🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the rear brake pads on your XC90 means retracting the electronic parking brake, removing the rear caliper, swapping the pads, and then resetting the system. On this model, the rear brakes are part of the parking brake system, so the service mode step is important before you start.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use wheel chocks and support the vehicle with jack stands only. Never rely on a jack alone.
• The rear brake system includes an electronic parking brake (EPB). Put it in service mode before removing the caliper.
• Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is off the rotor.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Use brake cleaner and avoid compressed air.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is very full, watch for overflow when compressing the caliper pistons.
• Battery disconnect is not normally required, but keep the ignition state exactly as directed for EPB service mode.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• Torx T40 screwdriver
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Trim tool
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Volvo-compatible scan tool

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in Park.
• Engage the parking brake, then use the center display or scan tool to place the rear EPB in service mode.
• Loosen the rear wheel bolts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Lift one side at a time and support the XC90 securely on jack stands.
• Keep the ignition state stable during EPB service mode.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the rear parking brake in service mode

• Use a Volvo-compatible scan tool to retract the rear EPB into service position.
• If your center display shows a brake service function, follow the on-screen path to service mode before continuing.
• Confirm the rear parking brake is fully released before touching the caliper.

Step 2: Remove the rear wheel

• Use a 19mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the wheel bolts.
• Remove the rear wheel and set it aside flat.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a Torx T40 screwdriver or the correct caliper fastener tool to remove the caliper guide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad springs and clips if they are included in the hardware kit.
• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the bracket contact points.

Step 5: Compress the rear caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty) to slowly wind or press the piston back in.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Make sure the piston face ends up fully seated and straight.

Step 6: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips and springs from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease only on pad ears and contact points.
• Install the new rear brake pads in the correct inner and outer positions.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads and bracket.
• Use the Torx T40 screwdriver to reinstall and tighten the caliper guide bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start all wheel bolts.
• Use a 19mm socket to snug the bolts evenly in a star pattern.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Exit service mode

• Use the Volvo-compatible scan tool to return the rear EPB to normal operation.
• If your XC90 has a center display brake service function, exit that mode before road testing.

---

✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle.
• Confirm the brake pedal feels firm.
• Test the parking brake on a flat surface first.
• Listen for rubbing, clicking, or abnormal noise during the first short drive.
• Perform a gentle break-in for the new pads: several moderate stops, then cool-down time.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$430 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.