Rear brake pad change, anything I need to know

[brinks787]

I've finally got fed up of a random low speed squealing from my rear brakes (confirmed as brakes as it goes when I lightly apply the handbrake).

Anyway, I'm having a look and as it'll be in bits tomorrow I've bought some new pads to fit while I'm there.

Are there any common issues with the rear pads on the Mk5 GTi?  I've got a caliper wind back tool that should fit and new metals clips and caliper bolts came with the pads.

I've read that the caliper pistons quite commonly seize - mines an 08 model, is this still likely to be a problem?

Any tips and tricks are most welcome 

[muff1991]

seems like you got everything you need, I don't think there should be anything that may trip you up when doing it, you probably already know but I find its easier sometimes to remove the brake fluid cap from the engine bay before winding the piston back... just remember to grease the right areas and all your bolts are done up tight 

[brinks787]

Thanks muff, I had an early finish at work today so just changed the pads.

Looks like the rubbing noise was just the brake shield rubbing on the top back edge of the disc, I've bent it back a smidge all round so it can't rub anymore.

The pads had a few mm left but I changed them anyway, it was a nice easy little job with no seized bolts or pistons thankfully.

I bought the mid price pads from GSF (Jurid was the make) and they came with new bolts and caliper clips.  25% off at the moment too so only a smidge over £30. 

If anyone else needs to change theirs, set aside about an hour which will give plenty of time to clean everything up too.

[muff1991]

hi Brinks, glad you got them sorted I've had to bend brake shields back loads of times... there a pain when they rub.
Makes you wonder how many mechanics have charged people for new brakes when there shield is just rubbing slightly.