🔧 TLX - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Your TLX uses rear disc brakes with an electronic parking brake (EPB). To replace the rear pads, you’ll lift the rear, remove the calipers, compress the rear pistons, swap pads/hardware, then restore the EPB and verify a firm pedal.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Assumption: Factory rear calipers with EPB (most TLX models).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ EPB must be put in Maintenance Mode (service position) before pushing pistons back.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful; use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
• ⚠️ Brake fluid can damage paint; keep rags handy and wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ If fluid level rises near the max line, remove a little with a fluid syringe before compressing pistons.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range)
• 12mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• C-clamp (6" minimum)
• Bungee cord
• Brake cleaner spray
• Wire brush
• Disposable gloves
• Safety glasses
• Fluid syringe

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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 (abutment clips) - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease (silicone-based) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the engine off, and place wheel chocks at the front wheels.
• Release the EPB (parking brake indicator should be off).
• Open the hood and loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap (do not remove it completely). This helps fluid move back when compressing pistons.
• Plan to replace pads on both rear wheels (left and right) as a pair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the EPB into Maintenance Mode

• This retracts the EPB so the caliper piston can be pushed back safely.
• Option A (preferred): Use a scan tool with EPB service function (specialty) and select Rear EPB > Maintenance Mode.
• Option B (manual): Turn ignition to ON (engine off). Use the EPB switch to command maintenance mode (follow the on-dash prompts if they appear). If your TLX won’t enter maintenance mode manually, use Option A.
• If unsure, stop before compressing pistons.

Step 2: Loosen lug nuts and lift the rear

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to crack the rear lug nuts loose about 1/2 turn.
• Lift the rear with a floor jack at the proper rear jacking point.
• Set the car down onto jack stands and give it a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable.

Step 3: Remove the rear wheels

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the lug nuts and remove both rear wheels.

Step 4: Remove the rear caliper (do not hang it by the hose)

• Turn the steering wheel slightly if needed for access (rear access is usually straightforward).
• Use a 12mm socket and 3/8" ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket. Use a bungee cord to support the caliper from the suspension spring/arm.
• Torque spec (reinstall later): Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out of the bracket by hand. Use a flat-blade screwdriver gently if they’re stuck.
• Remove the stainless pad clips (abutment clips) from the bracket.
• Spray brake cleaner on the bracket and wipe clean. Use a wire brush to clean the pad “rails” where the clips sit.

Step 6: Compress the rear caliper piston

• A C-clamp is a squeezing tool used to slowly press the piston back into the caliper.
• Place an old pad against the piston face, then use the C-clamp to press the piston straight back slowly.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir as you compress. If it approaches the top, remove a little fluid with the fluid syringe.
• Press slowly to avoid damaging seals.

Step 7: Install new pad hardware and pads

• Install the new abutment clips into the bracket (they snap into place).
• Apply a very thin film of brake caliper grease (silicone-based) where the pads slide on the clips.
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket. Make sure they slide smoothly.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads by hand.
• Use a 12mm socket to reinstall the slide pin bolts.
• Torque spec: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs)

Step 9: Repeat on the other rear wheel

• Repeat Steps 4–8 on the opposite side using the same tools and torque spec.

Step 10: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Install wheels and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the car off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Use a 21mm socket and 1/2" torque wrench to tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque spec: Torque to 127 Nm (94 ft-lbs)

Step 11: Exit EPB Maintenance Mode

• If you used a scan tool, command Rear EPB > End Maintenance Mode.
• If you used a manual method, follow the cluster prompts or reverse the maintenance mode procedure until the system returns to normal.

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✅ After Repair

• With the car on the ground, press the brake pedal slowly 10–15 times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and tighten the reservoir cap by hand.
• Start the car and apply/release the EPB to confirm it operates normally.
• Road test at low speed first. Listen for grinding and confirm normal braking.
• Pad bedding (break-in): do several gentle stops from 30–10 mph, allowing cool-down between stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $50-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $110-$400 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.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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