🔧 XC60 - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

This job replaces the rear brake pads and inspects the rear rotors and calipers at the same time. On your XC60, the rear brake system typically requires parking brake service mode before the caliper pistons are pushed back, so do that first to avoid damage.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use jack stands; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• The rear brakes may have an electronic parking brake. Put it in service mode before retracting the pistons.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• If the parking brake does not fully retract, stop and use a scan tool to command service mode.
• No battery disconnect is normally required for pad replacement if the parking brake service mode is used correctly.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Flat trim tool
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Scan tool with parking brake service mode

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🔩 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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the transmission in P.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Release the parking brake only when the rear axle is safely supported and you are ready to enter service mode.
• Use the scan tool to place the parking brake in service mode before compressing the rear pistons.
• If your scan tool has a path, use Parking Brake > Service Mode.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear wheel bolts

• Use the ratchet and 15mm socket to loosen the rear wheel bolts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground.

Step 2: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Raise the rear of the XC60 with the floor jack.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands under the proper support points.
• Remove the rear wheels.

Step 3: Put the parking brake into service mode

• Use the scan tool with parking brake service mode and command the rear parking brake to retract.
• Wait for the scan tool to confirm service mode is active.
• Do not skip this step.

Step 4: Remove the caliper

• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Support the caliper with a hook or hang it safely so the hose is not stretched.

Step 5: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Use the flat trim tool to remove the old pads and spring hardware.
• Note how the pad clips and shims sit before removal.
• Clean the bracket contact points with wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 6: Retract the rear caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper piston compression tool to slowly wind the piston back in.
• Make sure the piston face stays straight as it goes in.
• Go slow and keep it square.

Step 7: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Refit the wheel

• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the bolts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench and tighten the wheel bolts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Exit service mode and seat the pads

• Use the scan tool with parking brake service mode to exit service mode and apply the parking brake.
• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check that the parking brake functions normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and verify there are no brake warning lights.
• Test the brake pedal at low speed before normal driving.
• Listen for dragging, squeaking, or clunking.
• Recheck wheel bolt torque after the first short drive.
• For new pads, use gentle stops for the first 200 miles to help them bed in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹9,000-₹18,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹3,500-₹8,500 (parts only)

You Save: ₹5,500-₹9,500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹2,500-₹5,000/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.