Changing rear brake pads (new kind of question about parking brake)

[youloze]

So I know its been covered that to change the rear pads you either have to use VagCom to release the parking brake or fool it with a battery, etc.

But I've noticed my car (2013 S5 DSG) will not auto apply the parking brake if I shut the car off and open the door. This afternoon I tested it by shutting the car off without applying the brake, opened the door and let my foot off the brake. The parking brake never applied itself and the car rolled slightly before the transmission caught it. Even after closing the door the brake never applied itself.

So my question is, can I just leave the parking brake off in this manner and be able to change the pads? Seems like nobody has ever mentioned his before so I don't know if my car is a strange one off occurrence or if I'm missing something and the pads cannot be changed this way.

Thanks for any insight.

[drob23]

Just because the parking brake is off doesn't mean the piston is fully retracted. It is in the 'off' position. I believe the 'off' position adapts based on the pad wear. So while you can pull out the old worn skinny pads, you won't be able to fit the thick new pads in without manually retracting the piston...which will damage your parking brake.

This is how I understand it.

[youloze]

Just because the parking brake is off doesn't mean the piston is fully retracted. It is in the 'off' position. I believe the 'off' position adapts based on the pad wear. So while you can pull out the old worn skinny pads, you won't be able to fit the thick new pads in without manually retracting the piston...which will damage your parking brake.

This is how I understand it.

Ahhh, see I knew it couldn't be that easy. Thanks for the insight!!

[booost]

Just because the parking brake is off doesn't mean the piston is fully retracted. It is in the 'off' position. I believe the 'off' position adapts based on the pad wear. So while you can pull out the old worn skinny pads, you won't be able to fit the thick new pads in without manually retracting the piston...which will damage your parking brake.

This is how I understand it.

This


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[drob23]

Ahhh, see I knew it couldn't be that easy. Thanks for the insight!!

If you have the know how to change your own brake pads, the vcds cable will pay for itself quickly. Lots of people here have been quoted like 1200 for pads/rotors at the dealership [:D]

[youloze]

If you have the know how to change your own brake pads, the vcds cable will pay for itself quickly. Lots of people here have been quoted like 1200 for pads/rotors at the dealership [:D]

I've had many Audi's and VWs and I do my own work so you'd think I'd have a vcds by now but $350 is hard to swallow and I've always gotten by without one. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and have the stealership change the rear pads for me *cringe

[Lamprey]

I've had many Audi's and VWs and I do my own work so you'd think I'd have a vcds by now but $350 is hard to swallow and I've always gotten by without one. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and have the stealership change the rear pads for me *cringe
If it's a one time thing, you can always check to see in there is a member with the VAGCOM in your area that would be willing to help you out. When I first got my S4, I found someone near me that had one and they met up with me to make a couple of mods.

[youloze]

If it's a one time thing, you can always check to see in there is a member with the VAGCOM in your area that would be willing to help you out. When I first got my S4, I found someone near me that had one and they met up with me to make a couple of mods.

Yep, that's what I'm doing. I put up a post on the local Audi FB page to see if I can rent someone's cable. Hopefully I can find someone.

[Thumper3]

I've had many Audi's and VWs and I do my own work so you'd think I'd have a vcds by now but $350 is hard to swallow and I've always gotten by without one. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and have the stealership change the rear pads for me *cringe

You don't want to pay $350 for a cable...................but you will pay the dealership likely much more than that to do the rear brakes to avoid spending the $350 on a cable?? [confused]

[youloze]

You don't want to pay $350 for a cable...................but you will pay the dealership likely much more than that to do the rear brakes to avoid spending the $350 on a cable?? [confused]

Thanks for trying to be a dick but I already have the rear pads. If the dealer charges more than an hour labor to put the pads on I'll figure something else out. Thanks for your concern.

[Thumper3]

Thanks for trying to be a dick but I already have the rear pads. If the dealer charges more than an hour labor to put the pads on I'll figure something else out. Thanks for your concern.

Wasn't trying to be a dick, was asking a serious question. Someone needs to check their thin-skin at the door to the internet.

I have never met a dealer who will install parts you bring in, most indie shops won't do that either. And if the dealer charges 3 hours labor to update a navigation map, I am sure they will charge you more than 1 hour to swap rear pads out.

Sorry if my confusion regarding someone who does his own work balking at buying a tool to do a simply brake job offended your delicate feelings.

[GeoJoe]

I have never met a dealer who will install parts you bring in, most indie shops won't do that either. .

