Volkswagen vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes use calipers and caliper pistons to force the vehicle's brake pads against the rotors during braking. The pistons move in and out of the calipers as you press and release the brake pedal. If the caliper pistons are not positioned properly against the brake pads the brakes will hesitate when the pedal is depressed. Reset the caliper pistons to ensure consistent brake response and to avoid catastrophic brake malfunction.
Lift the Volkswagen's hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap sits on the right side of the VW's engine near the firewall separating the engine bay from the interior of the vehicle. Siphon half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir with a turkey baster and replace the cap loosely onto the container of remaining fluid.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel corresponding to the caliper requiring reset with a lug wrench.
Lift the vehicle with the jack and place jack stands under the frame of the vehicle near the wheel wells. Lower the Volkswagen onto the stands, remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off.
Remove the two caliper slide bolts located on the inward side (facing the wheel well) toward the upper edge of the caliper with a 12mm socket wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly.
Place a wood block across both of the caliper pistons. The pistons are the metal cylinders that extend from the caliper's inside wall to force the brake pads against the rotor during braking. Press the block against the pistons with a pair of channel-lock pliers.
Force the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with the pliers. Remove the pliers and wood block once both of the pistons are fully depressed within the side of the caliper.
Apply copper-based anti-squeal brake compound to the area from which the caliper pistons extend.
Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear and/or damage. Replace the pads or rotors if necessary.
Place the caliper back onto the brake assembly and screw in the two caliper slide bolts with the socket wrench. Replace the wheel and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
Lift the Volkswagen with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tire to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Return to the driver's seat.
Start the vehicle's engine. Slowly press the brake pedal all the way to the floor; during the first two depressions the brake pedal will offer little resistance. Continue the depressions until the pedal response stiffens. Move back to the Volkswagen's engine compartment.
Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel inside the opening of the reservoir. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid until the reservoir reads "Full." Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Volkswagen's hood.
