Winding back the EPB

[Nedski]

My rear disc and pads need replacing, and I'm reluctant to pay out for a local mechanic to do it.

Due to the EPB, it appears VCDS (or similar) is required, but there's loads of videos and info showing it being done manually by removing it, dismantling it, and winding it back by hand.

The majority of info I've found have said this is fine and providing the new pads are the same thickness as the old, the EPB will automatically wind itself to the correct position.

However, the rest of the info says this will result in error codes that can't be removed and thousands of pounds in repairs/replacements.

What is the general opinion of doing it the manual way? If a diagnostic tool is the only sensible way, is there anywhere that will rent these out?

[Crasher]

If it is a 2006>2008 you can easily fry the EPB ECU which can get seriously expensive. If you look at the VCDS web site there are dire warnings, in the early days I once got stung and it cost me the profit of the next ten same jobs.

[Nedski]

Thanks for the reply, it's a 2010. Is this generally a safer bet?

[Frelon]

You can do this with Carista - £25 from Amazon!

[Crasher]

Even now on the 2010 we have as a loan car, when going into the EPB system, VCDS stops and warns you of the perils possible from careless handling. Also, taking off the EPB motors can crack the motor housing and so let water in, new motors are £456 from VW so a full exchange genuine TRW caliper is a better idea at typically around £220 each (this hows the insanity of some VAG pricing) but you need to add £30 for the inevitable failure of the short metal pipe from hose to piston, they nearly always twist. Follow the old rule, do it once, do it right.

[Nedski]

Thanks Crasher and Frelon, I've been looking in to Carista and that looks like a safe bet! £25 isn't a huge amount for the peace of mind (also compared to the potential hassle and expense) so I'll give that a go 👍

[Nedski]

I've ended up buying an Ancel VD500 instead of the Carista. I'll report back with a review once I've got it!

[DieselMonster]

+1 on the metal brake pipe to the caliper. Its seized and best to get a brand new one. You'll lose brake fluid so have some to top it off and bleed both calipers of air.

[UMEL]

I've ended up buying an Ancel VD500 instead of the Carista. I'll report back with a review once I've got it!

I bought one a month back to diagnose an engine issue....yellow light, heater plug.

I have tried the EPB release and it works a treat.

Update the software as soon as you get it...that's an exciting task in itself.