Disc Brake Rotor Front 5C0-615-301-D
Neglecting the condition of the front disc brake rotors can lead to serious issues, including decreased braking responsiveness, vibrations during braking, and increased stopping distances. Signs that they may need replacement include uneven wear, deep grooves, or a burning smell when braking, all of which should prompt immediate attention.
Opting for the OEM part number 5C0-615-301-D guarantees a precise fit tailored to the original vehicle design. This ensures that the rotors can handle the specific thermal and mechanical stresses of the braking system, offering reliable performance and longevity compared to generic options.
Available in Stores
| Seller | Price | Action |
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Leith Volkswagen
Official Dealer
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$145 |
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Volkswagen
New
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$99 $77 | |
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ADARA PARTS
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https://avtohype.com.ua/
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$31 |
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AutoJapan
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$11 | |
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Infoparts13.com.ua
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ORIGINAL AUTO
Used
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$150 |
| Seller | Price | Action |
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Volkswagen of Downtown L.A.
New
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$113 $96 | |
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Winn Volkswagen Woodland Hills
New
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$113 $85 |
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Private seller
New
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$188 | |
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henkiel-com-pl
New
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$113 | |
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Oficjalny sklep ROTINGER
New
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$163 |
Vehicle Fitment
Vehicles confirmed compatible with this part
Technical Specifications
| OEM Part Number | 5C0-615-301-D |
|---|---|
| Supersedes | 5C0-615-301-A |
| Rotor Diameter | 288 mm |
| Rotor Thickness (Nominal) | 25 mm |
| Design Type | Solid (non-vented) |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Position | Front axle |
| Brand | Volkswagen OEM |
Direct replacement for Volkswagen Beetle, Golf, and Jetta variants — no modification required. Supersedes earlier revision 5C0-615-301-A.
25mm nominal thickness solid cast iron rotor engineered to meet Volkswagen's original braking performance and durability standards.
Compatible with 1.4L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.0L TDI, and 2.5L engine configurations across multiple model years and trims.
Compatible Aftermarket Alternatives
The following aftermarket parts are confirmed direct equivalents for OEM 5C0-615-301-D, cross-referenced from major manufacturer catalogs.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Notes | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo | 09.9145.11 | Premium aftermarket rotor from a globally recognized brake specialist. Matches OEM dimensions and performance. Widely available. Recommended | 288 mm diameter, 25 mm thickness |
| Bosch | 53011411 | Trusted OE-supplier brand with direct fitment. Good availability across major retailers. | 288 mm diameter, 25 mm thickness |
| ATE | SP25145 | ATE is a Continental brand and a known OE supplier to Volkswagen Group. Solid budget-to-mid tier option. | 288 mm diameter, 25 mm thickness |
| Brembo | KT00943 | Brembo kit reference covering rotor and associated components. Verify kit contents before ordering. | 288 mm diameter, 25 mm thickness |
| Brembo | KTX0144 | Extended Brembo kit cross-reference. Confirm individual rotor inclusion with supplier. | — |
Always verify fitment against your VIN before ordering.
How to Replace the Disc Brake Rotor Front
Replacing the front brake rotor on Volkswagen Beetle, Golf, or Jetta models is a straightforward job for a DIYer with basic tools. The following steps provide a general procedure — always refer to your specific vehicle's factory service manual for torque values and model-specific details before starting.
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Prepare the Vehicle
Park on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
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Lift and Secure
Jack up the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points and lower it onto rated jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
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Remove the Wheel
Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub. Set it aside safely.
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Remove the Brake Caliper
Unbolt the brake caliper from the caliper bracket. Do not let it hang by the brake hose — use a wire hanger or bungee cord to suspend it from the spring or strut.
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Remove the Caliper Bracket
Remove the caliper bracket mounting bolts (typically torqued to approximately 88 ft-lbs / 120 Nm) and slide the bracket off. This exposes the rotor fully.
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Remove the Old Rotor
If a set screw (Torx) is present, remove it first. Slide the rotor off the hub. If it is seized, use a rubber mallet to tap it from behind evenly — avoid steel hammers directly on the rotor surface.
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Prepare Hub and Install New Rotor
Clean the hub mating surface with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the hub face (not the braking surfaces). Slide the new 5C0-615-301-D rotor onto the hub and reinstall the set screw if applicable.
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Reassemble and Bed In
Reinstall the caliper bracket and caliper with fresh hardware where specified. Torque caliper bolts to approximately 26 ft-lbs (35 Nm). Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm). Pump the brake pedal until firm before moving the vehicle. Perform a bedding procedure with several moderate stops from 30 mph to fully seat the pads.
Signs of a Worn Part
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Brake Pedal Pulsation
A rhythmic vibration or pulsation felt through the brake pedal during braking indicates rotor warping or uneven wear — a primary sign the rotor needs inspection or replacement.
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Squealing or Grinding Noise
High-pitched squealing may indicate worn brake pads contacting the rotor surface. A grinding sound often means metal-on-metal contact, which can rapidly damage the rotor.
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Increased Stopping Distance
If the vehicle takes noticeably longer to stop than usual, reduced rotor surface integrity or thickness may be compromising braking efficiency.
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Visible Scoring or Deep Grooves
Grooves, scoring, or heavy rust pitting visible on the rotor face are clear indicators the rotor surface is compromised and replacement is needed.
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Steering Wheel Vibration Under Braking
Vibration felt in the steering wheel during braking — distinct from pedal pulsation — can point to a warped or laterally uneven front rotor.
Replacement Intervals
Volkswagen does not publish a fixed mileage interval for brake rotor replacement. Replace based on measured thickness, visible condition, and braking performance rather than a set schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5C0-615-301-D a vented or solid rotor?
It is a solid (non-vented) rotor. This is the correct OEM design for the front axle applications listed, including Beetle, Golf, and Jetta models equipped with this rotor specification.
Does this part number replace 5C0-615-301-A?
Yes. The -D suffix revision directly supersedes the earlier -A revision. The 5C0-615-301-D is the current production part number and is the correct part to order.
Do I need to buy rotors in pairs?
Volkswagen and most brake manufacturers strongly recommend replacing front rotors in matched pairs. Installing a new rotor on only one side creates an imbalance in braking force that can cause the vehicle to pull under braking.
Are the Brembo and Bosch alternatives as good as the OEM rotor?
Brembo and Bosch are both established OE-level suppliers. Their direct equivalents (Brembo 09.9145.11 and Bosch 53011411) are manufactured to match OEM dimensions and material specifications and are considered high-quality replacements.
How do I confirm this rotor fits my specific vehicle before ordering?
Cross-reference your vehicle's VIN with the Volkswagen parts catalog or use a fitment checker on the retailer's website. Key variables include model year, body style, engine size, and trim level — especially for Jetta and Golf variants that may have different rotor specifications across trims.
Can I resurface this rotor instead of replacing it?
Resurfacing is only possible if the rotor is above the minimum thickness specification after material removal. Given the 25mm nominal thickness, always measure first. If the rotor is at or near minimum thickness, at or below the discard thickness stamped on the hat, replacement is mandatory.
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