How to Replace Brakes on a Volkswagen Jetta

The brakes on a Volkswagen Jetta--depending on the trim level and year--are a combination of brake rotors-style (front) and brake drum style (rear). Hydraulic fluid is pushed through a brake line in the system which forces a piston or a cylinder to either push against a rotor or a brake drum. The friction causes the Jetta to stop. Over time, the brakes will need servicing. As these are friction parts, not only do they help the Jetta stop, but they also create heat and damage the material. When your Jetta's brake pad material is 1/8 inch thick, you must replace the brakes.

Instructions

Front Brakes

1




Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels by turning the lug nuts 1/4 turn with the tire wrench (counterclockwise).

2

Jack the Jetta up using the floor jack and place jack stands underneath the front pinch welds. Then, lower the Jetta onto the jack stands.

3

Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheels off the hub assembly.

4

Unbolt the top and bottom caliper mounting bolts and secure them to the coil springs above the brake assembly.

5

Remove the brake pads. You may need to tap them out using a rubber mallet.

6

Press the caliper piston back into the caliper. To do this, place the face of the brake pad over the caliper piston and tighten the c-clamp over the brake pad and caliper assembly. Tighten the c-clamp until the piston is pushed all the way back into the caliper.

7

Insert the new brake pads and reassemble the caliper/brake assembly.

Rear Brakes

8




Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels of the Jetta by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise 1/4 turn with the tire wrench.

9

Jack the rear of the Jetta up using the floor jack and place jack stands underneath the rear pinch welds. Then, lower the Jetta onto the jack stands.

10

Continue to remove the lug nuts and pull the rear wheel off.

11

Remove the brake drum. This should slide right off, however, it may be corroded. If it is, tap it with a hammer to knock the rust/corrosion loose before removing it.

12

Remove the brake return spring using the brake spring removal tool.

13

Place the brake shoe removal tool over the brake spring retainer. Push in on the retainer with the tip of the tool and turn counterclockwise to loosen the springs so that you can remove the brake shoes.

14

Remove the brake shoes and install the new ones.

15

Reassemble the brake drum. Assembly is the reverse of dis-assembly.

16

Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts for all wheels

17

Lower the Jetta to the ground and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-lbs.