Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Passat Rear Brake Rotors Q. I have a 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 2.8 liter V-6 engine, automatic transmission with 57,000 miles. I am trying to change my rear brakes. I have the tire, lug nuts, and caliper off but can not get the rotor to budge. What techniques work in pulling this off? I am afraid I will brake the rotor if I try any harder. Thanks for any help, Rich

A. The only thing holding that rotor on is pure stubbornness. You can take a some Liquid Wrench or WD-40 and spray it around the center hub. Then tap around the hub area, not the rotor face if you plan on reusing the rotor, and it should break loose.

If not, take a block of 2x4 and place it on the backside of the rotor and hit it with a hammer. Give it one hit, spin the rotor 180° and hit it again. Keep doing this until it "walks" off. It'll come, but it may take some extra work.

1. Self-locking hex bolt
2. Brake pads
3. Ribbed combination bolt
4. Brake carrier with guide pins and protective cap
5. Ribbed combination bolt
6. Brake disc
7. Brake caliper housing