The brakes of the MK4 platform - OEM and Upgrades

[commanderb94]

The WilWood rotors are smaller than the brembos however they do offer a 2pc vs the 1pc of brembo. Also they are much cheaper in costs but only come in black. For a couple hundred dollars less they seem really nice but quality is a concern for me. If they are great, then I can save a few hundred bucks by getting them and only having to stay with 17s on my car which is what I'd like to do.

[commanderb94]

After some research not only are the WilWoods less inexpensive but do help save on weight. I can also focus on using the 17" rims I wanted original and save TONS of money compared to buying larger rims and heavier rotors. Wilwood BBKs it is for me. Thanks for sticky on this thread!

[ghent96]

Could the original post be updated with info for the Wolfsburg edition? Yes, it's a 1.8T engine, but it seems like other things on the car are not standard with the GLS... not sure about the brake system.

[20vturbslo]

Wolfies have the stock 1.8T size rotors with non vented rears.

Just upgraded my brake system. I built on a budget and went with used 20th calipers all the way around, and the killer deal at MJM for meyle rotors and mintex pads here...

Great deal for the price and incredible difference to my shot stock 1.8T brake system. It literally feels like I could stop on a dime. for $160 shipped, if they last 30k miles ill be happy

[sardo_67]

I'm working on piecing this front end kit together, I still have the stock caliper on the back with the ECS big kit that is just a larger rotor and bracket adapter. I want to use a GLI caliper in the back with a vented rotor but who makes one in the 12in range? Ideally I would like to run a single piston like the Lancer or STI's do but I have t seen a kit like that.

[Karmanniac]

Great list, thanks! And just in case anyone was wondering, this is what happens when you put track-use only pads on your daily driver that's only occasionally driven hard:



"What am I looking at?" EBC Red Stuff pads on my GTi, installed by PO. Note the uneven wear - most likely due to the fact that they rarely get as much heat as they're supposed to.

Soon to be replaced with Hawk HPS.

[mzk78g]

Anyone know how big a spacer is needed to clear stock 17" wheenl using Neuspeed 12.3" big brake kit.

Used H&R 5MM spacers on advice of Neuspeed and there is not enough clearance. I think 15mm spacer would work - but interested in any advice.

thanks



Neuspeed Economy 12.3" (312mm x 25mm) Front Brake Upgrade $600+
Comes with: vented Rotors, Caliper Adapters, SS Braided lines and Pagid Pads
Requires: 4 piston Porsche Boxster Calipers, 17" wheels and Installation
Purchase from: Neuspeed

[JahnCahduh]

Wow, this is a great list. Definitely helped me figure out what I needed for my GLI.

I ended up going with MJM AutoHaus. We'll see how fast they ship, etc...

2 - Brembo solid/vented 312/25 rotors
2 - Brembo solid/vented 256/22 rotors
1/pair - Hawk HB272F.763 HBS pads
1/pair - Hawk HB364F.642 HBS pads
2 litres brake fluid

Total ~$400.

[DFreshh]

Ok hoping someone out there is still watching over this page. Lots of great info BUT I'm still confused. Upgrading from stock VR6 rear rotors to vented 337 rotors, wouldn't you need a different caliper to accommodate the extra rotor thickness?? Couldn't seem to find this info.

[DFreshh]

Help!?! Please see previous post!

[Maxpowerz]

Ok hoping someone out there is still watching over this page. Lots of great info BUT I'm still confused. Upgrading from stock VR6 rear rotors to vented 337 rotors, wouldn't you need a different caliper to accommodate the extra rotor thickness?? Couldn't seem to find this info.

you need new rear rotors, pads, carriers and calipers. if you want to upgrade to the 337/20th brakes
also you have to modify your dust shields to make room for new rotor. you can either hammer them flat or cut them to fit. if you want you can replace them as well but its a lot of work as you have to take the axle stub off.

[BIG DUB]

My 04 Gli is going to need brakes soon. Can I just upgrade to the R32 front rotors, lines and front calipers/carriers? Do they simply bolt on?

[BIG DUB]

Bueller?

[Bx V-dubber]

this is a great thread but surprised no input on brake fluids

[BIG DUB]

My 04 Gli is going to need brakes soon. Can I just upgrade to the R32 front rotors, lines and front calipers/carriers? Do they simply bolt on?

Will R32 rotors bolt up to a 04.5 Gli? Yes I will be running 17Z calipers

[Big Bad Wolf]

they will bolt right on.

[BIG DUB]

they will bolt right on.

Thanks BBW

[jagt21VR6]

trying to figure out what I should upgrade the rears to once I need to replace them...I did the ECS stage 2 V 2 kit a couple weeks ago and its fugging awesome, i will post up some pics when i get em cleaned up...

one thing that did suck, I didnt realize the kit I bought used the old caliper brackets, well ECS upgraded them since then, we installed them, not knowing of any issues with the brackets, and sure enough one cracked and broke...ended up needing to BEG ECS to sell me the brackets which they eventually did for 130 a piece...i probably put about a grand into the whole kit but it is great...

part of me thinks maybe ecs should have at least given me a deal, really part of me thinks their shouldve been an official recall since clearly the original cast aluminum brackets were defective...but i needed the brackets right then and i had to buy em...

[02GTIVR624V]

dont forget the PowerStop one-click brake kits. comes with cross drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads. i put the full set up on my 24v GTI and it made a HUGE difference over stock and at around 300 bucks its a killer deal!

[02GTIVR624V]

this is a great thread but surprised no input on brake fluids

Motul DOT5.1 brake fluid. hands down best performance brake fluid period. provides excellent fade resistance in conjunction with great durability, service intervals are the same as a standard DOT 3 or 4 fluid. DO NOT use DOT5, its silicone based not petroleum based like DOT 3, 4, and 5.1