Does anybody on this site have a Volkswagon Passat and, if so, have you replaced the brakes?

How easy is it? Haynes don't make a manual for my model (2001) and I don't really want to fork out for a factory manual. Any special tools required?

Thanks,

Bernie.

On all of the VW's ive ever had i needed a caliper wind back tool when replacing the pads. SP tool was cheap from halfords. I cant remember if that was only for rears or fronts as well though. I had to use the tool for my old 2001 Mondeo as well so it wont go amiss.
Sometimes a 7mm allen key is also required.

Rears needs the wind back tool,

Fronts I think I used a G clamp.

R reg 1.9 TDI passoot 191000 and still not dead

Allen key required to drop the piston of the slider.

Regards

Ariv8

Much the same as the Sierra with teeves calipers

At the rear you can manage without the wind back tool but it is easier with. Important thing is to make sure the hand brake cable is slack before trying to wind back the calipers -- gentle pressure is all that is required when winding back.

Don't try and force the rear pistons back.
When building back up make sure the handbrake cables have enough slack and aren't sticking or the self adjusters won't work.


Advise you clamp the brake hoses and push excess fluid back through the nipple -- especially important if it has ABS.



[Edited on 23/5/06 by britishtrident]

I went to Halfords on the weekend for a wind-back tool. The one they had didn't list VW as compatible. It did cover Mondeo etc. The guy in the shop was less than useless. Can somebody tell me if it will work?

You only need a wind back tool for the rear brakes , you can use a "G" clamp or if you have some a large pair of slip jaw pliers (also known as water pump pliers )

I have only just got 2001(51)1.9TDi 130 estate -have got haynes maual for.covers 2000-2005 and is no.4279.
I have changed front discs and pads and as guys say allen key(I am still using one I bought for XR2 I believe)and g clamp were all I needed .As B/Trident states manual does suggest you clamp pipe to stop dirt getting into ABS-I unfortunately did not read this before I did the job so good call !! .
Mike

It's the back brakes I'm looking to change now. The fronts are sorted.

I've just ordered a Haynes manual (didn't know they were available now). I have a 2001 TDI 130 saloon.

Darren W mentions he used the wind back tool on his Mondeo too. The tool at Halford fitted Mondeos. I was hoping somebody could confirm.

I'll try replacing them without the tool and see how I go.

Thanks for all the replies.