REAR brake service

[vickytang1]

Hi everyone,

I am new on working car(B8.5). I did my own oil change 2 weekend ago and it was a great success!! so I planned to do brake service last weekend and I face some challenges.

I did my homework and watch alot of YouTube on how to retract the Ebrake pistol. it sound like I need "BOTH two tools" to do the job "correctly IAW procedures" but I am little confuse: (not trying to take off the pistol gearbox)

1) VCDS = a cable scan tool to plug into your car (adjusting the voltage to retract the pistol)
2)then using c-clap tools with a 3slot turn to retract pistol (I have a c-clap for general wood working)


Where I got confused was the price of the VCDS and any alternate?
It seem like the most popular option is VCDS(199$) and OBDeleven(79.99$)? which would you recommend for ease of use?
Any other cheaper alternate?

More importantly, is this scanning tool a must have?? I am trying to be cheap ass and save the 80$ cost.



Also, If I am changing a new rotor also. is the small screw on the rotor the only screw that was one-time use?? meaning I have to order an extra one.


thank you!!

[supachaged]

Yes, you do need a way to “retract the ebrake/pistons. The scan tool and the caliper piston tools. I have vag-com and a snap on scanner that allows me to “retract”the pistons as well as the tools to physically turn the pistons. I can not vouch for OBD 11 as I have never used it. Your options are buy the vag-com/ or OBD 11 or find someone local to you that have either units that you can use or rent?


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[supachaged]

And yes, you should change the set screw. But if yours is fine, then reuse it. I have on my own b8


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[hilmar2k]

I just did my rear brakes and used Carista to retract the e-brake. Super simple. Also, I reused the screw and had no issues. I suggest using an impact gun to remove it.

[vickytang1]

both scanning tools have to lock in your VIN to be able to use right? I saw they ask your VIN in the setup process.

If so, would shop ever going to rent this scanning tool to people??


Are there any other screw that I should order before I start the job? I think I saw somewhere there is a screw only for 1-time use?

[hilmar2k]

both scanning tools have to lock in your VIN to be able to use right? I saw they ask your VIN in the setup process.

If so, would shop ever going to rent this scanning tool to people??


Are there any other screw that I should order before I start the job? I think I saw somewhere there is a screw only for 1-time use?

You don't need much to change the rear brakes.

1. Tool to retract the e-brake (VCDS, Carista, ODBEleven, ect).
2. 13mm socket or wrench
3. 15mm wrench
4. Clamp to compress piston
5. New pads and rotor

I could swap both sides in about 40 minutes, maybe less. Super easy. You don't even need to remove the caliper bracket, rotor slides right out with it in place. Honestly, one of the easiest brake jobs I've done.

Editing to add to my above list:

6. T30 torx bit and driver (impact ideally)
7. Brake lube
8. Wire brush to clean hub

[supachaged]

Yes, at least I know for sure on VAG-COM. Im unsure about OBD11.


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[sacandagaD]

Hi everyone,

I am new on working car(B8.5). I did my own oil change 2 weekend ago and it was a great success!! so I planned to do brake service last weekend and I face some challenges.

I did my homework and watch alot of YouTube on how to retract the Ebrake pistol. it sound like I need "BOTH two tools" to do the job "correctly IAW procedures" but I am little confuse: (not trying to take off the pistol gearbox)

1) VCDS = a cable scan tool to plug into your car (adjusting the voltage to retract the pistol)
2)then using c-clap tools with a 3slot turn to retract pistol (I have a c-clap for general wood working)


Where I got confused was the price of the VCDS and any alternate?
It seem like the most popular option is VCDS(199$) and OBDeleven(79.99$)? which would you recommend for ease of use?
Any other cheaper alternate?

More importantly, is this scanning tool a must have?? I am trying to be cheap ass and save the 80$ cost.



Also, If I am changing a new rotor also. is the small screw on the rotor the only screw that was one-time use?? meaning I have to order an extra one.


thank you!!

I've done rear brake pad and rotor replacement twice on my S4's and 1. yes, you do need a program to retract the EPB, such as VCDS, ODBeleven or Carista. It all depends on to what extent you want access to your cars systems to make mods or do data logging. If all you want to do is your own brake service and reset basic reminders, then Carista or OBDeleven are cheapest, and should be fine. Vag-Com cable can do a great deal more.
2. Once the EPB is retracted, you do NOT need to screw anything in, just put a large screw driver in between the pads and rotor and slightly lever them back, to release the pad pressure. Make sure you have the cap loosened or off on the master cylinder but watch it so you don't overflow it, when you compress the pistons.

[vickytang1]

Thank you for all the help guys!!

seem like Carista is my best option now (20$ for a month trial, 10$ for a week pass)


Also, any recommended rotor?
I ordered https://www.ecstuning.com/b-akebono-...8k0698151hkt2/ for the pad

[sacandagaD]

Thank you for all the help guys!!

seem like Carista is my best option now (20$ for a month trial, 10$ for a week pass)


Also, any recommended rotor?
I ordered https://www.ecstuning.com/b-akebono-...8k0698151hkt2/ for the pad

I used Zimmermans from FCP this last time, and can't say enough good things about those guys. The lifetime return policy is incredible. https://www.fcpeuro.com/Audi-parts/S...&b=5&d=4572&v=

[hilmar2k]

I used Zimmermans from FCP this last time, and can't say enough good things about those guys. The lifetime return policy is incredible. https://www.fcpeuro.com/Audi-parts/S...&b=5&d=4572&v=

+1000

Not only great rotors, but lifetime guaranteed from FCP.

[vickytang1]

I used Zimmermans from FCP this last time, and can't say enough good things about those guys. The lifetime return policy is incredible. https://www.fcpeuro.com/Audi-parts/S...&b=5&d=4572&v=

Wow. the price on these rotor is much better than what I found from ECS website also. how do they perform?

[sacandagaD]

Wow. the price on these rotor is much better than what I found from ECS website also. how do they perform?

These have been fine for daily usage. Honestly unless you are tracking the car, or want the look of slotted/drilled, no need to spend big $$$ on rear rotors.

[hilmar2k]

Wow. the price on these rotor is much better than what I found from ECS website also. how do they perform?

They're rotors...pretty much like every other one. Zimmerman is a high quality brand, you can't go wrong with them. I like that they come coated so they won't rust. Rusty rotor hubs is a huge pet peeve of mine.

[BucDan]

Just make sure after you retract the piston screw with the electronic gadget, compress the piston. That was my mistake, where I retracted the piston screw, but was confused when the piston didn't go back as well. Ended up extending the piston screw back and dislodged it off the threads. Terrible mistake.

[PenttisHSR]

It is possible to simply unbolt the motor from the back of the caliper (2 X Torx ).
Then there is a Torx in the centre to wind back the screw.

Plenty of info on the internet, example here..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34G3qDPNldE

[egebhardt]

I've seen YouTube videos where guys put a 12v battery to the 2 connections inside the connector.
Plus or Minus on one or the other moves the piston in or out.
Test which way you want it go and touch those battery leads there.

I plan on buying an OBDeleven for the car but I probably won't bother for the EPB (emergency parking brake) motor if those videos are true.
I also have a spare set of rear brakes I can test with per my signature block.