How to Replace Brake Pads on a 2000 VW Beetle

The brake pads on your Volkswagen Beetle will wear down over time and eventually need changing. The pads ride in the brake calipers on the disc, and whether you're changing the pads on the front or rear end, you need to change them on both sides together. Your 2000 model Beetle can have FN3 calipers or FS III calipers, and the process can vary slightly depending on that type, so check with your mechanic first.

Difficulty: ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Jack
Jack stands
C-clamp
Brake cleaner
Flat blade screwdriver
Allen wrench
Brake pads
Anti-squeal compound
DOT 4 brake fluid

Step 1
Raise the end of the car that you are changing the pads on and support it on jack stands. Block the wheels on the opposite end and remove the wheels on the end that is raised.
Step 2
Siphon at least two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or suction gun and dispose of it as per the laws and ordinances in your area.
Step 3
Clean the entire brake disc and caliper assembly using an aerosol brake cleaner and a drip pan for the dripping residue. Never clean brakes off with compressed air.
Step 4
Compress the brake caliper piston using a C-clamp. Compress it slowly and check the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir as you do so, making sure the fluid doesn't overflow and spill out.
Step 5
Detach the caliper by prying off the retaining spring with a flat screwdriver (only FN3 calipers have the spring, not FS III) and removing the guide pin bolts with an Allen wrench; the bolts will have caps you must remove first.
Step 6
Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper. If one is installed, disconnect the electrical connector--for the wear sensor--from the inner pad. On FN3 calipers, you must pry the adhesive-backed caliper off with a screwdriver.
Step 1
Prepare the new FN3 style brake pads for installation by peeling off the back to expose the adhesive. Apply an anti-squeal compound to the pads' backing plates if you have FS III calipers.
Step 2
Install the brake pads into the caliper. On FN3 calipers, install the outer pad within the caliper mounting bracket and the inner pad in the caliper with the arrow on the pad pointing downward. On FS III calipers, both pads go into the caliper.
Step 3
Place the caliper back on the disc.
Step 4
Clean and lubricate the guide pin bolts using the brake cleaner and a high-temperature grease, then install them in the caliper and tighten them to 21 ft.-lbs. Reinstall the retaining spring on FN3 calipers.
Step 5
Reconnect the wheels and lower the car once you've changed the brakes on both sides.
Step 6
Press the brake pedal repeatedly until it feels firm. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and add fresh DOT 4 brake fluid as needed.