Replacing the rear brake rotors on the GTI is an easy DIY job.
Rear rotors tend to wear more slowly than the front, which means they may need'to be changed less frequently. Make sure to check them every time you change pads or every 10,000 miles.
Remember, brake components, including rotors should only be replaced in pairs. Replace either both front, both rear, or all four at a time.
I always recommend installing new pads when installing new rotors. Even if you are using the old pads be prepared to get the caliper piston back into the caliper to make room for the additional thickness of the new rotor.
Begin by safely raising and supporting your vehicle. Then remove the rear tires. Wear safety glasses. Please see our article on safely raising and supporting your car.
Hot tip
Always install new pads when changing rotors
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Project Photos
Figure 1 This photo illustrates the rear brake system. You can see the rotor (red arrow) the caliper (green arrow) and the brake pads (yellow arrow, one showing, and one on the other side of the rotor).
Figure 2 The caliper (green arrow) has the parking brake line (red arrow) and brake line Yellow arrow) attached to it. You do NOT need to remove either of these lines to change the brake pads.
Figure 3 The caliper parking brake assembly is attached to the caliper mount by two 13mm bolts attached to two 15mm guide bolts (yellow arrows).
Figure 4 To remove the caliper use a 15mm wrench to counter hold the guide pins (yellow arrow) while removing the 13mm bolts (red arrow). The 13mm bolts are micro-encapsulated from Volkswagen and are considered single use only.
Figure 5 Pull the caliper (red arrow) off from its mount leaving the brake pads (yellow arrow). Depending on the condition of the pads and whether they have anti-squeal backs you may need to use a fair amount of wiggling and force to get them off.
Figure 6 Hang the caliper up out of the way (red arrow) with a bungee cord or piece of rope. Never let the caliper hang by the brake line.
Figure 7 Remove the old pads (red arrows, one shown and one behind the rotor) from their clips (yellow arrows) in the mount.
Figure 8 Remove and clean the clips (yellow arrow). It is a good idea to replace these when changing your pads.
Figure 9 Pull the guide pins and rubber boot from the mount (yellow arrow). Inspect the pin for any dirt, debris or rust. Clean the bolt and apply new grease as needed. Inspect the boot for rips and other damage, repair as needed and reinstall the guide bolts into the mount.
Figure 10 On the rear, the pistons must be pushed and turned at the same time. There are several options available to you here, but you will need the use of a special caliper piston tool. You can buy the tool (Pelican Parts sells them) or most local auto parts stores have a free or minimal cost tool rental program. The tool consists of several 'pucks' that have pins that sit in the notches in the piston (red arrow). Place the right puck for your piston on top of it. Install the rest of the tool and slowly compress the piston while it is turning back into the caliper.
Figure 11 Before you begin compressing the calipers, check your brake fluid reservoir. Compressing the caliper piston will cause brake fluid to travel back up into the reservoir. You need to make sure there is room for it (red arrow). Carefully clean around the reservoir before you open it, as you do not want any dirt or debris getting into it. Be prepared to use a turkey baster or fluid pump to extract some of the brake fluid if necessary. Make sure whatever you use is clean. You do not want any contaminants getting into the fluid. The caliper is now ready to install new pads. Installation is the reverse of removal. You also may want to spray the back of the brake pads with some anti-squeal paste. This paste basically keeps the pads and the pistons glued together and prevent noisy vibration. Some brands of pads may come with anti-squeal pads already attached to the rear surface. Anti-squeal pads can also be purchased separately as sheets that are peeled off and stuck on the rear of the pads. When finished with both sides, press on the brake pedal repeatedly to make sure that the pads and the pistons seat properly. Also make sure that you top off the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir if necessary. Brake pads typically take between 100 and 200 miles to completely break in. It's typical for braking performance to suffer slightly as the pads begin their wear-in period. Make sure that you avoid any heavy braking during this period.
Figure 12 There are two 14mm triple square bolts that hold the caliper mounting bracket to the bearing carrier (red arrows). These are single use bolts and must be replaced after removal.
Figure 13 There is not a lot of room to work behind the bearing carrier but if you take your time you can get a 14mm triple square on each bolt and remove them (yellow arrows, one shown). Make sure the triple square is properly seated as you do not want to strip these bolts.
Figure 14 Remove the caliper mounting bracket (yellow arrow) from the bearing carrier.
Figure 15 Use a T27 Torx and remove the locating screw on the rotor (red arrow). In some areas you may need to use an impact driver to loosen this screw.
Figure 16 Depending on where you live the rotor may be stuck to the hub. Use a hammer and gently tap the rotor on the hat to free it from the hub. Use care that it does not fall once it is free. Remove the rotor from the hub (red arrow). Clean the hub surface (yellow arrow) with a wire brush until you have a clean and smooth mounting surface. Installation is the reverse of removal.
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