1.4 FR SC front brake pads

[snowden]

Afternoon all,

Front brake pads on my car are due a replacement — advise on the MOT in January was "around 500 miles left in those pads" and they've done a fair bit more now.

Unhelpfully, the PR code sticker doesn't actually seem to list a code for what braking system is on the car when run through one of the many online decoders. I've found it's the TRW system by looking at the caliper. Pagid part number 101442108 looks to be correct based on pad size, disc diameter and brake system manufacturer but the thing that is now catching me out is the inclusion of the brake wear sensor.

The car doesn't have any wiring by the caliper where the sensor could possibly plug in, is this going to be an issue or can I just clip the sensor cable into the empty bracket that's there and then ignore it?

If anyone could confirm whether these look good to go? Additionally, any good guides on swapping out the brake pads would be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[RUM4MO]

Well, I was in the same situation with my wife’s 2015 VW Polo 1.2TSI 110PS - I couldn’t find any replacement front pads that didn’t have wear sensors! On reading the official workshop or maybe even the parts listing, it turns out you just buy the set with a wear sensors and cut the wire off.
Maybe a useful tip, if you fix your own VW Group cars, keep this lead and plug as you can use it to fit to brake wheel speed sensors - if/when you end up with an ABS problem!

Edit:- sorry I missed the bit about tips, nothing really, just remove the vertical spring clip, remove the guide bolt weather covers and unscrew the guide bolts. Buy brake cleaner and scrub all areas clean, apply a small amount of ceramic brake grease to the areas of the pads that contact the calliper carrier bracket, polish clean the guide bolts then apply a small amount of silicon grease to them. Scrub the wheel hubs clean and apply a small amount of aluminium grease around the raised hub centre part to prevent the wheels seizing to the hubs.
Make sure that you don’t rotate the callipers when refitting them or the fluid hose will get twisted!

 

[RUM4MO]

By the way, I just looked around for NOS VW Group correct part number front brake pads, the originals factory fitted pads were Jurid and I intended to source the same either Jurid branded or VW Group rebranded Jurid - genuine VW Group rebranded Jurid turned up first at a good enough price.

Edit:- also if buying Pagid and normally using ECP, maybe check the price that Halfords charge before making your purchase.

 

[Mr Pig]

The 1.4 doesn't have pad wear sensors but the pads come with the cables as they might be used on other models. It's not a problem, just don't fit the wear indicator cables when you replace the pads.

 

[SuperV8]

The wear indicator just clips in the lower edge of the pads - if your car doesn't have one just unclip it.

These pads are/should be handed - meaning the inboard pad has to go on the correct side of the car due to a piston cut out in the shim. There should be an arrow on the back of the inboard pads which should align with forward disc rotation.

I would normally fit new discs - unless the current discs are very good condition. Worn discs greatly increase your chances of brake noise.

Make sure you thoroughly clean the channel/abutment where the pads sit. Trial fit the pads to ensure they are not too tight.

If you fit new discs - the hub needs to be spotless.

 

[Mr Pig]

The wear indicator just clips in the lower edge of the pads - if your car doesn't have one just unclip it.
View attachment 48332

These pads are/should be handed - meaning the inboard pad has to go on the correct side of the car due to a piston cut out in the shim. There should be an arrow on the back of the inboard pads which should align with forward disc rotation.
View attachment 48333

Some pads have the shim cut-out but do not have a direction arrow. If that is the case, put the cut-out at the leading edge of the brake. The function of the cut-out is to reduce the pressure of the leading edge of the pad so you're less likely to get pad squeal.

 

[snowden]

Thanks for the advice all, got the pads fitted this afternoon. Discs aren't in a terrible state so I've left them for now.

Makes a right bloody mess properly cleaning everything off though! Next job will be looking at the state of the rears as I suspect they'll need doing soon-ish, plus a full fluid change.

 

[RUM4MO]

Good stuff, sorry I was giving you hints covering ATE callipers when you stated TRW in your opening posting.

My last buy of Holts brake cleaner was from ECP as, a few weeks ago anyway, they were cheapest for that - well in spray cans anyway.

Rear disc brakes don’t do as much work as the fronts, so while benefiting from a service, they should not be quite so dusty.

 

[SuperV8]

Rear disc brakes don’t do as much work as the fronts, so while benefiting from a service, they should not be quite so dusty.

While rears don't do the same total work (inertia) as the fronts - they are also sized proportionally smaller - so often rears can actually see higher temps than the front brakes on cars with EBD.