FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Procedures






03 - Service Procedures

Front and Rear Brake Pads, Checking Thickness

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)





Flashlight and mirror

Pliers (3314)





Remove full wheel cover

The removal hook for removing the wheel cover is located in the vehicle's tool kit.

Wheel Bolts

The adapter to loosen/tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts is located with the vehicle tool kit.

Perform the following work procedure:



Rear Disc Brake Pads

Rear Drum Brake Pads

Front Disc Brake Pads

The adapter to loosen/tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts is located with the vehicle tool kit. If the adapter should not be found there, ask the customer.

- For better judgment of remaining pad thickness remove the front wheel on the driver's side.

- If necessary, remove wheel bolt caps using pliers (3314) or remove wheel trim using pulling hook.

- Mark installation position of wheel in relation to brake rotor.

- Remove wheel lug bolts and remove wheel.

- Measure thickness of inner and outer brake pad.





a Pad thickness, not including backing plate

Wear limit: 2 mm

With pad thickness (not including backing plate) of 2 mm, the brake pads have reached their wear limit and must be replaced (repair procedure). Be sure to notify customer and mark findings on repair order!

When replacing brake pads, it is absolutely necessary to check brake discs for wear! Checking and replacing the brake pads, if necessary, is a repair measure.

- Check brake disc for wear => Brake System Front Brakes, FS III Brake Caliper Housing, Servicing

- Install wheel in previously marked position.

- Tighten wheel bolts in diagonal sequence to the following torque specification:

Tightening specification: 120 Nm

- After completion of work, return adapter and hook for wheel cover to vehicle tool kit.

Full wheel cover, installing

- Install wheel cover by guiding the tire inflating valve through the designated recess arrow.

- If necessary, install wheel bolt caps.



Rear Disc Brake Pads

- If necessary, remove wheel trim using pulling hook.

- Using a flashlight and looking through opening, check brake pads.

- Check thickness of outer pad visually.





- With flashlight light up inner brake pad and position mirror.

- Check thickness of inner pad visually.

a Pad thickness inner and outer, not including backing plate

Wear limit: 2 mm

With pad thickness (not including backing plate) of 2 mm, the brake pads have reached their wear limit and must be replaced (repair procedure). Be sure to notify customer and mark findings on repair order!

When replacing brake pads, it is absolutely necessary to check brake discs for wear! Checking and replacing the brake pads, if necessary, is a repair measure.

- Check brake disc for wear => Brake System Rear Disc Brakes, Servicing

- If necessary, install wheel trim.

Rear Drum Brake Pads

- If necessary, remove wheel trim using pulling hook.

- Check thickness of brake pads through viewing hole in brake carrier plate - arrow - (use flashlight as an aid).





Wear limit: 2.5 mm (pad thickness only)

At a thickness of 2.5 mm, brake pads have reached their wear limit and should be replaced (repair measure). Be sure to notify customer and mark findings on repair order!

Pay attention to pads smeared with brake fluid or grease.

- If necessary, install wheel trim.