VW Passat B3: replacement and correct choice of brake pads

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04.05.201801.04.2023

Updated

01.04.202304.05.2018

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6 min

Categories: English, Passat, Volkswagen, Всі записи, Гальмівна система, Ремзона

When selecting pads for the Volkswagen Passat, take into account the generation of the car. There were eight generations of cars, which have different catalog numbers of pads. All cars were exploited in the homeland or in other European countries, so they were cared for accordingly.

VW Passat B3, VR6 edition, with all-round disc brakes

The classic combination of drum rear pads and disc front pads was installed on these cars. There were some exceptions, though, where only disc sets of pads were used. These were all-wheel drive versions with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine, as well as almost all two-liter gasoline versions. All station wagons of that period had drum brakes on the rear.

The original model brake pads on the Volkswagen Passat have different numerical and letter designations due to the fact that they differ because of the diameter and thickness of the brake disc. For example, the catalog numbers for the Girling caliper are as follows:

357 698 151 B and 1H0 698 151 ($40-42) – 13 mm thick and 256 mm diameter brake disc;
1HM 698 151 A ($40) – 20 mm thickness and 256 mm brake disc diameter;
357,698,151 ($41) – 22 mm thickness and 280 mm brake disc diameter.

The problem with original parts is their inflated price, so car owners not only have to think about how to change the pads. And also about the cost and the possible search for an inexpensive analogue.

Similar brake pads are made by many companies. They are not inferior to the original ones: they brake confidently, do not squeak and have a warranty period. For example, if you need a low price, it is TSN, if quality – ATE. There is a “golden mean” – TRW GDB1048 and LPR:

ABS with part number 36789, price within $13;
Fenox, part number BP43153, price $9;
TSN, part number 2159, price $7;
Optimal, 9362, $12.

VW Passat B3 колодки — Zimmermann, quite an expensive option

When replacing the pads yourself, it is important to monitor the thickness of the brake disc. This is because if the thickness is critically reduced, the thermal conductivity of the disc changes and the brakes may overheat even under light loads. This can cause the disc to warp and cause a complete loss of brake control.<

Changing front pads VW Passat B3 with your own hands

To replace the brake pads on your own Volkswagen Passat you will need a jack, a wrench for the wheel bolts, a wrench-head on 13 with a bit, a wrench for 15 (spanner), grease or lithol for the wheel fixing bolts.

Removing worn brake pads is as follows:

- remove the hubcaps and loosen the wheel bolts,

- lift the car with the jack, and put the safety stop,
- unscrew the wheel bolts completely and remove the wheel,

- unscrew the caliper mounts with 13 and 15 wrenches,

- Pull back the caliper and remove the pads,

- Inspect the brake disc for wear, piston dusters and caliper guides,

- Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir and slide the caliper to install the new pads,

- Lubricate the end mount of the pad and the caliper,

put the new pads in, clamp the piston and put the caliper on,
tighten the caliper mounting bolts and install the wheel.

Don't forget to grease the caliper!

Important: It is highly desirable to lubricate the caliper and the brake pads whenever you change the brake pads. How and how to do this is described in detail here.

Do not forget to adjust the level of the brake fluid in the tank after installing the wheels. New pads will be lapped for about 200-300 km, after that the noises will disappear and the old VW Passat B3 will brake like new. Good luck to all and good brakes!