Author Topic: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!  (Read 4563 times)

Offline Fallenidol1

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Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« on: 04 September 2011, 13:45 »
I'm not a mechanic but I can usually get by with a Haynes manual and my tool kit!

Ok, I'm sure there is a simple answer here but I'm replacing my rear discs and pads on my mk3 Gti (16v), I'm following the haynes manual but it doesn't mention the bit I need!

I've removed the two bolts on the caliper and removed it from the disc but the bits that I've removed the bolts from are still penning in the disc, so I can't get it off.

Any idea what I need to do?


Offline gasketface

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #1 on: 04 September 2011, 13:57 »
You need to remove the caliper bracket which is held in by 2 x big bolts on the rear,they use an 8mm allen key.Be aware that these bolts are often seized and you should make sure the allen key part is clean of any dirt before you attempt to undo them.If you round those bolts off you are in big trouble.

If you have a blowlamp it will be of help,also,use an 8mm allen key socket on a torque bar,not a standard allen key as you will get nowhere.

Do'nt forget you will have to wind the pistons back in to make space for the new pads.I found the easiest way to do this is to temporarily refit the bracket and caliper to the car BEFORE you fit a new disc.That way the caliper is held firmly whilst you wind the pistons in,they can be hard to turn.


Haynes manual is good for one thing,a rather thick mousemat  :laugh: It has no other purpose as far as i know.


Offline Fallenidol1

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #3 on: 04 September 2011, 14:52 »
Great, thank you, both very helpful replies, I'll give it a go.

Just looking at the pads that I've removed, one has about 10mm of pad left but the other (inside) pad was just a sliver of metal, quite literally totally eaten away!

Does that indicate a major problem?


Offline thai-wronghorse

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #4 on: 04 September 2011, 14:53 »
These bolts are notorious for rounded out, if this happens then you're likely need a set of Irwin bolt extractors to get them out.

Offline thai-wronghorse

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #5 on: 04 September 2011, 15:02 »
Great, thank you, both very helpful replies, I'll give it a go.

Just looking at the pads that I've removed, one has about 10mm of pad left but the other (inside) pad was just a sliver of metal, quite literally totally eaten away!

Does that indicate a major problem?



It could mean that one of your calipers is seized, a very common problem. Its worth cleaning them up first and winding the piston back before replacing them though.

Offline Fallenidol1

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #6 on: 04 September 2011, 15:14 »
Ok, great, I'll do that, thanks.


Offline madmanmart

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Re: Rear Brake Disc Replacement - Um..... stuck!
« Reply #7 on: 04 September 2011, 17:12 »
I got my rounded carrier bolt out with stilsons...


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