VW Golf MK4 Rear brake pads replacement?

[300tdi]

Bought new brake discs and pads for the rear of our Mk4 golf. Replaced the disc in minutes, then came the fitting the pads. Haynes manual states just wind the piston back in while pushing the piston in. Has anybody changed these pads and if so how do you get the piston back in so I can fit the new pads. Would really appreciate some advice, thanks Ian.

[matchmaker]

300tdi said:

Bought new brake discs and pads for the rear of our Mk4 golf. Replaced the disc in minutes, then came the fitting the pads. Haynes manual states just wind the piston back in while pushing the piston in. Has anybody changed these pads and if so how do you get the piston back in so I can fit the new pads. Would really appreciate some advice, thanks Ian.

You need a piston retraction tool - not too expensive. With one the jobs a piece of piss. Without it can be a lot more difficult!

[steveo3002]

idealy need a wind back tool...it pushes and turns at the same time

could probably struggle with pliers and g clamp ?

[TheArchitect]

You WILL need a wind back tool, i did the fronts with a hammer shaft but the rears are waaay to stiff for it.

[Rob Crutch]

TheArchitect said:

You WILL need a wind back tool, i did the fronts with a hammer shaft but the rears are waaay to stiff for it.

I did one side once with a pair of needle nose pliers but it was an absolute ball ache to do, borrowed a friend's wind back tool for the otherside and on subsequent pad changes too.