I replace my own brake pads most of the time. Has anyone replaced the rear pads can share with me the experience. Is there any special tool or procedure involved that I should be aware of? I recently helped a friend with his Passat's rear pad. It required a special tool and was a bitch to replace even with the special tool Thanks in advance

 

I am about to the front and rear. Thus, I would also like any info.

 

IF the rear has what i think it has...

instead of using a clamp like you do on the fronts...you'll ''turn'' the cylinder down with the special tool. iused a long screw driver when i did the rears on my tl. i'm due for brakes also...

 

The rear caliper's piston needs to be "rotated back in" instead of pushed back in as the front ones. You need a special tool that looks like a little square with edges. The rear caliper piston does not have a smooth surface but with an "X" etched in it. This tool has a socket that allows you to insert a 3/8" screwdriver/wrench in it and turn. If you don't have this tool, you'll need a thin long rod that you can fit in there in order to rotate it back in.

Oh, and leave the brake fluid reservoir cap off while doing this, otherwise, your fluid will overflow or the piston simply doesn't move.

 

If you're replacing your rear pads....you might wanna take a look at your drum shoes as well. I'm about to replace my rotors again (75k).

 

the pistons on my tl just pushed back in, without turning. i used a clamp

 

moomaster, you think the drum shoes could wear out because of parking?

 

Thank you very much for the info I bought that "square" special tool last time when I helped a friend with the Passat. I am praying the process will not be as bad as the Passat. It was a real bitch to turn the pistons on the Passat, one has to use tremendous force to push it in and rotate at the same time It took us more than three hours for the rear pads! I have never encountered anything like it. Hope the CL is not as bad

 

This is how I did it last summer w/ my cl-s, no sweat. Put Axxis metalmasters on all the way around. Easy job.

 

Yes and no. After awhile your drum shoes will wear out...everything does. My drum shoes are gone right now. It's from all the times you park...apply the brake...let it set and then put it in park. Also, I know i'm not the only one that used to pop the parking brake and it would still be on or semi-on.