When replacing the brake pads on a new Passat, start by removing the wheel where the brake is located, using a wrench and socket to take off the caliper bolts. Next, remove the old brake pads and clean the caliper with a cloth, then apply anti-squeal grease.
After that, use a piston pump to press the piston back to its furthest position, and finally, install the new brake pads onto the caliper. Once the new pads are securely in place, tighten the guide bolts to complete the installation. Brake pads, also known as automotive brake pads, are friction materials fixed to the brake drum or disc that rotates with the wheel.
The friction between the friction linings and pads generates resistance against external pressure, allowing the vehicle to decelerate. The braking mechanism primarily relies on friction to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy through the friction between the brake pads and the brake disc (drum) and between the tires and the ground, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
An effective braking system must provide stable, sufficient, and controllable braking force, alongside good hydraulic transmission and heat dissipation capabilities, ensuring that the force applied by the driver on the brake pedal is effectively transmitted to the master cylinder and each auxiliary cylinder, preventing hydraulic failure and brake fade due to high temperatures.
The braking system in vehicles can be divided into disc brakes and drum brakes, with drum brakes being more cost-effective but significantly less efficient than disc brakes.