I need a full set of discs and pads (front and back) for a mk1 VRS estate as my discs are now utterly shot (with the last two months of salty roads finally finishing them off). Anyone know a good place to buy them? I'm quite happy with standard brakes for now.

Regarding windback of the rear calipers, I have heard conflicting reports of the best method. Some say to bleed out the fluid via the bleed points on the rear calipers but this risks damaging the clipers when I try to loosen off the bleed nipples. Others simply advise removing the lid from the brake fluid resevoir and letting the fluid work its way back through the sytem. However, apparently this risks inverting the seals in the master cylinder. How likely is this to happen?

Can anyone advise how they have done this job?

Cheers,

ip

When i replaced my pads & discs all round last year i just removed the brake fluid reservoir cap then pushed the front caliper pistons back slowly & wound the rears back using the wind back tool & had no problems with master cyl seals etc.if you do it this way keep a eye on the fluid level in the reservior as you may need to remove some fluid as you push the pistons back.I did one corner at a time,pushed piston back,reasemble then "pumped" the brake pedal(only pressing it down half way) till pedal became hard then moved onto next corner. hope this helps you.

Thanks Mikeyvrs. Useful info.

Additionaly, I have found I can get a full set of discs/pads from Jorily for £155. Seems like a good deal? Are there any other parts that typically need to be replaced when you change discs and pads (nuts or bolts that tend to become knackered in the process)?

Cheers,

iep

I get all my discs from GSF. They have a range of qualities, from Budget to OE quality.

I'd get the Brembo HC fronts, as they're treated on the non-contact surfaces to prevent them corroding. Unfortunately they don't make the rears so you're stuck with normal ones there. I put new Zimmerman discs on the back 2 years ago and they have been destroyed by all the salt on the roads. I might replace them in the summer because they look so sad. Problem is the rears never get much use so never get a good clean by the pads.

Also try these guys, who I've had a calliper and pads off before: http://www.vw.car-brakes.co.uk/

Changing the rear pads is really easy, if you have the windback tool. No need to open any nipples, or even remove the reservoir cap if you don't want to (it's not a sealed system, if it was the brakes wouldn't work!). No need to grind any lips off the discs either, which is another popular myth. Undo the guide pin bolts, then just pull the calliper off. Unlike the fronts, the rear pads do not clip into the piston, so the pads are not fixed to the calliper (only held to the calliper by the adhesive pads which are easily overcome), allowing the calliper to be removed even if the pads were welded to the discs. The brakes on this car really are very simple to work on.

The master cylinder seal inversion issue you mention comes from bleeding the brakes the old-school way of pumping the pedal to the floor. Which sends the piston into a normally unswept dirty area, which can cause the seals to invert. Get an Eezibleed kit to pressure bleed the system if you want to avoid this, and bleed the brakes solo.

Good luck getting the bleed nipples undone if you do bother to bleed it! They can be as tight as a gnats fanny, and easily shear off if you're a brute!

Not normally mate, You may find youll need a 7mm allankey(large one) to undo the front guide pins to get the calliper off the bracket.(I thibnk its 7mm, its one thats not in any old key set ne way)

and youll need a key for the rear brackets as they are not held on with bolts like the fronts. (not on mine ne way)

windback toolfrom GSF is what I used and it worked a treat and so easy too.

billy

Thanks for the immediate and highly detailed responses. This what this forum is all about. Cheers guys.

iep

im lookin at these for mine http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150396885182&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

try euro car parts for disks and pads, they don't have all their options on their website but they do have a range for the VRS and a good price too...

Wow, those drilled discs look sweet! Any disadvantages to drilled discs? What are the mintex red pads like?

iep

In the end read that grooved and drilled discs can be more fragile and will defintely wear out pads sooner. So opted for a standard set of discs/pads from the recommended:

http://www.vw.car-brakes.co.uk/

Haven't arrived yet but the price was good and the website brilliant.

iep

Yeah a really good website can steal the deal for me, even if it's a bit more expensive.

It's a shame some companies don't realise this and have very poor layouts. I'll resist mentioning names.......

I find the ECS website to be one of the best about.

Glad you're all sorted.