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Golf Brake pads Install Guide

Your Golf

Pick your year to see what fits.

Stronger stops
Medium$60–$1701–2 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Fresh pads bite harder and fade less than worn stock pads.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.

Steps

  1. Remove the caliper

    • Remove the wheel and slider bolts.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 Golf) (1:16–2:45)

  2. Swap the pads

    • Fit the new pads.
    Watch this step (2:45–4:34)

  3. Clean and grease

    • Clean and lube the sliders.
    Watch this step (4:34–6:15)

  4. Reassemble

    • Refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (6:15–9:01)

  5. Remove the caliper

    • Remove the wheel and slider bolts.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4 Golf) (1:16–2:45)

  6. Swap the pads

    • Fit the new pads.
    Watch this step (2:45–4:34)

  7. Clean and grease

    • Clean and lube the sliders.
    Watch this step (4:34–6:15)

  8. Reassemble

    • Refit the caliper.
    Watch this step (6:15–9:01)

  9. Remove the caliper

    • Remove the wheel and caliper.
    Watch this step (on an 06-14 GTI) (2:34–4:34)

  10. Remove the old pads

    • Take them out.
    Watch this step (4:34–5:06)

  11. Compress the piston

    • Press it back.
    Watch this step (10:29–11:56)

  12. Fit the new pads

    • Fit them.
    Watch this step (11:56–14:10)

  13. Reassemble

    • Refit everything.
    Watch this step (14:10–14:48)

  14. Remove the wheel

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a Mk7 Golf R) (3:20–4:42)

  15. Remove the caliper

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:42–9:42)

  16. Service the parts

    • Clean up the hardware.
    Watch this step (9:42–13:20)

  17. Fit the pads

    • Press the piston and fit the pads.
    Watch this step (13:20–14:25)

  18. Reassemble

    • Put it together.
    Watch this step (14:25–18:57)

  19. Remove the wheel

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a Mk7 Golf R) (3:20–4:42)

  20. Remove the caliper

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:42–9:42)

  21. Service the parts

    • Clean up the hardware.
    Watch this step (9:42–13:20)

  22. Fit the pads

    • Press the piston and fit the pads.
    Watch this step (13:20–14:25)

  23. Reassemble

    • Put it together.
    Watch this step (14:25–18:57)

  24. Remove the wheel

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a Mk7 Golf R) (3:20–4:42)

  25. Remove the caliper

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (4:42–9:42)

  26. Service the parts

    • Clean up the hardware.
    Watch this step (9:42–13:20)

  27. Fit the pads

    • Press the piston and fit the pads.
    Watch this step (13:20–14:25)

  28. Reassemble

    • Put it together.
    Watch this step (14:25–18:57)

  29. Remove the caliper

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (FCP Euro on a 2022+ Golf R) (5:39–7:33)

  30. Remove the carrier

    • Take it off.
    Watch this step (7:33–7:45)

  31. Refit the carrier

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (8:53–14:43)

  32. Fit the caliper

    • Fit pads and caliper.
    Watch this step (14:43–18:07)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

Brake Pad install guides for other cars

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