Uh, no.

My dealer has installed just about everything in my sig. All parts bought from Audizine vendors. The best part is that I'm still CPO.

OP - sounds like you're mechanically inclined enough to do it. Just takes time and balls.

[youloze]

Uh, no.

My dealer has installed just about everything in my sig. All parts bought from Audizine vendors. The best part is that I'm still CPO.

OP - sounds like you're mechanically inclined enough to do it. Just takes time and balls.

Thanks GeoJoe, not sure why people get so upset on this forum when people ask questions haha.

Anyway, yeah I do all of my own work on all of my cars. I currently am rebuilding the engine on my twin turbo Z, I've done engines, clutches, suspension, brakes, etc. I'm not worried about doing them I just didn't really want to spend $350 on a cable that I probably wont use much (I've been able to get by without it for all these years). Oh well, thanks to you and everyone else who helped answer my question.

As for bringing parts to places, I've heard both sides. Some will install and some wont. If I can't find a local cable to rent I'll contact the dealer and see what they say, it cant hurt to ask. I really don't see them charging more than an hour labor to do it but who knows, it is the dealership after all.

Thanks!

[sh!tmagnet]

I cringed a little when I bought my VAGcom cable. Best money I spent though, more than paid for itself in the couple years I've had it. Not to mention being charged $60-100 to have the dealer do a scan if you get a CEL. Oh and ALL the options you can change/unlock on these cars with that cable.

Spend the money, get the cable. You'll be happy you did.

[GeoJoe]

youloze - post some pics of that Z!

[youloze]

I cringed a little when I bought my VAGcom cable. Best money I spent though, more than paid for itself in the couple years I've had it. Not to mention being charged $60-100 to have the dealer do a scan if you get a CEL. Oh and ALL the options you can change/unlock on these cars with that cable.

Spend the money, get the cable. You'll be happy you did.

I honestly just don't see the need for it, especially for $350. With the apps that are available now (Carista and Torque) I can log, read codes and I've even changed things such as windows up/down with remote, Interior lighting, no seat belt chime, etc for the cost of $20 for the Carista app. I've always been able to easily get by without one so really I'd be spending $350 on a tool that I will most likely use once or twice. It's really just not worth it to me, it's not cost effective for my personal situation. I can appreciate that it's helped so many other people though.

[sh!tmagnet]

Huh never even heard of the Carista app. Gonna have to check it out

[youloze]

youloze - post some pics of that Z!

Haha, sure. Here it is in late 2012 before I parked it until I could get the time/money to rebuild it. Has upgraded turbos, full exhaust, full suspension, etc. Made about 500hp to the wheels. I'm building the motor currently (rods, pistons, minor head work, etc) and may or may not upgrade to bigger turbos. I really just want the car back on the road so I may wait on the turbos for now.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff73/youloze/Z32/Oct_20_2012/IMG_3065_-2_-3_fused.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff73/youloze/Z32/Oct_20_2012/IMG_2978_-2_-3_fused.jpg

[youloze]

Huh never even heard of the Carista app. Gonna have to check it out

Yeah, it's great. You can change a bunch of the usual features that people change using the VCDS cable. It costs $20 for the full app but I actually got in on the Beta so I got it all for free and helped them with logs and things. It might still be in Beta so contact them and see if they will put you on it. Even if not I'd say it's worth the $20 for all it does. It does not log like the Torque app does but it will give more in depth OBD2 scans. I have both apps and they both have been very helpful.

[vtbert3]

Yeah, it's great. You can change a bunch of the usual features that people change using the VCDS cable. It costs $20 for the full app but I actually got in on the Beta so I got it all for free and helped them with logs and things. It might still be in Beta so contact them and see if they will put you on it. Even if not I'd say it's worth the $20 for all it does. It does not log like the Torque app does but it will give more in depth OBD2 scans. I have both apps and they both have been very helpful.
Carista said they would be adding the rear parking brake release to the app soon. I have this app too and love it. Along with many other tweaks with lights, etc., it also can enable the track timer/oil temp menu feature.

[drob23]

It's interesting that Ross-Tech might have their business model encroached by super cheap iphone apps. Hopefully this will push them to produce a better product that keeps some separation between theirs and new products. Has VCDS mobile even passed beta?

I'd be interested if carista was able to log internal ECU signals, which corresponds to the "advanced measurement" block in VCDS once you select a specific ECU.

The software interface of VCDS is really good though, so it will be hard to beat that.

