Changing brake pads on a Passat?

[ZinRot325i]

My g/f has a 2003 VW Passat W8 4-Motion and I need to change the front brakes...
I was wondering if anyone had any experience on this job...normally I wouldn't even ask, but EVERYTHING on that car is a huge PITA to change. Most of the stuff is still covered under warranty...but everything else in the car is covered under...plastic. Catch my drift?

It's like working on an Audi without the reward of having an Audi.

[b*saint]

I think the plugs are like 400 each. But anyways, from what Ive seen on the salesman car they have these funky retainers Ive never seen on BMWs or older VWs. I call the dealer to see if there are any specialized tools.

[yozsi]

only one way to find out.... just do it.

[delatlanta1281]

http://www.vwvortex.com

introduce yourself. These guys are the real thing. They have helped me with my sport wagon many times!

[ZinRot325i]

Thanks! Awesome.

[cramer]

brake are very simliar to the E30 fronts. Just changed pads and rotors on an 03 Passat last week (not a W8, but fronts should be the same minus the rotor size).

The quick and dirty walk through:

remove caliper clip and rear platic caliper bolt covers.
Unplug pad wear sensor
remove the 2 caliper bolts (6mm allens IIRC)
remove caliper and pads
remove 2- 18mm bolts holding on carrier, remove carrier
remove rotor (should be free floating, no set screw)

install is reverse of removal. use a C clamp or caliper tool to push the piston back into the caliper for the new pads. Don't forget to use locktite on the carrier bolts :)