🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear pads are replaced by removing the caliper, swapping the pads and hardware, then compressing the caliper piston before reassembly. On your Passat, this is a straightforward brake job if the parking brake is released and the car is safely supported.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and support the car with jack stands. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear caliper.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Brake fluid may rise in the reservoir when the piston is compressed. Watch the level closely.
• If the brake hose looks cracked, swollen, or wet, stop and replace it before driving.

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🔧 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
• 13mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper hanger hook (specialty)
• Brake cleaner
• Brake pad spreader tool (specialty)
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in Park.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Loosen the rear wheel bolts before raising the car.
• Release the parking brake fully before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

• Use the 19mm lug wrench or socket to loosen the wheel bolts, then raise the rear of the car with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Support the car with jack stands (rated for vehicle weight).
• Remove the wheel bolts and take off the wheel.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper guide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with the brake caliper hanger hook (specialty).
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and any anti-rattle hardware.
• Use the wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the bracket contact points.

Step 4: Retract the caliper piston

• Use the C-clamp or brake pad spreader tool (specialty) to slowly compress the piston fully into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the rear pad hardware kit.
• Apply the pads to the bracket in the same orientation as the old ones.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips and move freely.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to install the guide bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the bolts.
• Lower the car and use the torque wrench with the 19mm lug wrench or socket.
• Torque to 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Pump the brake pedal

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• This seats the pads against the rotor before moving the car.

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✅ After Repair

• Check brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Start the car and confirm the brake warning light is off.
• Test the brakes at very low speed first.
• Expect a short pad break-in period with normal driving.
• Listen for dragging, grinding, or pulling. Stop if you hear any of those.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$280 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 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.