How to Replace a Front Disc Brakes 05-13 Volkswagen Jetta

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Volkswagen Jetta

Replace the front brake pads and rotors on a 2005-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, from inspection through bedding in the new pads.

Steps

1. Raise the car and pull the wheel

   Pry off the lug bolt caps, break the 17mm lug bolts loose with the car on the ground (the locking bolt needs the key from the spare-tire kit), then raise and support the car and remove the wheel.

2. Inspect before replacing anything

   Spin the rotor by hand, check the remaining pad thickness against the wear indicator, and look over both faces of the rotor for scoring or gouges.

3. Remove the old brake pads

   Pop the plastic caps off the caliper, remove the two T47 bolts, pry off the retaining wire clip, push the piston back into the bore with a screwdriver, then swing the caliper aside and pull the old pads.

4. Remove the caliper bracket and rotor

   Remove the two 21mm bracket bolts and lift the bracket off, back out the small Torx retaining screw, spray rust penetrant around the hub, then strike the rotor hub area with a hammer to break it free.

5. Fit the new rotor and bracket

   Slide the new rotor on and secure it with the Torx retaining screw, clean the bracket slide surfaces with a wire brush, then reinstall the bracket and torque its bolts to about 90 ft-lb.

6. Install the new pads and caliper

   Compress the new piston with a C-clamp against an old pad, apply brake grease to the pad backing and contact points, seat the new pads, refit the caliper and torque its bolts to about 30 ft-lb, then snap the wire clip and caps back on.

7. Reinstall the wheel

   Seat the wheel, hand-tighten the lug bolts, lower the car, then torque the bolts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.

8. Bed the new brakes in

   Pump the pedal until it feels firm, test stopping gently at 5 and then 10 mph in a safe area, then road test before driving normally.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.