Miles Bennett
Replacing the brake pads on a Volkswagen Golf can be a complex process. It is recommended that brake pads are replaced in pairs, with both front pads, both rear pads, or all four being replaced at the same time. The rear brake pads on a Golf wear more slowly than the front ones, so they may not need to be changed as frequently. It is important to visually inspect your brake pads regularly and to replace them as soon as the warning light comes on. Replacing brake pads involves removing the wheels, releasing the parking brake cable, unscrewing the brake caliper screws, removing the old brake pads, cleaning the brakes, and installing the new brake pads.
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What You'll Learn
Inspect brake pads every 25,000 miles and replace when warning light comes on
It is recommended that you inspect your brake pads every 25,000 miles. This can be done by elevating your vehicle about 6 inches off the ground, unscrewing the lug nuts and removing the tire. Once the tire is off, you will be able to see the brake pad, caliper, rotor, and brake lines. Inspect the brake pad for excessive wear and measure its thickness. If the pad is less than 4mm or 1/4 inch thick, it needs to be replaced.
Some signs that your brake pads may need replacement include a squealing or squeaking noise when you apply the brakes, a burning smell, or a warning light on your dashboard. If you hear a grinding noise, it could mean that the brake pads have completely worn down and the metal backing plate is contacting the brake discs. This can cause inadequate braking and damage your brake discs.
When replacing your brake pads, make sure to dispose of the old ones professionally. You will need to jack up the rear of the car and remove the rear wheel. Remove the brake caliper screws and unhook the parking brake cable. Take out the old brake pads and clean the brakes before installing the new pads. Lubricate the threads slightly and use a special tool or a solution to turn back the brake piston. Be careful not to damage the rubber on the brake piston.
It is important to note that brake pads are essential for your vehicle's braking system and safety. Worn brake pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and compromise your safety. Therefore, it is recommended to inspect your brake pads regularly and replace them when necessary.
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Remove rear wheels and brake drums to access pads
To remove the rear wheels and brake drums to access the brake pads of a Golf, you will need to follow a few important steps. Firstly, ensure you have the necessary safety equipment, including safety goggles, protective gloves, and secure jack points for the jack and jack stands. Gloves will keep your hands clean and provide a better grip on tools, while safety goggles will protect your eyes from any debris.
Begin by loosening the lug nuts on the rear wheels. You can do this by using a lug wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the wheels to the vehicle. Once the lug nuts are loosened, it's time to jack up the rear of the car. Place a jack under the car's frame and raise it until the wheels are off the ground. It is important to use jack stands that are rated for your vehicle's weight to ensure stability and safety while working underneath the car.
After the car is securely raised, continue removing the lug nuts and rear wheels. With the wheels removed, you will now have access to the brake assembly. Before proceeding, open the car hood and check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it is full. If it is too full, use a turkey baster or a similar device to remove excess fluid. This step is important to avoid spillage when you compress the brake caliper piston later on.
Now, you can start releasing the brake caliper screws. Use a 15 mm open-end wrench to completely unscrew the brake caliper screws. Once the screws are removed, carefully Unhook the parking brake cable and remove it completely to the rear. With the screws and cable out of the way, you can now remove the brake caliper by pulling it backwards. Hang the removed caliper with a strap to avoid putting strain on the brake hose.
At this point, you will have access to the brake drums and the old brake pads. Remember to always work carefully and cleanly, and if you're unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional mechanic.
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Remove old brake pads and clean brakes
To remove the old brake pads, first, jack up the rear of the car and remove the rear wheel. Then, release the brake caliper screws and Unhook the parking brake cable. Now, completely unscrew the brake caliper screws with a 15 mm open-end wrench. You can then remove the brake caliper and the old brake pads.
Before installing new brake pads, it is important to clean the brakes. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or a dedicated rim brake cleaner to wipe down the rim's braking surface. Ensure there is no residue left on the rim. For stubborn grime, use a mild abrasive pad or a specialised rim brake cleaning tool. Be gentle to avoid damaging the rim. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can damage the carbon brake pads. Instead, use isopropyl alcohol or a mild degreaser. Apply it to a clean cloth and gently rub the pads' braking surface to remove any contaminants.
After cleaning, you can install the new brake pads. It is important to note that the work should be done carefully and the old brake pads must be disposed of professionally.
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Insert new brake pads and lubricate threads
When installing new brake pads, it is important to lubricate the threads to ensure optimal operation and reduce noise and caliper drag. Firstly, it is crucial to clean the braking system thoroughly. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt, dust, or other loose materials. Then, spray the braking system with a brake cleaner and wipe it dry with another clean, soft cloth.
Next, you should identify the areas that require lubrication. Locate the spots where the brake pad and the caliper come into contact, including the pistons and flat machined surfaces. It is also important to lubricate the guide pins, which are connected to the inner brake pads. These pins should be greased every time the brake pads are changed, and a high-temperature grease designed for brake parts should be used. Ordinary lubricants can melt under the high temperatures of the braking system and cause performance issues. Therefore, a silicone-based or synthetic non-petroleum lubricant is recommended.
When lubricating the identified areas, apply a thin, even coat of grease to the caliper bracket and other relevant components. Be careful to avoid applying lubricant to the friction side of the pad, as this will cause the brakes to stop working. The friction surface of a brake lining should not be lubricated, and care should be taken to only lubricate the back of a bare pad.
Finally, once the lubrication has been applied, proceed with putting the caliper back in. Remember to replace the protective caps and check the seat.
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Reattach rear wheels and test brakes
Once you have finished replacing the brake pads, cleaned the brakes, and installed the new brake pads, you can reattach the rear wheels.
First, lower your car or golf cart so that it is no longer jacked up. Then, reattach the rear wheels and secure the lug nuts.
After this, test the new brake pads. To do this, you can slowly drive your car or cart in your driveway at a slow speed to ensure the brakes are responsive. You should also pump the brakes a few times before driving.
Remember to dispose of the old brake pads professionally and carefully.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you visually inspect your brake pads every 25,000 miles and replace them as soon as the wear light comes on. Rear brake pads should be checked every 10,000 miles as they tend to wear out more slowly than front pads.
Most people wait until the brake-warning lamp appears on the dashboard. However, if you ignore this, you may get to the point of metal-on-metal contact, which will result in inadequate braking and damage to your brake discs.
You will need a 2-ton floor jack to lift the rear of your car, a socket wrench to remove the wheels, and a 15 mm open-end wrench to completely unscrew the brake caliper screws. You will also need a tool to turn back the brake piston, which can be rented from most local auto parts stores.
First, jack up the rear of the car and remove the rear wheels. Then, release the brake caliper screws and remove the brake caliper. Remove the old brake pads and clean the brakes before installing the new brake pads. Lubricate the threads slightly and apply anti-squeal grease to the interior of each replacement pad. Reattach the brake caliper and tighten it in place before reattaching the wheels and lowering the car.
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