my Volkswagen Golf MK7.5 (2020-Present) makes a grinding noise when braking

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts for the repair.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Remove Wheel

• Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench.
• Sub-steps:
  1. Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheel is still on the ground.
  2. Lift the vehicle using the jack and securely place jack stands under the vehicle.
  3. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Components

• Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench, brake cleaner.
• Sub-steps:
  1. Remove the caliper bolts using the socket set.
  2. Carefully lift the caliper away from the rotor and support it with a bungee cord (do not hang from the brake line).
  3. Inspect brake pads for wear; replace if thickness is less than 3mm.
  4. Check the rotor for scoring; replace if damaged or warped.
  5. If pads or rotors are replaced, clean the new components with brake cleaner before installation.
  6. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (typically around 25-30 Nm).

4. Reinstall Wheel

• Tools Required: Lug wrench, torque wrench.
• Sub-steps:
  1. Place the wheel back on the hub.
  2. Hand-tighten the lug nuts to keep the wheel in place.
  3. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the jack.
  4. Once on the ground, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually around 100-120 Nm).

5. Test Brakes

• Sub-steps:
  1. Pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the pads against the rotors.
  2. Perform a test drive to ensure noise has been resolved and brakes function correctly.