Modern cars are increasingly advanced, and nowadays, you can’t even replace your brake pads on your own vehicle without a computer.
At least, that’s what our customers tell us. But is it true? Has it really come to the point where you need a computer to replace your rear brake pads?
In this article, you will discover how you can replace your parking brake with or without a tool.
How to Change Brake Pads with an Electric Parking Brake
In this guide, you will learn how to replace brake pads if your car is equipped with an electric parking brake. This may require special tools depending on your car model.
Total time: 1 hour
1. Connect a Car Battery Charger
The first step is to connect a car battery charger while you perform this job. This is a step that many people forget or don’t care about, but it can actually damage parts and cause many problems if you don’t take it seriously.
2. Connect a Diagnostic Tool
The next step is to connect your diagnostic tool or parking brake tool to your car. Make sure it communicates with the car and that the battery voltage is stable.
3. Loosen the Parking Brake Pistons
It’s now time to release the parking brake pistons. You can do this with a diagnostic scanner or a special tool for your parking brake. You should hear the pistons retracting for 2-3 seconds if everything is done correctly.
It is also possible to push back the pistons with a 12v power supply and ground, but nothing we will discuss here as it can damage your parts. You also need to perform a calibration afterward, which is difficult without a tool.
If you need a tool for this, you can check out our guide to the best diagnostic tools. Make sure it is compatible with your EPB system for your car model.
4. Remove the Caliper and Push Pistons
Once the parking brake pistons are released, it’s time to lift the car, remove your wheel, and the brake caliper. You should now be able to push back the pistons with a tool or a large clamp. If it’s not possible, it may be very rusty and require refurbishment – or you did something wrong in the previous step. If the parking brake motor is not released, you will never be able to push the pistons. Remember that some pistons need to be twisted while you push them to get them in.
For this, you may need a tool like this one from Amazon:
5. Replace the Brake Pads
Once your pistons are pushed in, you can now replace the brake pads. Make sure to lubricate all moving parts and clean everything so you don’t get stuck, so you need to redo the job quickly. Replace the metal plates if you have them in the brake pad package.
6. Reinstall the Caliper
Once you have cleaned everything and installed the new brake pads, reinstall the brake caliper. Make sure you tighten everything correctly according to the manufacturer’s specifications. You also need to reinstall the wheels and lower the car.
7. Push the Pistons
Brake Pedal Push
Once the car is on the ground and everything is back in place, get in the car and press the brake pedal several times until it becomes hard. However, don’t push it all the way to the bottom! This can damage the brake cylinder seals. Pump several times instead.
8. Re-engage the Parking Brake Pistons
Once the brake pedal feels stiff, it’s now time to retract the brake pistons. The best way to do this is to use the diagnostic tool or the parking brake tool. However, in many cars, it will work to engage the parking brake with the button. You will hear the noise of the parking brake motors for 2-3 seconds until the parking brake is engaged. When it is activated, you can re-edit it.
9. Calibrate the Parking Brake Pistons
Car Diagnostic
For the parking brake to work properly, you may need to calibrate the pistons. This is done with your diagnostic tool or the parking brake tool. This is necessary for most car models to know how much it needs to engage and release. Once you do this, you will hear the pistons moving back and forth several times until the calibration is complete.
10. Test the Parking Brake on the Button
Once the calibration is successful, it’s now time to test the parking brake function. Try engaging and disengaging it several times. Take your car for a drive and make sure the brakes don’t overheat. If everything seems fine, you have successfully completed a parking brake pad change!