why is my Volkswagen Tiguan First Generation (2007-2018) making a grinding noise when braking

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
• Lift the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel to access the brake components.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspect Brake Pads:
  • Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it without straining the brake line.
  • Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Replace Brake Pads:
  • Install new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are seated correctly.
  • Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the pads to reduce noise and vibrations.
  • Reattach the caliper over the new pads and tighten the caliper bolts to manufacturer's specifications (typically 23-30 Nm).

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• Inspect Rotors:
  • Check for grooves, cracks, or excessive wear on the rotor surface.
• Replace Rotors:
  • If replacement is needed, remove the caliper bracket by unscrewing its bolts.
  • Slide the rotor off the hub and replace it with a new rotor.
  • Ensure to clean the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove any protective coating.
  • Reinstall the caliper bracket and torque the bolts to specifications.

4. Final Assembly

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and torque the lug nuts to the specification (typically 100-120 Nm).
• Recheck the brake fluid level and top off as necessary.