How to Replace Rear Brake Pads on a 2011-2018 Volvo S60 (Engine: Inline 5 2.5L)
Step-by-step instructions with EPB service mode, tools, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace Rear Brake Pads on a 2011-2018 Volvo S60 (Engine: Inline 5 2.5L)
Step-by-step instructions with EPB service mode, tools, torque specs, and safety tips for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Assumption: Your S60 has the factory electronic parking brake (EPB), which is typical for this model.
🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Brake Pad Replacement
Replacing the rear brake pads on your S60 means removing the rear caliper, retracting the rear piston, and installing the new pads with fresh hardware if needed. Because this car uses an electronic parking brake, you must put the rear brakes into service mode before pushing the pistons back.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Set the parking brake only when instructed. The rear calipers must be in EPB service mode before pad removal.
- Support the car with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
- Rear brake parts can be hot. Let them cool before starting.
- Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
- No battery disconnect is usually required, but the ignition must be on for EPB service mode.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
- Wheel chocks
- 19mm lug wrench or socket
- Ratchet
- 14mm socket
- 7mm hex socket
- Torque wrench
- Brake caliper piston tool (specialty)
- Brake cleaner
- Wire brush
- Flat screwdriver
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
- Rear brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
- Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and chock the front wheels.
- Put the transmission in Park.
- Release the parking brake before entering service mode.
- Turn ignition on, engine off.
- Use the center display/service function to put the rear EPB into brake service mode if equipped through the vehicle menu.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Put the rear parking brake in service mode
- Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
- Use the vehicle's service/brake menu to retract the rear EPB. This is the parking brake motor that holds the rear caliper.
- Wait until the system confirms service mode.
- Do not skip this step.
Step 2: Lift and secure the rear of the car
- Use the floor jack to raise the rear of the car at the proper lift point.
- Place jack stands under the rear support points.
- Lower the car gently onto the stands and shake lightly to confirm stability.
Step 3: Remove the rear wheel
- Use the 19mm lug wrench or socket to remove the lug bolts.
- Remove the wheel and set it aside.
Step 4: Remove the caliper
- Use the 7mm hex socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
- Lift the caliper off the bracket.
- Support the caliper with wire or a hanger so the brake hose is not stretched.
Step 5: Remove the old pads and hardware
- Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
- Remove the pad clips and hardware.
- Use the flat screwdriver if the pads are stuck.
Step 6: Retract the rear caliper piston
- Use the brake caliper piston tool (specialty) to push the piston back in.
- Apply steady pressure and make sure the piston stays straight.
- If it will not move, stop and confirm the EPB is fully in service mode.
Step 7: Clean and inspect the bracket
- Use the wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the pad contact points.
- Check the rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or heavy rust.
- Install the new hardware clips if included.
Step 8: Install the new pads
- Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
- Make sure the friction material faces the rotor.
- If the pads have wear sensors, transfer or connect them as designed.
Step 9: Reinstall the caliper
- Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
- Use the 7mm hex socket to reinstall the guide pin bolts.
- Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
Step 10: Reinstall the wheel
- Put the wheel back on the hub.
- Hand-tighten the lug bolts first with the 19mm lug wrench or socket.
- Lower the car and then Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.
Step 11: Exit service mode and seat the pads
- Use the brake service menu to close EPB service mode.
- Press the brake pedal several times until the pedal feels firm.
- Apply and release the parking brake to confirm normal operation.
✅ After Repair
- Check brake fluid level in the reservoir.
- Start the car and confirm no brake warnings are present.
- Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
- Listen for rubbing or clicking noises.
- For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $320-$560 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $90-$180 (parts only)
You Save: $230-$380 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.


















