Brakes are relatively easy to work on. Brakes wear, but the rotors on the GTI VR6 are sturdy and may not need replacing. This procedure covers replacing the rear brake pads.

Tools and Parts required:

• 13mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Coat hanger
• New pads

Step	Description	Photo
1.	Remove wheels and jack up rear end of car. Make sure to use jack stands for safety! This picture shows the exposed rotor and caliper.
2.	Locate the parking brake cable that attaches to the clip near the bleeder valve. You should be able to depress this lever by hand and remove the cable from the lever. If you cannot depress easily, the caliper may be seized.
3.	While holding the caliper guide bolt steady with the 15mm wrench, use the 13mm socket to unbolt the caliper bolts.
4.	Use a piece of coat hanger to hold the caliper up and out of the way. The idea is to prevent the caliper from hanging by the brake lines. Make sure there is no stress on the brake line.
5.	Open the cap to the brake fluid reservoir. You will be pushing the caliper piston back in which will force brake fluid back up into the reservoir. You will probably need to remove some brake fluid; a turkey baster works well. Be careful not to get any debris in the brake reservoir!
6.	You need to retract the caliper piston while turning it clockwise. VW makes a very nice special tool to do this. Alternatively, you can use one of the square multi-tool adapters from sears. Find the side of the adapter that fits the holes in the piston. While applying force to push the piston in, turn the piston clockwise. Make certain not to push the piston in without turning it! You will damage the caliper permanently if it is not retracted properly!
7.	(Poor) picture of fully retracted caliper piston.
8.	Install new brake pads. Reverse installation procedure. Place calipers back on. Use new self-locking caliper bolts. Tighten to 26ft/lbs. Put wheels back on car. Tighten wheel lugs to 81ft/lbs. Done!