About Rocky Racoon Expertise Most questions that relate to interior, and exterior equipment removal, and re-installation. Also, mechanical repairs of the engine, and the axles, and the brakes.
Experience 35 years auto repair experience. 3 years specifically Volkswagen. 10 years ago, graduated from general technical college. Deans list graduate. One of several hundred, out of several thousand to compete, and win recognition within Volkswagen for knowledge, and excellence.
Question What tool do I need to purchase to take off the rotors on a 1999 VW bug. The manual I have is very vague on this point. Thanks
Answer Hey there Eric...the front rotors take a 7, or 8 mm hex. Like an "allen wrench," to remove the caliper, and then you can use a large phillips screw driver for the rotor. The rears require a 13 mm socket for the bolt heads, and inside the caliper, where the locator pins are, you have to hold them with a 15 mm open end wrench. That will get the pads, and calipers off so you can get the rotors. If you feel more comfortable, you can take off the caiper bracket with an 18 mm socket, or wrench...might be 17, but I think it's 18 mm. Then a big philips to get the screw out, and poof the rotor should fall off. There is a special rotating caliper compressor that is NECESSARY to get the rear calipers compressed for the new pads, and rotors. Don't try to just compress them, or they will be destroyed. They have to be rotated to reset the emergency brake portion of the rears. This is true of nearly all manufacturers with rear calipers since about 1980. Good luck, be careful, and don't take any chances. Get the piston seals recompressed as well, use lots of light lubricant to make the job easier...ie., "WD40," or a similar product. Inspect every portion of the braking system while you are there, and don't be impatient. Good luck. Hope this is of service to you, and your project.
