Replacing rear brake discs and pads!

Hello everyone,

I need to replace the rear brake pads and rotors on my VW Golf 3 AFN because they're worn out. Apparently, you need a special VW tool to retract the brake caliper pistons. I often hear that it can also be done with an adjustable wrench, etc.
Can anyone give me some advice on that? I'd like to save some money and make it myself!

Thank you.

Hi,

While I can only provide some general information and not something specifically tailored for golf, I believe the same principles apply here.

Okay, so: to retract the brake piston, you generally have to push it in and turn it *simultaneously*. I usually use a regular C-clamp to push it in (placed across the entire brake cylinder, with the clamping part pressing on the piston). Then, the best tool for turning depends on the surface of the piston; if the surface has holes or grooves, you can use an adjustable wrench or a large screwdriver to turn it. If nothing else works, you can also use a large pipe wrench, but be careful not to damage the rubber boot. After you've turned it a bit, you need to tighten the C-clamp again... and so on. etc.

It's not as complicated as I've described it here .

Regards,
Private.

A tip:

If a cuff gets damaged in the process -
Is this actually available as a spare part from VAG?

Best regards,
Jürgen

Hello,

Here's another quick question about replacing brake discs:
'Someone once told me that the rear brake disc sits directly on the wheel bearing. Is that true, or is there a spacer in between? Does that mean the bearing is located directly inside that bell-shaped part (the inner part of the brake disc), and that I have to remove the discs with a puller?' What should I pay attention to in order to ensure that the stock remains in good condition?

It would be really great if someone could give me a tip.
Thank you!

Hello Markus,

Okay, I have no idea about the G3, but with the older Passat, you had to replace the wheel bearings when changing the rear brake discs. With the current Passat and Golf, the rear brake disc is mounted directly on the wheel hub. There isn't even a retaining screw. The disc is simply clamped between the rim and the wheel hub and held in place by the wheel bolts. With the Passat, I didn't even have to remove the brake caliper bracket; I could simply swing the rotor out.

Best regards,
Jürgen