Changing pads and discs? Newbie

[mattgriff88]

Hi All,

I'm going to have a go at changing the pads front and back and possibly discs (if needed) on my Golf GTD.

I have watched loads of YouTube videos and it looks quite easy.

Some suggest using copper grease on the back of the pads and some say not to as pads these days dont need it?

I have OBD eleven for changing the rear pads as it has a electronic handbrake.

Any pointers before I start?

[Smiljan]

Don't breathe in the brake dust, get some brake cleaner spray (any generic stuff will do). Make sure the car is well supported on axle stands.

I've used copper grease for years but it's an unanswerable question of whether it's good or bad, everyone has an opinion on it!

Apart from that brake pads are pretty simple to change and as you say there are plenty of guides and videos available to walk you through on the internet.

If you need the torque values let me know, I have the Mk7 Golf Haynes manual.

[mattgriff88]

Smiljan said:

Don't breathe in the brake dust, get some brake cleaner spray (any generic stuff will do). Make sure the car is well supported on axle stands.

I've used copper grease for years but it's an unanswerable question of whether it's good or bad, everyone has an opinion on it!

Apart from that brake pads are pretty simple to change and as you say there are plenty of guides and videos available to walk you through on the internet.

If you need the torque values let me know, I have the Mk7 Golf Haynes manual.

Thanks, I been wanting to get a haynes manual myself but my car is mk7 face lift on a 67 plate but the haynes manual says it only goes up to a 66 plate which covers the Mk7.
They are probably the same to be honest though so might just bite the bullet and get one.

Would be interested to know the torque values in the book you have though before I buy.

35nm I think for the pads and 200nm for the discs I think i got from somewhere.
8nm on the front disc bolt.

[markyb_lcy]

Inspect, clean and regrease your slider pins while there. Use silicon grease for that because it won’t degrade the rubber boots.

[Smiljan]

Front brakes

Caliper type PC57, FS III, or C60
Disc diameter:
FS III 276 mm
PC57:
15” wheels 288 mm
16” wheels 312 mm
C60 340 mm

Disc thickness.
New:
FS III 24.0 mm
PC57 25.0 mm
C60 30.0 mm

Minimum permissible thickness:
FS III 21.0 mm
PC57 22.0 mm
C60 27 mm

Maximum disc run-out 0.1 mm

Brake pad lining thickness (all models):

New 12 - 14.0 mm
Minimum 2.0 mm

Rear disc brakes

Caliper type FNc-M38 (15") or FNc-M42 (17")

Disc diameter:

FNc-M38 272 mm
FNc-M42 310 mm

Disc thickness:

New:
FNc-M38 10.0 mm
FNc-M42 22.0 mm

Minimum thickness:

FNc-M38 08.0 mm
FNc-M42<span style="white-space: pre"> </span> 20.0 mm
Maximum disc run-out 0.1 mm

Brake pad lining thickness:
All versions 11 mm
Minimum 2.0 mm

Torque wrench settings
Nm lbf ft
ABS control unit retaining bolts 8 6
ABS control unit mounting bracket nuts 20 15
ABS control unit to hydraulic unit mounting bolts*
Stage 1 (seal settling) 1-1.5 0.7 - 1
Stage 2 2.5 1.85
ABS wheel sensor retaining bolts 8 6
Brake light switch 5 4
Brake pedal mounting bracket 25 18
Brake disc shield bolts 12 9
Front brake caliper:
FS III brake guide pins 30 22
PC57 and C60 caliper bolts* 35 26
Mounting bracket bolts (PC57 and C60 calipers) 200 148
Hydraulic brake line to caliper banjo bolt 35 26
Hydraulic brake line union nuts 14 10
Master cylinder mounting nuts* 16 12
Rear brake caliper:
Guide pin bolts 35 26
Mounting bracket bolts: *
Stage 1 90 66
Stage 2 Angle-tighten a further 90°
Parking motor to caliper bolts 8 6
Roadwheel bolts 120 89
Servo unit mounting bolts 25 18
Vacuum pump bolts (2.0 litre petrol engines only): *
Stage 1 8 6
Stage 2 Angle-tighten a further 180°

• Use new fasteners

[Smiljan]

That's from the Haynes manual, looks like there's a couple of different types of caliper so you need to get the right pads for yours.

[mattgriff88]

Thanks, very helpful.

[helix402]

Use Ceratec grease instead of Copper Slip. Lots of reasons. It looks better too.