Replacing brake pads

800 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Triple777, Nov 28, 2001

Triple777

Discussion Starter · Nov 27, 2001

Hi all, I'm replacing the brakepads on my GF's Golf. Specifically the rears. I'm going with Mintex RedBox. I have the same on my B5 and have been pleased with the performance (definitely better than OEM) and even happier with the significantly reduced brake dust.
Since I'm replacing the rears, I figured I would do the fronts as well (to kill 2 birds at once). Here's my question: I was on Potterman's site & noticed that they didnt offer front pads... Anyone know where I can get them? Also, my B5 has a brake wear sensor; does the Mk4 have these that i gotta worry about too?
TIA for all your help. Its much appreciated!

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adg44

· #2 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (Triple777)

The front left has the brake wear sensor, I just cut mine, clipped the wires and fooled the system. Mintex does have front brakes for the car (11.0" and 11.3"). All you'll need is a 7mm hex bit to take off the caliper bolts, and maybe a tool to spread the caliper piston. There is no wear sensor in the back.
BTW, have you thought of trying Porterfield pads? I'm running EBCs and once these wear out, Porterfields will be on the car. I'm only hearing great things about them.

chilipepperxxx

· #3 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (adg44)

I am looking for some new brake pads, as well. I looked at the Porterfields, but they are too expensive for me right now, but I need new brake pads to reduce the dust on my new wheels. What are the best for reducing the dust without the expense of Porterfields?

BostonMk4

· #4 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (Triple777)

Jaydub put together step by step instructions with pics. Try looking him up.

Triple777

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (adg44)

quote:[HR][/HR]The front left has the brake wear sensor, I just cut mine, clipped the wires and fooled the system. Mintex does have front brakes for the car (11.0" and 11.3"). All you'll need is a 7mm hex bit to take off the caliper bolts, and maybe a tool to spread the caliper piston. There is no wear sensor in the back.
BTW, have you thought of trying Porterfield pads? I'm running EBCs and once these wear out, Porterfields will be on the car. I'm only hearing great things about them.[HR][/HR]

Yeah I did the same for my B5. As I'm a B5 enthusiast, I havent heard about these Porterfields... Any idea where I can get them and how much? Since this is my GF's car, she's much more concerened with the brakedust (so as not to get her clothes dirty

)... Howws the dust on these Porterfilelds?
Thanks again!

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Triple777

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (BostonMk4)

quote:[HR][/HR]Jaydub put together step by step instructions with pics. Try looking him up.[HR][/HR]

Did a search, but to no avail

I'm guessing its similar to the B5 install, but if anyone has the link... that would make my life SO much easier!
TIA.

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JettaRed

· #7 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (Triple777)

Call Potterman, they have front pads. If you're going to do the rear, you need a special tool. Potterman has that, too.

jaydub

· #8 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (JettaRed)

wait! wait! I'm here!
Click my sig, then click VW How To.
I did a small photo pictorial with some tips.

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GTI_Matador

· #9 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (JayDub)

what is that tool called?

JettaRed

· #10 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (GTI_Matador)

quote:[HR][/HR]what is that tool called?[HR][/HR]

Rear Disc Brake Caliper Tool
http://www.etoolcart.com/product.asp?0=203&1=209&3=1048 or http://www.etoolcart.com/product.asp?0=203&1=209&3=430
It looks like this

[Modified by JettaRed, 4:25 PM 11-27-2001]

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jaydub

· #11 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (JettaRed)

I'd hit up ebay for that tool, just search for Brake piston tool.
I got mine for $30+6 or so for shipping, search for "slugbus" as a seller.

Triple777

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (JayDub)

sweet.
you guys rock!

slugman

· #13 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (Triple777)

grr, that darn tool, I'm on my second ebay attempt, won it over a month ago this time. first one never appeared, got my money back, this one supposedly is missing in mail, demanded money back, guy shipped another set with tracking info (which I'd requested in the first place) all in all I just want the darn thing! now if I'd known another slug was selling sets...
umm, ttt probably going with the mintex, was waiting till I got the tool first.
-slug

jaydub

· #14 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (slugman)

Wow that sucks! I got mine in three days.

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adg44

· #15 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (JayDub)

Hmm I bought the lisle rear caliper tool that jettared recommened, and I got it in 3 days... cost me 60 bucks. No hassles or worrying about if it really shipped or not.

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Triple777

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Replacing brake pads (adg44)

Any significant difference between the two tools?

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