How to do brake job on 2002?

[cfree3]

I need to do a front brake job and I need to know if I need any special tools.
How big of a job is it?

[Toad]

The special tools you will need are:
Harbor Freight - Brake Caliper reset tool
it twists the piston as it pushes it in. It's only needed for the rear pistons since they screw into the caliper, but it works for the front ones too.
this is the exact set i have, and i've used it on the beetle, mk4, and my audi.

to get the front (and maybe rear i don't remember) caliper nuts off, you'll need:
Harbor Freight - Metric Hex Sockets
I mean, if you have metric allen wrenches, if you can get a good grip on it, it should work, but those on a ratchet are sooo much easier.

The rotors are held in with a set screw, it's sometimes a pain to get the screw out and it strips easily. Just use a big philips head and you should be fine.

It's not a big job, or at least it's as big as doing brakes on any other car.

[cfree3]

Thanks I am going to try to do it on Saturday. I'll let you know if I have any problems.

[VW Lady Bug]

I was able to do them in an hour myself.

[lkchris]

The mind boggles at folks that would attempt this without reference to VW procedures, i.e. the Bentley manual.

[RackaRacka]

Originally Posted by Toad

The rotors are held in with a set screw, it's sometimes a pain to get the screw out and it strips easily. Just use a big philips head and you should be fine.

To change the rotors and remove the set screw you should really use an Impact Driver to loosen it. They work great - and it doesn't strip the head.
Craftsman Impact Driver

Put anti-sieze on the hub before installing a new rotor.

You'll also need caliper pin lube for the glide pins. My preference is a product called SilGlide. It's also worthwhile to get a brass bristled wire brush to clean up the caliper riding surfaces before you install the new pads. I clean everything with brake parts cleaner and I also use permatex red disk brake quiet on the back of the pads. I use a large C Clamp to compress the front pistons.

Many people will loosen the bleed screw and expel the old fluid when compressing the piston, I do not typically do that.

[snortingrooster]

Originally Posted by lkchris

The mind boggles at folks that would attempt this without reference to VW procedures, i.e. the Bentley manual.

you should then post the procedure from the bentley manual. if your mind boggles that much, other wise your 2 cents are worthless.

[pm22071985]

Originally Posted by lkchris

The mind boggles at folks that would attempt this without reference to VW procedures, i.e. the Bentley manual.

Originally Posted by snortingrooster

you should then post the procedure from the bentley manual. if your mind boggles that much, other wise your 2 cents are worthless.

I agree...

Here is a front brake how to with nice pics for mk4 tdi (same as nb):
Front Brake Job 'How To' - TDIClub Forums

Here is rear brake how to:
Rear brake pad and rotor replacement - TDIClub Forums

There is lots of "how to's" here
HOW TO's - TDIClub Forums

Good luck and watch out for that pesky screw rackaracka talks about. It can be a PITA.

[snortingrooster]

This is very helpful thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by pm22071985

I agree...

Here is a front brake how to with nice pics for mk4 tdi (same as nb):
Front Brake Job 'How To' - TDIClub Forums

Here is rear brake how to:
Rear brake pad and rotor replacement - TDIClub Forums

There is lots of "how to's" here
HOW TO's - TDIClub Forums

Good luck and watch out for that pesky screw rackaracka talks about. It can be a PITA.