RS5 rear brake pads

[Alexandros]

Sorry to ask but newcomer to Audi world.
Can I replace the rear brake pads on my 2014 RS5 without a VAG tester?
Will the electronic handbrake work after the replacement even if the dash light stays on?
Thank you

[JamesRS5]

If the rear pads are completely worn then you may need a plug in device to fully retract the calipers and adjust for the new pads.

[Alexandros]

D

If the rear pads are completely worn then you may need a plug in device to fully retract the calipers and adjust for the new pads.

Thank you James. Do you mean to say I would not be able to push the rear caliper pistons all the way back with a C clamp like I did on the front brakes and other cars, without a connected VAG ?

[JamesRS5]

No, the electric rears have a motor driven caliper, as the brake pads wear the motor automatically adjusts to position the pads correctly. With VCDS you select the rear caliper to the service position where it will fully open the piston, when you deselect service it will auto adjust to the new pads thickness, you can also calibrate the caliper for the new pads.
You cannot move the rear piston with a G Clamp, you may cause damage doing this.

[Alexandros]

No, the electric rears have a motor driven caliper, as the brake pads wear the motor automatically adjusts to position the pads correctly. With VCDS you select the rear caliper to the service position where it will fully open the piston, when you deselect service it will auto adjust to the new pads thickness, you can also calibrate the caliper for the new pads.
You cannot move the rear piston with a G Clamp, you may cause damage doing this.

Thanks again. I learned something. Now I have to decide whether to buy a VAG or ask the dealer to do the brakes. I would rather buy the tester if I can find a reasonably priced one. I am sure it will come handy in the future. (I guess my regular OBD2 tester would not work on an Audi. I have used it successfully on my NSX and GTR).
Thanks again James!

[ips_cou]

You could use obdeleven. Cost ~$60

[Alexandros]

You could use obdeleven. Cost ~$60

Thank you. Just did some research. Looks like it only works with Android devices; my house has nothing but iPhones and iPads ! Looks like I would have to buy a phone or tablet just to use OBDeleven LOL

[Ape Factory]

Honestly, the VCDS is worth it in the long run. It pretty much does everything. Not always the most intuitive (thanks Windows!) but it is powerful.

[Alexandros]

Honestly, the VCDS is worth it in the long run. It pretty much does everything. Not always the most intuitive (thanks Windows!) but it is powerful.

Thanks. I am not planning any mods on the car and it is a CPO until 2021 with Audi care. Onviously the VCDS would be overkill for me...but having said that, it would be nice to have a cheaper alternative VAG to do simple things like rear brake changes, code identifications, resetting warnings.....etc.

[JamesRS5]

It’s always worth asking on here if someone local to you has access to VCDS, I have one with unlimited VIN and loan it out to guys in this area, it works on any of the VW/Audi group cars. If you’re planning to stay with the VAG brand for a number of years, they are worth the investment.

[Ape Factory]

Thanks. I am not planning any mods on the car and it is a CPO until 2021 with Audi care. Onviously the VCDS would be overkill for me...but having said that, it would be nice to have a cheaper alternative VAG to do simple things like rear brake changes, code identifications, resetting warnings.....etc.

This is true, especially if you don't have a Windows-based computer (or Bootcamp installed on a Mac). If you do have a PC, then $200 is probably close to what you'd spend on a used Android phone, Bluetooth dongle and the program. You can get a three license VCDS for $199 new. But I do agree, it'd be overkill for your needs.

[ips_cou]

You could buy a galaxy S3(really overkill, but should be snappy) for ~$60 off ebay.. so all in ~1 hour the dealer labor rate and your set. Think of it as a investment into yourself. You can also reduce the number of times you have to walk into the stealership, bend over, and say '..right here'. Also, less worry about damage to your car. 9 out 10 times I get a new scratch...other than my wallet Plus you've already gone through all this effort.

[Alexandros]

Thank you. I was resigned to byuing a VCDS when a good of friend of mine who owns a race shop told me his pro shop tester works on VAG cars. I will use his this time to change my rear brakes but I think I will still purchase the 3-vehicle VCDS in the near future.