why does my Volkswagen Golf MK6 (2009-2014) shakes when I brake hard

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Remove Front Wheels

• Use a lug wrench to loosen wheel nuts.
• Lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels to access brakes and suspension components.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if warped)

• Sub-steps:
  • Remove the caliper bracket by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
  • Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it (do not let it hang by the brake line).
  • Remove the rotor by unscrewing any retaining screws, if applicable.
  • Install new brake rotors, ensuring they are properly seated.
  • Reattach the caliper bracket and securely tighten the bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically around 25-35 Nm).

4. Replace Brake Pads (if worn)

• Sub-steps:
  • Inspect the old brake pads for thickness; replace if they are below the manufacturer's minimum specification (usually around 3 mm).
  • Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  • Apply brake grease to the backing of the new pads.
  • Install new pads and ensure they are properly seated.

5. Reassemble and Reinstall Wheels

• Reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and torque the lug nuts to manufacturer specifications (typically 100-120 Nm).

6. Test Drive and Check

• Conduct a test drive to ensure the shaking issue is resolved.
• Monitor for any unusual noises or sensations during braking.