How do you change the back brakes of a 2001 VW Jetta?

Answer 1

I've found that the rear brakes generally wear out twice as fast as the front brakes, probably because they are half the size. The rear disk brakes are integrated with the emergency brake. This means that you will need a special tool to screw the brake cylinder back into the caliper once you've installed the new brake pads. Note that the cheap-o cube things don't have the right size, but you can get the good brake caliper kit kit through the loan-a-tool program at your neighborhood autoparts store. Step by step you do the following: Remove the rear wheel and clean the rotor and brake assembly with brake cleaner. Brake pads contain asbestos so you want to remove as much brake dust as possible before working on them and take precautions to avoid breathing in any brake dust. Remove the 2 bolts holding the brake caliper on, then slide off the caliper. Support the caliper by hanging it off a wire so that you don't stress the brake lines. Remove the old brake pads. Make sure your new brake pads came with clips before getting rid of the old ones. Remove the screw holding the rotor in place. I found that for my Jetta there was just enough room to replace the rotor without removing the brake caliper mount. I had to remove the mount for the front brakes. If you do have to remove the caliper mount, you'll need an 8 or 9 mm hex wrench if you don't have one in your toolbox. Install the new rotor. With the special brake caliper tool, turn and push the cylinder to just about flush with the caliper. Install the new brake bads. Slide the caliper into place over the brake pads and bolt it back in place. Put your wheel back on.