GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: patch900 on 11 March 2007, 16:44
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Hi, any suggestions for replacement pads and discs on a Mk3 ?
My back discs are pretty corroded and front ones are a bit old, so thinking about replacing the lot in one go
Want some good quality discs and pads, not racing type stuff.
Dont know what people suggest and prices ? :undecided:
Other than discs and pads is there anything else I should check at the same time ?
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You need to change the wheel bearings at the same time if you're changing the discs mate. I know you have to on the rear, not sure about the fronts. You can get a wheel bearing for a fiver a piece
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Not worth upgrading unless you go for something like Greenstuff pads.
As you dont wanna go that route then just go to Eurocarparts or GSF.
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Might go for greenstuff pads
dont know about discs though. Havent got a clue to be honest....suggestions ?
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For normal road use they arent necessary. Normal standard parts are fine.
Never had a problem with fade myself.
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I've got no itention of upgrading my brakes because they're awesome. The 16v brake setup i've got is the same as my mates VR6 and his brakes are terrible though!
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The standard mk3 gti brakes are 280mm vented discs (front) and the front set dont need the wheel bearing as they are only held on by one screw (and the wheel bolts of course) - I had to drill the screw out and re-tap the hole as they sieze solid....
The rears carry the bearing but new ones can be fitted to the disc at the time of renewal. Standard discs are about £50 per pair. Rears are £40, pads are £15 - 20 front set and about £15 for rears but there are 2 thicknesses to choose from on the rear ones.
Heres where I get mine:
http://www.vwspares.co.uk/g3brakes.php
Its worth doing the calipers too unless they slide easily already cos they tend to stick when thick pads and new discs are fitted if the old ones are badly worn as the piston barrel and guide pin bores distort from heat (girling calipers)
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The brakes seem a little pricey there!
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Cheers Evil, thanks for the info. Very thorough, what I was after.
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Give ate powerdiscs a try from euro...they have a grooved surface and are similar in price to standard.....i had these on my last mk3 and they made it stop really well and look a little bit better than standard
must get mine swapped soon too so let us know what problem's and cost you come accross!!!!
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use a large G clamp to put the front pistons back in when changing pads, if its hard to push back, its fecked and they will jamb on when you brake with the new pads. (mine did that - usually the passenger side cos the guide pin bores get full of sh!t from puddles etc)
The guide pins have little gaiters which must be fitted properly and have no holes. A new set of guide pins from VAG are about £12 with rubber gaiters. If you dont fit new gaiters the brakes will last less than 6 months and seize again.
The rear pistons need a VAG tool as they screw in and out using microthreads cut into the outside of the piston and CANNOT be put back using clamps. They are a b!tch to do and the carriers are usually seized solid. I got kwik-sh!t to do the rears cos they are a bastard to change. It took me 7 hours to change the front discs with all the tools and a garage to use. I'm an engineer and I do similar stuff on machinery every day and it was still a thingy of a job.
Good luck mate :wink: just be persistent and dont give up.
You need a 15mm open ended spanner, a 13mm socket and wrench, a G-clamp, and if you have to change the carriers - a 17mm BIG spanner or hefty socket wrench to remove the carrier bolts (and a 1/2 Lb hammer to break the lock on them by hitting the spanner end in the loosening direction). Soak them wi wd40 and leave for 30 mins to soften the rust. The discs are held on at the front by an M5 countersunk machine screw with a philips head. A 4mm drill can be used to drill through the screw and pick the remains out of the hole. As long as you put a screw back that bites then the wheel bolts will hold the disc on when the wheels are re-fitted. The screw just keeps the disc still so you can get the bolts back in.
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The brakes seem a little pricey there!
With discs it's you get what you pay for. I had a BMW and bought cheap discs from GSF... they warped within about three months... never again...