The braking system is of hydraulic type with the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes on all except 1.9 GTI models. On these vehicles disc brakes are also fitted at the rear. On all models, the handbrake is cable-operated on the rear wheels.

The hydraulic system is split into two circuits, so that in the event of failure of one circuit, the other will still provide adequate braking power (although pedal travel and effort may increase). The hydraulic circuits are split either diagonally or front-to-rear according to model. In the diagonally split system, each hydraulic circuit supplies one front, and one diagonally opposite rear brake. In the front-to-rear arrangement, one circuit serves the front brakes and the other circuit the rear brakes.

• Specifications
• General information
• Hydraulic system - bleeding
• Hydraulic pipes and hoses - renewal
• Front brake pads - renewal
• Rear brake shoes - renewal
• Rear brake pads (1.9 GTI models) - renewal
• Front brake caliper - removal, overhaul and refitting
• Rear brake caliper (1.9 GTI models) - removal, overhaul and refitting
• Brake disc - inspection, removal and refitting
• Rear wheel cylinder - removal, overhaul and refitting
• Rear brake hub/drum - removal, inspection and refitting
• Master cylinder - removal, overhaul and refitting
• Rear brake compensator (GTI models) - information, removal and refitting
• Vacuum servo unit - testing, removal and refitting
• Handbrake - adjustment
• Handbrake cables - renewal
• Brake pedal - removal and refitting
• Handbrake lever - removal and refitting
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) - general information
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) components - removal and refitting