Changing pads on Electric handbrake

**Chrisman** · 06-04-2010,10:48 AM

Hi all,
I understand it is not possible to change the rear pads on the passat with the electric handbrake without a vw computer.

Just phoned my local vw garages and they want an arm and a leg to do this for me.

Is there a tool I can buy to do this myself that will not cost me the earth?
I'm guessing the answer is no but a comfirmation of this would be useful.

Many thanks indeed
Chris

DSG4ME · 06-04-2010,12:11 PM

I'm almost certain Vag-Com will be able to do it for you, but how much is an arm and a leg? last quote I got was £115 fitted, which when you take into account it will be genuine pads they fit, and you probably won't need another set for a few years it just becomes an extra £60 to own a car you like, rather than one you don't.

**martin1810** · 06-04-2010,12:39 PM

Vag-com (VCDS) will do it. Roughly £260 plus a laptop. Sealey do a handheld machine that just does the pads. (not sure of price) I have heard tales of it not doing the job properly.
This is a job that must be done properly because the calipers are £500 each if you damage them.

DSG4ME · 06-04-2010,03:29 PM

http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?sec...50872&cat=2145

**johnloaderuk** · 06-04-2010,04:57 PM

Originally Posted by DSG4ME

last quote I got was £115 fitted, which when you take into account it will be genuine pads they fit, and you probably won't need another set

Originally Posted by martin1810

the calipers are £500 each if you damage them.

£500 each !!!. Bearing all this in mind, plus as martin1810 says, the tool has been known not to do the job properly in some cases, won't it just be easier to take it to the dealer. The £115 DSG4ME was quoted is cheaper than the tool anyway, plus you won't have the hassle of trying to do it, and then curse if it all goes wrong. I'd ring around a few more dealers to see if you can get a better price than you have already.

**nig** · 06-04-2010,08:14 PM

why go to the main dealer? im in a good independent garage and have the equipment to do it. any decent diagnostic machine which garages need to operate will do the job, its not rocket science. did my own 2 weeks ago in about 20 mins. i would be charging €70 including delphi pads to do it and thats all you should be paying.

**nig** · 06-04-2010,08:26 PM

oh and one more thing. there's honestly no such thing as genuine brake pads (except toyota/lexus) bosh make vag pads and have been for ages. "genuine" is just a logo and a nice box

**Chrisman** · 06-04-2010,08:36 PM

Many thanks for the replies guys.

Looking into VAG-COM etc and there seems to be alternatives but very unsure of reliability.
Here's one for example:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mini-VAS-VAG-5...item5634109ca2

At the moment I'm favoring buying the software etc needed to do it myself.
Would be different if I changed my moter every other year but I tend to hold on to them for a few years so would get the use of the tool.

Any further observations welcoms and much appreciated.

Thanks again
Chris

DSG4ME · 07-04-2010,12:05 AM

Originally Posted by nig

oh and one more thing. there's honestly no such thing as genuine brake pads (except toyota/lexus) bosh make vag pads and have been for ages. "genuine" is just a logo and a nice box

Absolutely.

**martin1810** · 07-04-2010,10:50 AM

Chris...If you are keeping the car for a few years. Buy genuine VCDS frm ross-tech. You will never regret it. Every time you fault code check your car (or someone else's) you are saving at least £40. It works perfectly and is fantastic value at £260. You get help/support and free upgrades as they come out.