Removing and installing brake pads for C 38 brake caliper: VW Golf V / Jetta

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf V / Jetta (1K, 2003–2009)

• Opens: brake fluid

Don't miss

• Remove securing bolts from brake caliper, to do this counterhold on guide pins.
• Do not blow out brake system with compressed air; the resulting dust constitutes a health hazard! — Thoroughly clean contact surfaces for pad retainers (brake pads) on brake carrier, and remove corrosion.
• Screw in piston by turning knurled wheel of piston compressing tool T10165 clockwise, do not damage protective cap when doing so.
• Ensure that brake pads are seated correctly in pad retainers (arrows).
• Every time after changing pads, depress brake pedal firmly several times with vehicle stationary so that brake pads are properly seated in their normal operating position.Check brake fluid level after changing brake pads.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove wheels.
2. Remove securing bolts from brake caliper, to do this counterhold on guide pins.
3. Remove brake caliper and secure with wire so that weight of brake caliper does not strain or damage brake hose.
4. Remove brake pads and pad retainers (arrows).
5. ⚠ Do not blow out brake system with compressed air; the resulting dust constitutes a health hazard! — Thoroughly clean contact surfaces for pad retainers (brake pads) on brake carrier, and remove corrosion.

6. Clean brake caliper.
7. Screw in piston by turning knurled wheel of piston compressing tool T10165 clockwise, do not damage protective cap when doing so.
8. To aid screwing in, use plate T10165/1.
9. Insert pad retainers (arrows) and brake pads into brake carrier.
10. Ensure that brake pads are seated correctly in pad retainers (arrows).
11. Secure brake caliper with new self-locking bolts.
12. Fit wheels. [Note: Every time after changing pads, depress brake pedal firmly several times with vehicle stationary so that brake pads are properly seated in their normal operating position.Check brake fluid level after changing brake pads.]

🎬 Video walkthrough

Independent video tutorial by AUTODOC (YouTube) — a helpful visual companion to the steps above.

How to change rear brake pads / rear brake pad set on VW GOLF 5 (1K1)

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