Nice write up!

The only thing I'm going to do differently is using a bleeding kit and [quite a bit] of fresh fluid is purge the old fluid out via the bleeders [carefully].

Quite agree with the OEM parts btw, some outfits will sell you some [disks] without the exiter ring for the ABS leaving you to change them over.

 

I'm using ceramic pads with slotted and cross drilled rotors when mine are ready to be changed.

 

Newbie here. Owned my 2000 A4 2.8L Quattro since 12/99. I've seen a couple references to rotating the piston while compressing it in the caliper to do the rear brakes. How do you make sure that happens? Proper tool? Something else? Thx!

 

Yes there is a special tool that can be rented from your local auto parts chain store. (Usually).

 

Thanks. Looks like you can buy it for about $40 also.

 

I recently got a quote from my mechanic for doing rear brakes and he told me that you have to purchase a bearing kit to replace the rotors, is that not the case?

I got quoted ~$500 for pads and new rotors plus labor.

 

Absolutely not. Just be sure to spray down the carrier mounting bolts with PB or Kroil first. They're Allen socket head bolts (I think 7mm) and you don't want to strip them. But no, no bearing needed. Do it yourself - it's an easy job.

 

Thanks! I called my mechanic back and questioned him about the quote, he did some research and apparently when he pulls up the VIN for my car in his system it pulls up the wrong parts info. I called the dealership in town and the VIN pulls the correct parts.

He adjusted his quote down to $300 for rear pads and rear rotors.

I May end up doing it myself though, am I better off going through VW rather than whatever aftermarket Advance Auto may give me?

 

I definitely recommend doing this yourself. It's an easy way to save money and will make you appreciate your car a little bit more.

For parts, I would avoid the dealership and the local chain stores. You'll get a better selection and lower price by using online parts retailers. My personal favorite is FCP Euro.

 

Well... if your car is FWD then it's easiest to replace the bearings when changing rear rotors, since the bearings actually go into the rotors.
Quattro just has a simple rotor setup in the rear.