Recommended replacement interval for the part category Brake disc : 50000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 TD, GTD, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.4, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.6, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.8 Syncro (1HX1), VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.4, VW GOLF III (1H1) 1.9 SDI … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front brake discs / brake rotors on VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 3 (1H1) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Alternative products

Brake disc

Replacement: brake discs – VW Golf 3. Tools you might need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      Nylon cleaning brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      Brake cleaner 
                    
                      Copper grease 
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      HEX bit No.H7.
                    
                      Torx bit T30
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Brake caliper wind back tool
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

AUTODOC recommends:

Replace the brake disks on the car VW Golf 3 in complete set for each axis. Regardless of the state of components. This will ensure even braking.
The replacement procedure is identical for both brake disks on the same axle.
When changing the brake discs, always replace the brake pads.
Please note: all work on the car – VW Golf 3 – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the hood. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Step 2

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 3

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 4

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 5

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 6

Remove the wheel.
Step 7

Remove the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins. Use a crowbar.
Step 8

Clean the brake caliper fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 9

Unscrew the brake caliper fastening. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 10

Spread the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 11

Remove the brake caliper.

Replacement: brake discs – VW Golf 3. Professionals recommend:
Tie the caliper to the suspension or to the body with a wire without disconnecting from the brake hose to prevent depressurization of the brake system.Make sure that the brake caliper is not hanging on the brake hose.Don't press the brake pedal after the brake caliper has been removed. As a result, the piston can fall out from the brake cylinder, and brake fluid leakage and depressurization of the system may occur. Check the brake caliper bracket, brake caliper guide pins and boots. Clean them. Replace, if necessary.
Step 12

Remove the brake pads. Use a crowbar.
Step 13

Clean the brake disc fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.

Step 14

Unscrew the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Remove the brake disc.
Step 16

Clean the hub. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 17

Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 18

Install the brake disc.
Step 19

Tighten the brake disc fastening. Use Torx T30. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 4 Nm torque.
Step 20

Install the brake pads.
Step 21

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a nylon cleaning brush. Use a brake cleaner.

Replacement: brake discs – VW Golf 3. Tip:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 22

Press in the brake caliper piston. Use brake caliper wind back tool.
Step 23

Install the brake caliper and fix it. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Step 24

Install the dust boot caps of the brake caliper guide pins.
Step 25

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 26

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 27

Install the wheel.

Replacement: brake discs – VW Golf 3. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 28

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 29

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 30

Remove the jacks and chocks.

AUTODOC recommends:
Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.
Step 31

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

Replacement: brake discs – VW Golf 3. Tip from AUTODOC:
Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until you feel significant resistance.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the VW Golf III Hatchback (1H1) model

Golf 3 tyre size

How to change rear brake shoes on VW Golf 3 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.05 MB
How to change brake drum on VW Golf 3 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.75 MB
How to change front brake pads on VW Golf 3 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.51 MB
How to change front ABS sensor on VW GOLF III (1H1) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.94 MB
How to change wheel cylinder on VW GOLF III (1H1) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.4 MB
How to change rear brake pads on VW GOLF III (1H1) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.36 MB

How to change rear brake discs on VW Golf 7 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.1 MB
How to change front brake discs on VW Golf 7 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.3 MB
How to change front brake discs on VW Golf 5 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.52 MB
How to change rear brake discs on VW Golf 5 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.8 MB
How to change front brake discs on VW Golf 6 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.24 MB
How to change rear brake discs on VW Golf 6 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.56 MB

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

Cold starts | 5 mistakes that wreck your car

12K views

Published on: 23/10/2025
5 tools that make car repair incredibly simple | AUTODOC tips

49K views

Published on: 25/01/2024
DIY starter repair | AUTODOC tips

157K views

Published on: 31/08/2023
Preventing Engine Failure: Head Gasket Inspection Tutorial | AUTODOC

12K views

Published on: 13/10/2020