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Am I right in saying replacing discs and pads on the front wheels for a 9N1 Polo is really easy, 2 bolts on calipers, 4 screws on discs or is there more to it?
Yep - only one screw per disk holding it in place... do take the reservoir cover off - and make sure you check it occasionally as you squeeze the front pistons back in. If you squeeze them in too quickly you may force the fluid out over the top - its very unlikely but it would ruin your paintwork inside the engine bay! When re-assembling, it pays to give the caliper a good wire brushing to get any loose surface rust off - then apply anice thin layer of copper grease to the part that the pad sits on. Oh and also on the metal back plate of the pads. If you've got alloys, it pays to grease the mating faces of the wheel and hub too - because they can stick together like an absolute bast***!!
Thanks for all your advice on this one and at least it isn't a complicated job to do Does it have to be copper grease or will normal stuff be ok?
Thanks, Ian
Yes it should be copper grease - just a light covering - not too much or it will get thrown outwards when the hubs are hot and the wheel turning quickly - and that means very messy wheels! One of the original uses for copper grease was for coating furnace bolts - the stuff I still have 30 years on is called Copaslip - it only started getting used with disc brakes about that time - and now its also used sparingly to lubricate and provide anti seize properties to spark plugs especially when used with aluminium cylinder heads. Actually now some "quality" brake parts manufacturers suggest only using "their" new greases that are not metal loaded because of corrosion problem when used with dissimilar metals - but I've still got about half a tin left, so it will see me out!!
GaryUK wrote:This has reminded me I need to change my front brake pads.
Where is the best place to buy them (preferably online) and what are the options
You can get original equipment manufacturer's stuff like Pagid and Textar online postage free from GSF. Better to do your homework first on the TMD-Friction website (owners of the Pagid and Textar names) VW fit Pagid on the front and Textar on the rear - can't say why though! Maybe you should check your disc thicknesses also as they don't last too long!