How to Replace Passat Front Brakes

Iskandar Blogger 6:02 PM
How to Replace Passat Front Brakes

Your Volkswagen Passat's brake pads are made of frictional material to absorb the heat generated during the braking process. Over time and with enough use, the brake pad material lining will wear off, and the front brake pads will require replacement. This is best done with both wheels' brake pads replaced at the same time. This repair procedure is relatively simple and can be done at home with the proper tools and personal protective wear.

Instructions

    1

    Uncap the brake fluid reservoir. Remove two-thirds of the fluid with a turkey baster. Recap the reservoir.

    2

    Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with a tire iron. Raise the front end with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the wheels.

    3

    Spray brake system cleaner on the caliper and rotor. Wipe the brake dust off of the sprayed areas with shop rags. Start with one side of the brakes and use the other side as a reference.

    4

    Hold the guide pins with an open-end wrench while unscrewing the upper and lower bolts of the caliper with a box wrench.

    5

    Remove the caliper and suspend it from the strut coil spring with a piece of wire.

    6

    Take out the inner and outer pads from the caliper mounting bracket.

    7

    Inspect the piston dust boot for wear or damage. Inspect the piston for brake fluid leaks. If either component appears damaged, replace the caliper.

    8

    Attach a brake bleeding kit to the bleeder screw. Loosen the bleeder screw with a wrench then depress the caliper piston into the caliper bore with a large C-clamp. Let excess brake fluid spill into the kit's container. Tighten the bleeder screw when the piston has retracted and remove the brake bleeding kit.

    9

    Insert the new inner and outer pads into the caliper mounting bracket.

    10

    Install the caliper. Insert the new mounting bolts and torque them to 22 foot-pounds with a torque wrench while holding the guide pins in place with the open-end wrench.

    11

    Repeat Steps 3 through 10 for the other front wheel's brake pads.

    12

    Depress the brake pedal once you've finished replacing the brake pads and the calipers are installed. Pump the brakes until the pads engage with the rotors and the pedal feels firm.

    13

    Remount the wheels then finger-tighten the lug nuts.

    14

    Remove the jack stands and lower the Passat's front end to the ground with the jack. Torque the lug nuts to 89 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

    15

    Fill the brake fluid reservoir if necessary.