🔧 Rear Brake Pads and Rotors - Replacement

This job replaces the rear brake pads and rotors on your Golf. The rear caliper must be retracted before the new pads and rotor go in, and the parking brake system has to be handled correctly so nothing binds up afterward.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels.
• Support the car with jack stands before removing any wheels. Never rely on a jack alone.
• If your Golf has an electronic parking brake, put it in brake service mode before retracting the rear calipers.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Brake rotors and calipers can be hot after driving.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 17mm lug socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Hex H7 bit socket
• 13mm socket
• 21mm wrench
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the rear wheel bolts slightly before lifting the car.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake, use Menu > Vehicle > Service > Brake Pad Replacement before starting.
• Lift the rear and support the car with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove the rear wheel

• Use the floor jack to raise the rear of the car.
• Set the car securely on jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheel bolts with the 17mm lug socket.
• Take off the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the hex H7 bit socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Never let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 13mm socket with a ratchet to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on installation: 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the old rotor

• Remove the small rotor retaining screw with a flat-blade screwdriver if equipped.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat lightly and use the flat-blade screwdriver through the access hole to free it.
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 5: Retract the rear caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty) to push and turn the piston back into the caliper.
• If your Golf has electronic parking brake, use the scan tool or service menu to retract it before compressing the piston.
• Go slow to avoid damaging the piston seal.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installing it.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub.
• Install the rotor screw if equipped and snug it lightly.

Step 7: Install new pads and bracket

• Install the caliper bracket using the 13mm socket.
• Torque to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs)
• Install the new pad hardware from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake grease to pad contact points only.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts with the hex H7 bit socket.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs)
• Make sure the caliper moves smoothly by hand.

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the bolts with the 17mm lug socket.
• Lower the car and torque the wheel bolts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs)

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads and rotor on the other rear wheel using the same steps.
• Always replace both sides together.

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake, exit service mode and test it.
• Check that both rear wheels spin freely when the parking brake is off.
• Test brake operation slowly in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding noises.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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