Brake Pads

[mjamoose]

Ok a few days ago I started to hear a grinding sound coming from the drivers side front wheel.
Had a look today to see if there was anything caught in the brake pads like a stone or piece of glass from the road, only to find that I have no lining at all on the pads (why the MOT testers didn't spot this and give me an advisory I don't know).
My question is this, after spending many dorra that I don't have to get new pads - believe me £12 is a lot when you haven't been working for 3 months
how do I do it as I can't afford to pay someone else to? 
I think I have the neccessary tools to do it (alan keys and screwdriver) Will have to do it sooner rather than later as really bad weather is forecast down Wokingham / Bracknell way.
P.S. they're 1.6 driver brakes.
Cheers,
Matt.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I'll do it for 25 quid, if you buy the parts...

[Mart8V]

Hello!

Really simple job.  Jack up and remove wheel.  Then unbolt the caliper and gently slide off.  Remove old pads and squeal shims.

Using a g-clamp and a piece of wood slowly compress the piston into the caliper (you may need to remove the lid from the brake fluid reservoir- watch the level as you do it!).  Having done that, fit the new pads and slide caliper back into place.  Ideally replace the carrier bolts.........  Torque back up and job's a good'un.

Good luck!

[mjamoose]

Cheers Mart.
I'll give it a go tomorrow!

Sorry golf-vr6 i'd love to pay someone to do it but can't even afford that till the end of march!

[AudiA8Quattro]

Not really a simple job, well it is if it all comes off easily! 
A couple things to watch out for, the allen key bolts that hold on the caliper can easily round off, so make sure you tap the allen head socket in with a hammer. Also probably worth renewing the bolts and guides, as they can often rust together.
When reassembling, make sure you use some copper grease on the back of the pads and on the carriers where the pads move. Before using copper grease on the carrier, use a wire brush to clean it up!
Also make a note of how the anti rattle shims are fitted, its easy to get confused when the come off!
And make a note of which pad is the rear and which is the front, as on that system i believe they are different.
Can't think of anything else, but will post if i do 

[Mart8V]

Not really a simple job, well it is if it all comes off easily! 
Can't think of anything else, but will post if i do 

I've obviously been lucky in the past!! That means I am due some bad luck soon......

Have to admit that my version was based on the gti caliper, and I don't know if the driver one is the same, but the copper grease is something I should have mentioned.

B- for me!!

[kkh120]

B- for me!!

Your being too hard on yourself, easily a B

[Tripps]

...the allen key bolts that hold on the caliper can easily round off, so make sure you tap the allen head socket in with a hammer. Also probably worth renewing the bolts and guides, as they can often rust together.

I've got all four of the front caliper bolts stuck solid, two are already rounded off and no doubt my attempts over the weekend probably made the situation worse 

I lathered them with WD40 but to no avail - any tips on how I can set them free?

Also how do I torque them back up, I've got a torque wrench, but I don't think it would even fit under the wheel arch, and I don't have an adapter for allen keys anyway!

[AudiA8Quattro]

You need to get some more tools!! 
As for the rounded off bolts, get a torx or spline socket bit that is a tight fit inside the bolt, hammer it in, and it should come free.
For reference for everyone else, if you are attempting this job, get down to vw and order new bolts and guides, as on this type they nearly always rust together!

[Tripps]

You need to get some more tools!! 
As for the rounded off bolts, get a torx or spline socket bit that is a tight fit inside the bolt, hammer it in, and it should come free.
For reference for everyone else, if you are attempting this job, get down to vw and order new bolts and guides, as on this type they nearly always rust together!

Thanks, got them sorted and off now 

Used a slightly different trick in the end, got hold of a screwdriver set with umpteen attachments, including half a dozen torx ones, but spotted that one of the hex bits was the right size, hammered this in, attached a 1/2" socket adapter and 1/2" wrench and after a bit of heave hoe the bolts were free.

Alas the caliper pistons aren't looking too pretty though, but at least I can get to them now.