I need to change the rear disks and pads on my car. I’ve never had a problem doing this job on previous cars but this one has the electric brake. I’ve read a couple of descriptions online and both make reference to plugging the car into a software package to put the parking brake into a service mode. Does anyone know if this is the only way of retracting the calliper or can it be done by pushing and rotating the cylinder back into the housing ?

You cannot push and rotate these calipers. 
 

People will probably come along and suggest the ‘manual’ way of using a ratchet and socket to back them off, this can cause binding issues and premature wear.

 

The only correct way to do it is using a diagnostic tool sorry.

On 14/12/2023 at 22:00, ApertureS said:

The only correct way to do it is using a diagnostic tool sorry.

Hi,

 

I will probably need to changes my rear brake pads in Q1/2024.

Could you explain what to do with VCDS to stow brake pistons to free rear brake pads please?

TIA!  

I was asking that same question but I didn’t really get a satisfactory answer. 

I think the method of using a diagnostic tool to disconnect the electric brake is a quick and easy way for professionals to wind the piston back in but I reckon it’s still possible to do it the old way of pushing and winding the piston back in. 

Cant wind back against the electric motor with a piston pushback / winder tool, but neither do you need VCDS.
A good diagnostic tool like this one (that I bought and used) is ideal:  

https://m.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT530VAG.html

That’s really useful information. Thanks. 

Watch this, by far the best video I’ve seen and is explaining things nice and clearly even though it is for an Audi it’s essentially same process

 

 

Edited 22 December, 20232 yr by Danoid

Just get obd eleven it’s on special this moth. Makes it soooo easy. Plug in, select brake service and rewinds the calipers for you. You still have to push them back in but it’s easy. Change brakes then close brake service and all done 

There are a few different OBD Elevens. Which is the one to get ?

On VCDS it’s in the ABS module, Basic Settings. Something like “prepare for lining replacement” to wind it fully in, then “completed lining replacement” which winds it out again and detects the new bite point,

Edited 22 December, 20232 yr by nicknorman

17 hours ago, Dat said:

I reckon it’s still possible to do it the old way of pushing and winding the piston back in. 

I reckon you need to listen to the people who know through experience and training that’s booloks. I just don’t get why you’d disbelieve them?

10 hours ago, Dat said:

a few different OBD Elevens.

a lot of codings on 2016. Mk3 and 2023. Mk3.FL have been done by first gen OBDEleven,

particular Calipers Service option i have seen in some section, but never used to

Edited 23 December, 20232 yr by MartiniB

numskull, it's not booloks at all. You don't need a diagnostic tool. I've done a few rear brake changes on cars with epb and have always just wound the piston back. Never had a problem. Until I do then I'll keep doing it the manual way

It depends on the system and make of calipers, the TRW ones operated by a separate ECU are wind and push, the ATE make operated by the ABS ECU are push back, wind these pistons back and you kill the caliper, they just push back like the fronts. I am waiting to have a laugh when someone on here tries to do the rears on  Octavia type NX (I refuse to call it Octavia 4...)

Crasher, how do you know which is which?

 

I've only ever wound them back and never had an issue.

 

I'll never personally use a diagnostic tool again to wind them back. Not after what happened with my Mondeo.

All along I’ve had the feeling that the electronic method of retracting the piston is a service tool for dealerships that allows them to have a way of doing it without any real skill and it’s quicker and cleaner than push/wind. The pistons on mine have the cut outs to take the winding back tool but now I don’t know whether to push or push/wind. How can I tell if I have TRW or ATE ?

Retracting the EPB actuator with the diagnostic tool doesn't retract the piston, you still have to push it back. You must push the piston, not wind it, or you'll damage the actuator.

 

All Superb Mk3s have TRW front brakes and ATE rears.

So can I just push the piston back in manually without using a diagnostic tool ?

22 minutes ago, Dat said:

So can I just push the piston back in manually without using a diagnostic tool ?

I used the VCDS first then pushed back the final bit. Had no problems since.

On 22/12/2023 at 22:30, Dat said:

There are a few different OBD Elevens. Which is the one to get ?

I would like to know this as well. Thinking about purchasing it 

Macsamillion, no need to purchase anything. Do it manually

Just so I’m clear on this. Can I push the piston back in ( not rotate ) without the use of any diagnostic device on a 2019 superb ?

1 hour ago, Dat said:

Just so I’m clear on this. Can I push the piston back in ( not rotate ) without the use of any diagnostic device on a 2019 superb ?

I can’t see how this could work. The EPB and the piston are kind of separate entities. Yes you can push the piston in but it will be blocked by the EPB which is on a worm drive. I don’t see any way of retracting the EPB manually.
I used VCDS - it is a simple process, and when you have finished and put the EPB back to normal more, it does a bit of chuntering whilst it works out the bite point of the brake.

 

I have heard of people getting around using a diagnostic tool by disconnecting the EPB cable and applying 12v directly to the motor, but this seems so much more difficult than just using a diagnostic tool, with lots of scope for causing damage.

 

Once the EPB is retracted, you just push the piston back in.

Okay this is starting to make more sense. We seem to have got an answer to the original question along with some reasoning. Thanks for all the input. 

Dat, nicknorman, of course it's possible. I've done it and on more than one occasion.

 

Releasing the epb before you start the job means you can push the piston back no problem.

 

Don't listen to what you hear. Unless these people have actually tried it for themselves then they don't know what they're talking about. And I mean that with all due respect.