems before diving into repair is imperative. Some owners just throw a new pair of rotors and pads on, only to have their symptoms return shortly thereafter. Make sure you choose a reputable ASE certified mechanic that is familiar with your VW model.
What happens if your rear brake system does not have brake wear sensors?
If your rear brake system does not have brake wear sensors you will not experience the VW brake pad warning light on the instrument cluster dash area . You will need to do a visual inspection for the condition of your brake rotors and brake pads.
Why are brake rotors not evenly dissipated?
Some brake rotors use unknown casting materials, not allowing for the even and continuous dissipation of brake heat and gas emissions evenly through the entire brake rotor surface. Irregular gas dissipation with poor-quality casted brake rotors decrease brake friction and adversely affects braking efficiency. Over time, this inconsistent heat and gas dissipation caused when the brake pad surface compresses onto a brake rotor face can cause the brake rotors to glaze and eventually create scoring, glazed and stress cracks in the brake rotor casting. These imperfections can weaken the brake rotors performance causing premature failure and warping.
How to tell if you need to replace rear brakes?
If your rear brake pads do have a wear sensor you should experience a brake warning light being illuminated on the dashboard instrument cluster. This indicated you would need to replace your rear brake rotors and brake pads. If your rear brake system does not have brake wear sensors you will not experience the VW brake pad warning light on the instrument cluster dash area. You will need to do a visual inspection for the condition of your brake rotors and brake pads. The main indication of worn rear VW brake rotors is a grinding metal-on-metal sound coming from the rear of the car every time you depress the brake pedal. When the VW brake pad material has been fully exhausted, contact with the VW brake rotor will cause this type of grinding sound. You should seek an VW brake replacement service immediately when you hear this grinding noise.
How to install brake pads?
Installation of your new pads is straight forward. Apply a healthy film of brake pad grease to the BACK SIDE of the new pads. This grease helps prevent your new brakes from squeaking. One pad you will latch onto the brake caliper bracket, while the other pad gets clipped into the brake caliper piston. It might take a bit of pressure to get it to pop in, but it will go. If you accidentally had grease get on the faces of the pads, a quick rub with a rag soaked in brake clean will do the trick removing it.
How to remove a brake caliper spring?
Step 2: Remove Brake Caliper Spring. Using a flat/slotted head screwdriver, wedge it between the caliper and the spring. Applying constant pressure, pull back until the spring releases. (Pro Tip: Place a rag over the spring once you're ready to release it.
How to remove caliper hold down bracket?
From behind the rotor (inside the wheel well), use a 21MM socket to remove two bolts that fasten the caliper hold down bracket. And once again, these are susceptible to being quite difficult to remove. It might be beneficial to use spray penetrant about an hour before attempting to remove these bolts.
How to install anti rattle springs?
Without this spring clip, the pads rattle so loudly it sounds as if you're carrying loose items in the trunk. To install, hook the two ends into the brake pad. Then, use your flat/slot head screwdriver to pry the back of the clip away until the ends of the spring go over the bracket.
Can you replace brake pads and rotors?
Brake rotor and pad replacement is one of the simplest, yet most impactful jobs on your car that you can do yourself. On your first test drive, make sure to take it slow and feel out the brakes. Once you establish that they're functioning as they should, perform the bed in procedure for your pads and rotors.
Can you remove brake bolts from a car that has never been worked on?
If the brakes have never been worked on, or you live in an area that salts the roads, there's a chance these bolts will be tough to remove . If that's the case, you can turn the wheels to give you more room to access them or even get a breaker bar in there.
Can you slide a caliper off a rotor?
Now that you have removed the bolts that fasten the caliper to the bracket, you can slide the caliper off the rotor. Sometimes, the outside pad will just fall off, other times it takes a little coaxing to remove. The inner pad has to be removed from the caliper piston.
What parts do you need to replace brakes?
Brake Pads and Rotors. Before you get started, make sure you have the right replacement parts on hand for the job. This includes brake pads , rotors if they’re being replaced and even brake fluid if you will be bleeding your brakes during the replacement.
How to protect your hands from brake dust?
Before you start any project on your car, make sure that you are properly protected. You should have a pair of mechanic’s gloves to protect your hands, protective eyewear and a dust mask so you don’t breathe in brake dust.
Why do brake pads need to be retracted?
The piston or pistons need to be retracted in order to fit around the new, thicker brake pads. The easiest way to do this is with a brake caliper tool (or a C-clamp will do in a pinch). Depending on the caliper, the piston may need to be both compressed and rotated at the same time to retract. This is where a dedicated tool shines.
How to remove a lug nut from a car?
Lug Nut Wrench. The lug nuts should be loosened before you lift the car and place it on jack stands. Once the vehicle’s weight is safely resting on the jack stands , use the lug nut wrench to completely remove the nuts and then you can remove the wheel to expose the brakes.
Do you need grease to change brakes?
Lubricants and greases may also be needed depending on the job but having at least these basic tools on hand ensures you’re ready to change your brakes. With these tools, you’ll be able to replace your car’s brakes safely and quickly.
Do you need a jack stand for brakes?
You’ll need to remove the tires from the vehicle to work on the brakes so you need a jack and jack stand. A jack likely came with your car so you can change those inconvenient flats, but a purpose built service jack is a much better choice. You also need to purchase jack stands.
Can you use Allen wrenches to change brakes?
This is another maybe, but anyone who plans to work on their car can’t go wrong with an Allen wrench set. It’s one of the tools needed to change brakes as the brake calipers are often held in place by Allen bolts that need to be removed. Lubricants and greases may also be needed depending on the job but having at least these basic tools on hand ...