[youloze]

It's interesting that Ross-Tech might have their business model encroached by super cheap iphone apps. Hopefully this will push them to produce a better product that keeps some separation between theirs and new products. Has VCDS mobile even passed beta?

I'd be interested if carista was able to log internal ECU signals, which corresponds to the "advanced measurement" block in VCDS once you select a specific ECU.

The software interface of VCDS is really good though, so it will be hard to beat that.

As long as they are not stealing any of Ross Techs copyrights or what have you I think competition is great. Keep in mind the Carista app can only do so much and is not a full replacement for the VCDS cable but it is a great, cheap alternative if it fits your needs.

[youloze]

Carista said they would be adding the rear parking brake release to the app soon. I have this app too and love it. Along with many other tweaks with lights, etc., it also can enable the track timer/oil temp menu feature.

Rear parking brake release would be a great addition. Probably not in time for me but still cool.

[Subsonic]

If they did that I'd definitely pay $20 for it. I've got Torque already and a plug-in scanner. I've been on the fence about the $350 for the VAGCOM cable especially considering I don't have a laptop (friend does but I don't want to rely on someone) and have no urge to buy one.

youloze...what did the dealer wind up quoting you? Nice Z btw, always loved the looks of those.

[youloze]

If they did that I'd definitely pay $20 for it. I've got Torque already and a plug-in scanner. I've been on the fence about the $350 for the VAGCOM cable especially considering I don't have a laptop (friend does but I don't want to rely on someone) and have no urge to buy one.

youloze...what did the dealer wind up quoting you? Nice Z btw, always loved the looks of those.

I've been super busy with other things so I haven't even contacted them about it. Honestly I completely forgot about it until now lol. I'll try to call them soon and I'll let you know.

[youloze]

Just a quick update to round out this thread. I got a quote of $200 from the dealer to install the rear pads (labor only lol). On the bright side the Carista app now has the rear parking brake release feature so I'll be able to replace the pads myself now. Just wanted to update for anyone that may run across this in the future.

[B18b1ex]

Just a quick update to round out this thread. I got a quote of $200 from the dealer to install the rear pads (labor only lol). On the bright side the Carista app now has the rear parking brake release feature so I'll be able to replace the pads myself now. Just wanted to update for anyone that may run across this in the future.

I just did it with a battery in less than 45 min, vagcom would have been nice but running power to it is very easy! I have a friend with a Vagcom but he was out of town.

[bhvrdr]

I just did it with a battery in less than 45 min, vagcom would have been nice but running power to it is very easy! I have a friend with a Vagcom but he was out of town.

<hangs head in shame> Sorry Sean. Glad you got them done and it worked out!

Mike

[Frinkferta]

Local dealerships want to charge $240 for labor, just for replacing rear pads. NUTS

[youloze]

Local dealerships want to charge $240 for labor, just for replacing rear pads. NUTS

Yeah I was quite surprised when I got my quote. I even said "No, I have the pads already" and he said "I know, that is just for labor" haha. Now that the Carista app has the brake release I can finally do them myself :-)

[maf9]

Yeah I was quite surprised when I got my quote. I even said "No, I have the pads already" and he said "I know, that is just for labor" haha. Now that the Carista app has the brake release I can finally do them myself :-)

When/Where did they announce the brake release? I'm definitely in if that is available...

[youloze]

When/Where did they announce the brake release? I'm definitely in if that is available...

I emailed the a couple of weeks ago about it and they said they were working on it. I noticed I had an update about it a few days ago and it was in the release notes. I haven't tried it yet cause its been way too hot in Vegas. If you buy it and use the rear brake release let me know how it goes.

[14S4GWM]

Carista said they would be adding the rear parking brake release to the app soon. I have this app too and love it. Along with many other tweaks with lights, etc., it also can enable the track timer/oil temp menu feature.

I didnt see the timer/temp set up. Where is that in the app?

[youloze]

I didnt see the timer/temp set up. Where is that in the app?

I don't remember seeing the lap timer and oil temp in there. Maybe it's only available for certain models so far from Carista.

[breyton490]

As a side note on this topic, I just tried changing the read pads/rotors this weekend. I had to surrender the attempt after I could not get the caliper holder bracket bolts out. The location of the bolts, especially the lower bolt make it pretty tough to get a ratchet on and apply the needed leverage/torque to undo that sucker. Anyone have a trick / tool to make that job easier? I don't have access to any air tools.

Decided to bring my car into an indy shop to have them do the job w/my parts.