Rear brake pads - replacing

**fat controller** · 26-03-2015,11:38 PM

How difficult is it to replace the rear pads on a B8 Avant? MOT last week had both sides wearing thin as advisories, so they will want changing at some point. Just wondering if I would be as well doing it myself.

**b206** · 27-03-2015,11:04 AM

Depends if you have an electronic handbrake ? If you do, you will need a VCDS cable to release the parking brake.
Apart from that, they are straight forward. Use a piston re-wind tool for the rears.

**fat controller** · 27-03-2015,09:30 PM

I have the electronic handbrake, and access to VCDS so that bit should be OK - I don't have a re-wind tool though, so the cost of that might outweigh the saving of doing them myself. Is the tool a specific Audi/VAG fellow, or is it generally available?

**b206** · 27-03-2015,09:47 PM

Rewind tool is about £15 and is a standard bit of kit. Well worth the money - saves using a clamp on the fronts as well!
It is a tad tight working on the rears but manageable! I've got quattro so even more so, especially when replacing the discs.

I know when working on my brakes that they are done correctly.....clean, lube etc. Most garages just remove pads and whack a new set in!

**Doctle Odd** · 27-03-2015,10:20 PM

You don't need the rewind tool FC as you have VCDS. When doing the fronts crack the bleed nipple 1/3 of a turn or so before you push the piston in, it will weep a little fluid but save your ABS pump, apart from that just clean the callipers well with a wire brush and put a little red grease on the guide pins. You'll save at least the cost of a night away for you and Mrs Controller

**fat controller** · 27-03-2015,10:23 PM

Fronts are fine, it is only the rears apparently - maybe the fronts were replaced not long before I bought the car? It's a rare thing for me to change brakes as I tend to be very light footed

**Doctle Odd** · 27-03-2015,10:24 PM

Rears are easy you'll still save the price of a good bottle of malt and a fish supper

**Boy** · 27-03-2015,10:26 PM

As said, it is an easy job. I don't think a rewind tool is required though. so far as I recall, when I did the job, I was able to simply press the pistons back.
If you are replacing the pads, consider whether it is worth changing the discs at the same time.

**b206** · 27-03-2015,10:30 PM

You don't need the rewind tool FC as you have VCDS. When doing the fronts crack the bleed nipple 1/3 of a turn or so before you push the piston in, it will weep a little fluid but save your ABS pump, apart from that just clean the callipers well with a wire brush and put a little red grease on the guide pins. You'll save at least the cost of a night away for you and Mrs Controller

Thats interesting - when I've done my rear pads the piston doesn't retract all the way with VCDS. I find it needs an extra push back before I can get the caliper back on! Sticky pistons or dodgy motor ?