How do you change front brake pads on 2003 vw passat?

Answer 1

you'll need to jack up the car, and take the tires and calipers off... if you can't get the tires off this job isn't for you.

since you were able to get the tires off, you'll be taking off the calipers... there will be 2 bolts to take out, that hold the calipers on. There either going to be 13mm sockets, or you'll need an Allen type wrench to get them off. unbolt the caliper, and make sure it doesn't hang on the flexible break line, cause then you gotta replace that if it would break, either hang it on an old metal hanger from a closet, or have a friend hold it.

now that its off, you take the old pads out, and put the new ones on... so your 1/2 way done right?....

here's a tip, at this point you'll need to retract the caliper piston back in. It must be rotated as it is pushed back in, just using a C clamp won't work. Many auto part stores have the tool as a free loaner. This is one example of the tool, Astro 7860 11 Piece Disc Brake Pad & Caliper Tool Kit Part Number: APT7860 Description Rotates piston back into caliper .

• i always take off the brake fluid cap as well, cause your pushing break fluid bakcwards through the system. so go under the hood and take off the brake fluid cap and check often that it does not overflow, brake fluid is very bad for paint.

put new pads on, position caliper back the way it was, tighten down securely, put tire back on, do other side, add brake fluid if nessary.

Link to DIY video available in "Sources and related links" section below...