Wind back brake caliper piston on mk4 golf please help

[Coen]

Hi all, I have recently replaced the rear discs and pads on my mk 4 golf but I read somewhere that the notches to wind the pistons back must be in the 12 o clock and 6 o clock position and I forgot to do that. Can anyone explain to me why they must be straight up and down like that? I need to drive the car and don’t want to have to pull it all apart again just to move the piston notches into that position unless I have to. Thanks In advance

[beale187]

Welcome Coen,
Not sure where you read that but there is no mention of it in the VW repair manual when replacing discs and pads or adjusting the handbrake.

If everything is working as it should then I'd say your good to go!

[Coen]

Thanks beale. I thought it was a bit odd. Didn’t add up in my head

[h100vw]

They have always been horizontal in my experience. It began with the MK2 golf GTIs. I have just applied the same rule since. Whether it's a thing, I couldn't say 100 percent. I still do it now though. 30 years on

[dylan8]

cant say I've paid any attention to the position then end up and not had any issues after doing it on 3 cars touch wood

[Lucas_R]

You just wind them in until the caliper will fit back over the new disk with the new pads fitted - they will adjust themselves as needed once you start driving.

[beale187]

no worries Coen, the MK4 rear brakes are self adjusting so don't stress.

[JustCruisn]

Yep just wind it enough to fit the new pads.
Pump the brakes and pull the park brake a few times to set them on your first drive.