How To Replace Brakes On 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Learn how to replace brakes on your 1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Replacing your own brakes can save money and time. Dealerships charge a lot of money as they must pay for the entire costs of running the business. Many dealerships make their money through their service business, by artificially lowering their profit margin on new car sales. Brake jobs are some of the more profitable services which dealerships make their money from.

Changing your own breaks will require a few simple tools and supplies:

• Socket wrench (if you have an impact wrench, your job will be more efficient)
• Jack stand
• New brake pads (these can be purchased from your dealer, or from a local auto parts store)
• Brake cleaner spray

1. Find a suitable working location. Local ordinances may prevent you from working on your car in your driveway. Check and make sure you are not breaking any laws. If you plan on working in an indoor location, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Breathing in the brake dust from you Volkswagen Golf can be hazardous to your lungs.
2. Raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle, after you have decided which brake pad you first want to change on your Golf GTI. Use the jack supplied by Volkswagen, if you do not own a hydraulic jack.
3. Remove the aluminum wheel on your VW Golf. Use your wrench to take off your wheel on the 1998 Volkswagen golf. If your wheel has a security bolt, you can check in your glove box for the removal tool. Store the bolts in a secure location, so that you can reuse them later.
4. Replace the brake pad. Remove the brake caliper from your wheel hub assembly on the Golf. Spray your brake cleaner fluid, to minimize brake dust from entering the atmosphere. Unscrew the two bolts on the back of the caliper unit. Take out the existing front and rear pad for your caliper. Install new pads onto the VW Golf caliper. Make sure that the pad is seated flush, and installed in the right direction.
5. Close the brake caliper on your Golf GTI. After your new pads have been put into place, use a “C” clamp to physically close your caliper unit back up.
6. Reinstall your wheel. Reinstall the wheel on your 98 Golf, using the same original bolts. You can now go ahead and test your Volkswagen, to make sure everything works properly. Your 1998 VW Golf GTI should now stop as well as when you first purchased your car.