Mk7 GTI Rear Caliper Replacement DIY How To 2015-2021 Golf Manual Handbrake 272mm Rotor

WARNING: Viewer assumes any and all risks when working on their vehicle. Always consult with a professional before attempting any repairs. Never work under a car only supported by a floor jack, or only supported by ramps. Use jack stands and extra redundancies.

This is for a GTI without performance pack and a manual parking brake. This will be the same/similar to Golfs around the world depending on trim level.

The main symptom of this bad caliper was the parking brake mechanism wasn't locking the wheel, as opposed to the usual seizing piston. I tried working the lever on the back of the caliper back and forth with a hammer, but that will only get you so far. A rebuild or caliper replacement is in order. I was surprised to find out the red GTI calipers were twice the price as this one for base model golfs - so I attacked the problem with a rattlecan. Just make sure you mask off the appropriate surfaces before doing so - the piston, the lever mechanism, the threaded holes for the bleeder screw and banjo bolt - and the one thing I forgot in this video - the two mounting holes have machined surfaces to accommodate the 13mm slider pin bolts. Not a big deal, but it would be better to leave those machined surfaces unpainted.

Be clean when opening the hydraulic system - the cleanliness is critical to proper brake operation. After doing this job a full brake flush is highly recommended. DO A STATIC HOLD BRAKE TEST BEFORE DRIVING VEHICLE. Hold pedal down for 30 seconds - if pedal sinks, fix the leak before driving the car!