Brake system (VW Golf 1)

Front Disc Brake Pads - Checking

The approximate thickness of the brake pads can be determined without removing the wheels, since they are visible through the holes in the wheel disks. A more complete check is carried out in the following order:

• 1. Loosen the front wheel bolts, raise the front of the vehicle and remove the wheels.
• 2. Check the thickness of the pads, which are clearly visible through the window in the caliper (figure A:19).

Minimum permissible thickness of the pad (together with a metal base) is 7 mm. If the thickness of at least one pad approaches the minimum, all four pads should be replaced. It can be considered that the pads wear out approximately 1 mm over 800 km of travel.

Check that the brake pads are not contaminated with brake fluid. If there are signs of fluid leakage, remove the pads for a more thorough inspection (see chapter "Brake system").

NOTE: If any one pad requires replacement, replace all four front brake pads at the same time to maintain uniform braking.

Replacement of pads is described in detail in the chapter "BRAKING SYSTEM". After inspection/visibility of the pads, install the wheels and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the wheel bolts.

Rear drum brake shoes (figure A:21)

Although the Golf, Jetta and Scirocco rear brake backing plates have inspection holes covered with rubber plugs, it is recommended to remove the brake drums for a more thorough inspection of the pads.

When inspecting the rear brakes, it may turn out that some parts require replacement. Repair of brake mechanisms is described in the chapter "Brake system".

1. Loosen the wheel bolts, raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the rear wheels.

2. Release the handbrake and remove the brake drum - see chapter "Brake system".

3. Clean the brake pads with a wire brush, being careful not to inhale the dust that is created. The pads should be replaced if their thickness approaches the maximum permissible value, i.e. 5 mm for riveted pads or 3.5 mm if the pads are glued (figure A:21). All four pads must be replaced at the same time to maintain uniform braking. If the pads are contaminated with oil or brake fluid, the source of contamination must be immediately identified and eliminated, and the contaminated pads must be replaced


Check the rear wheel brake cylinders by lifting the dust covers with a screwdriver. If there are traces of brake fluid under the covers, the brake cylinder should be replaced or repaired (replace seals).

Before installing the brake drum, check the operation of the automatic adjustment mechanism (if available). If the automatic regulator does not work, repair it.

Hoses, Tubes and Seals

Regularly inspect the hoses and tubes of the brake system to promptly identify areas of corrosion of the tubes, as well as cracks, abrasions of the hoses and other damage. If questionable parts or brake fluid leaks are found, immediately eliminate the malfunctions (see chapter "Brake system").

Carefully inspect the master and wheel brake cylinders. Since brake fluid acts as a lubricant, minor leakage of fluid through the cylinder seals is permissible, but the amount of leaked fluid should be minimal. If a large amount of fluid leaks through a seal, it is recommended to immediately replace all seals in the brake system units - see chapter "Brake system".

Adjusting the rear brakes

On vehicles not equipped with automatic rear brake adjustment, the rear brakes must be adjusted as the brake pads wear. To do this, raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and remove the rear wheels. Release the handbrake and make sure the handbrake cables do not stick and the wheels rotate freely.

Remove the plug from the adjustment hole in the brake shield (2, Figure A:22). The rear brake adjustment nut is visible through the hole. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the nut to adjust the rear brake pads.

NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a load-sensing rear brake pressure regulator, the residual pressure in the brake system must be released before adjusting the pads. To do this, press the regulator lever in the direction shown by the arrow in Figures A:23 and A:24.

Turn the toothed adjustment nut downwards with a screwdriver until the wheel is locked, then turn it back just enough so that the wheel can turn freely again.

After adjusting both brakes, press the brake pedal several times and check the adjustment again. Close the adjustment holes with plugs.

Adjusting the handbrake

The operation of the handbrake should be checked periodically. Raise the car with a jack, check the condition and reliability of the handbrake cable, as well as the ease of its movement in the casing and guides.

Clean and lubricate the cable with aerosol lubricant. Lubricate the equalizer, cable pulley, and the areas of the cable where it enters the guides. Lubricate the pulley axle and check for ease of rotation (figure A:25).



Usually, during operation, the handbrake cable does not require adjustment, since its slack is taken up when adjusting the rear brakes (automatically or manually). However, if the cable is loose due to stretching, it can be adjusted as follows:

Adjust the rear brakes as described above, then tighten the handbrake.

NOTE: Apply the handbrake by lifting the handle three clicks of the release mechanism if the vehicle has manually adjustable rear brakes, or four clicks if the vehicle has automatically adjustable rear brakes.

With the handbrake lever in this position, tighten the adjusting nut on the cable equalizer (figure A:26) so that the rear wheels can be turned with force by hand. Release the handbrake lever and check the ease of rotation of the rear wheels.