Morning,

My rear pads are somewhat on the thin side and will almost certainly need replacing in the very near future.

I'm loath to pay a garage for what I perceive to be a relatively straightforward job so fancy having a go myself.

Can anybody give me an idea on how easy (or not) this procedure is on the vRS?

Also, is it worth paying extra to get better pads than the originals on the rears?

Cheers.

It's very simple except that you do need a brake winding tool to push the pistons back into the calipers - they have to be rotated as they are pushed back in. You can get a tool from Halfords or similar - about 20 quid IIRC although I managed to borrow a friendly Briskodian's who had already done this job. With the right tools, 20 mins/side (less for the second side when you've worked out the tricks from the first)

It's very simple except that you do need a brake winding tool to push the pistons back into the calipers - they have to be rotated as they are pushed back in. You can get a tool from Halfords or similar - about 20 quid IIRC although I managed to borrow a friendly Briskodian's who had already done this job. With the right tools, 20 mins/side (less for the second side when you've worked out the tricks from the first)

If youve never done it before & they are the same as the Octy TDi allow plenty of time or ask a knowledgeable friend to help. I was quoted over

If you have a lip left on the disc, just chip along the edge of the disc with a little hammer - the lip will chip off leaving the disc the same thickness all the way across. A bit of a wiggle, or the judicious application of a screwdriver will retract the pads a little (even without the winding tool there's a bit of slack) and the caliper should then slide off no problem.

What is the winding tool? On my old 306 I was meant to use one of them on the rear calipers, but I just used a screw driver with a square shaft instead....

A quick google search..

Note the lugs engaging with the outside circumference of the piston - you need a chuffin big screwdriver if you're going to use that instead!

I'm thinking about replacing all the brake pads myself but what pads would you recommend. I'm running stock at the moment, no mods.

What is the winding tool? On my old 306 I was meant to use one of them on the rear calipers, but I just used a screw driver with a square shaft instead....

Beat me to it !...I spent 1/2 hr with a set of g-clamps on my pug306, trying to shove mine back until I realised they screw back in rather than being pushed.

I'm thinking about replacing all the brake pads myself but what pads would you recommend. I'm running stock at the moment, no mods.

If your happy with the performance than stick with genuine pads

If you want a bit more have a look for Ferrodo DS2500.

Beat me to it !...I spent 1/2 hr with a set of g-clamps on my pug306, trying to shove mine back until I realised they screw back in rather than being pushed.

I had to read the haynes manual first though ;-)

I had to read the haynes manual first though ;-)

Unfortunately I had actually read it as well but closed it once I had the calipers off..assumed it would say the usual..'assembly is reverse of procedures 1 to 10' rubbish..

You could also get a "How To".....UK MKIVs has a nice how to for brakes.

Definately get the winding tool...makes it sooooo easy.