I'm a complete numpty. Was changing my rear brake pads today on my Superb 3. I used VCDS to release the calipers. All going well until I tried to place the caliper over the new pads. There was no way it was fitting and it looked as if the caliper rod hadn't fully retracted so I tried the 'Start lining' function again however it said it had already performed the function and nothing happened. I then stupidly pressed the end lining function in case there was a slight chance it would free up the rod however it began to open and because of no resistance continued until it opened fully despite me frantically trying to end the process before it did so. It is now showing malfunction when I attempt to start lining process. I have disconnected in fear of doing even more damage.

My questions are:

Have a knackered the rod/caliper brakes? What is my best course of action to remedy.

 

Please be harsh I'm an idiot.

Is there a manual wind in/out or can you disconnect the battery to ‘fool’ it into resetting or wiping the malfunction. 

1 hour ago, Redboy said:

Is there a manual wind in/out or can you disconnect the battery to ‘fool’ it into resetting or wiping the malfunction. 

Don't know about a manual function. Wasn't wanting to further knacker things. I will try the battery reset in am.

2 hours ago, philg25 said:

I'm a complete numpty. Was changing my rear brake pads today on my Superb 3. I used VCDS to release the calipers. All going well until I tried to place the caliper over the new pads. There was no way it was fitting and it looked as if the caliper rod hadn't fully retracted so I tried the 'Start lining' function again however it said it had already performed the function and nothing happened. I then stupidly pressed the end lining function in case there was a slight chance it would free up the rod however it began to open and because of no resistance continued until it opened fully despite me frantically trying to end the process before it did so. It is now showing malfunction when I attempt to start lining process. I have disconnected in fear of doing even more damage.

My questions are:

Have a knackered the rod/caliper brakes? What is my best course of action to remedy.

 

Please be harsh I'm an idiot.

If all else fails give this a go

 

https://youtu.be/iA9Sz8RndMo 

Sounds like you’ve over extended the calipers, completely past their stops and the chances of getting them to rethread without damaging seals is fairly slim...

trust me it happens to the best of us and never went back on, calipers were replaced In the end.

 

the best way of trying is to take them off the car completely and remove the motor and manually try to rewind it 

On 07/03/2022 at 20:55, philg25 said:

Don't know about a manual function. Wasn't wanting to further knacker things. I will try the battery reset in am.

When you do the brake lining change you still have to wind them back in manually once the calliper has wound back the electric motor 

11 hours ago, Esseesse200 said:

When you do the brake lining change you still have to wind them back in manually once the calliper has wound back the electric motor 

With this EPB, you mustn't turn the piston, just push it straight it in.

 

@philg25 I would try removing the motor as shown in the video, then push the piston back while turning the spindle in the hope of re-engaging the actuator thread. If that works, wind it right back, push the piston fully back, reassemble everything then clear the EPB fault and run the 'Start lining' and 'End lining' if it'll let you. Check that the brake pedal is firm before driving, you may have allowed air into the system; if so the caliper needs bleeding. Be prepared for needing a new caliper though, good luck.

Thanks for all advice guys(gals?). Only got round to it today as been working away. Removed the motor as per video but spindle keeps turning clockwise. Piston would not budge either so I'm having to seek professional help. I'll let you know the damage..... ouch......

17 minutes ago, philg25 said:

Thanks for all advice guys(gals?). Only got round to it today as been working away. Removed the motor as per video but spindle keeps turning clockwise. Piston would not budge either so I'm having to seek professional help. I'll let you know the damage..... ouch......

The spindle will just continue to spin, it wont ever stop, you need to push the piston back in as you turn the spindle and hope it grabs... honestly youre 99% gonna need new calipers or them rebuilt at this point, seals have probably been pinched

@philg25 I don't know if this may help, but may be you can find something in the workshop manuals on cardiagn.com.  

 

@philg25I'm told that it should be possible to re-engage the spindle thread but that it may have a left-hand thread. Also to be reassured that you are not the first to fall into this trap, including mechanics who should have known better.

Have you tried turning the spindle both ways while pushing the piston back?