How to Remove the Brake Pads of the Tiguan L?
3 Answers
Tiguan L brake pad removal method: Release the handbrake, loosen the hub bolts of the wheel where the brake pads need to be replaced, use a jack to lift the car, and then remove the tire. Before working on the brakes, it is recommended to spray a specialized brake cleaning fluid on the brake system to prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract. Remove the bolts of the brake caliper, hang the brake caliper with a rope to avoid damaging the brake lines, and then the old brake pads can be removed. The Tiguan L is a model under SAIC Volkswagen, with body dimensions of 4712mm in length, 1839mm in width, and 1673mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2791mm. In terms of appearance, the Tiguan L maintains a design similar to the overseas standard Tiguan model, with an overall simple and clear style. Compared to the standard wheelbase model, it has added some chrome decorative elements, and the C-pillar design has been modified.
Before removing the brake pads on the Tiguan L, I always remember that safety comes first. First, find a level spot, engage the parking brake to prevent the car from moving. Use a jack to lift the front wheel section and add a support stand for reinforcement to ensure it doesn't collapse. After removing the wheel, the brake caliper is exposed—there are two fixing bolts there that need to be loosened with the right wrench. Gently remove the caliper, being careful not to damage the brake hose; I usually hang it with a rope to prevent it from falling. Then, you can take out the old brake pads and check the brake disc for scratches or excessive wear—if it's no good, replace or resurface it directly. When installing new brake pads, make sure the caliper guide pins are clean and lubricated; otherwise, poor sliding can cause noise. After reinstalling the caliper, don't overtighten the bolts—it's best to use a torque wrench set to the appropriate strength; I prefer the 12mm specification for a perfect fit. Finally, reinstall the wheel, lower the car, and test the brakes by pressing them a few times to check responsiveness. Wear gloves throughout the process to protect your hands, and regularly check the wear thickness after replacement to maintain braking performance. The Tiguan L's structure isn't complicated, but being careful is always right—don't skimp on safety details.
Every time I remove the brake pads, it feels like a DIY adventure, especially for the rear wheels of the Touareg L, which require extra patience. Prepare tools like a jack, wrenches, and cleaning agents. The first step is to lift the car—find the jacking point near the tire, as stability is key. After removing the wheel, the caliper bolts are usually 14mm or 17mm—don’t loosen them too aggressively, or you risk stripping the threads, which would be a hassle. Don’t rush to discard the old brake pads; check if the wear indicators have completely worn away, indicating it’s time for a replacement. Cleaning the caliper slide rails is crucial because dust can jam the new pads and affect braking performance. When installing new pads, ensure proper alignment—the Touareg L’s design is straightforward, so just slot them in correctly. Handle everything gently, avoiding any kinks in the brake lines. Finally, reassemble the components and test the brakes at low speed to ensure no shaking or noise. I’ve found that regularly lubricating key parts extends brake life, and with practice, this task becomes rewarding and satisfying.