🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

This job replaces the rear brake pads and resets the rear caliper pistons so the new pads fit correctly. On your hybrid, the rear parking brake uses an electric actuator, so you must put the parking brake into service mode before removing the calipers.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the car in Park and the wheels chocked.
• Hybrid system: keep the ignition OFF while working near the brakes. Do not touch orange high-voltage cables.
• Electronic parking brake: must be placed in maintenance/service mode before caliper removal.
• Brake parts may be hot. Let everything cool before starting.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• 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 brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the front wheels.
• Set the transmission to Park.
• Turn the ignition ON, but do not start the engine yet.
• Put the rear electronic parking brake into maintenance mode before lifting. This prevents caliper damage.
• If the brake pedal feel is low after the job, do not drive until you recheck the install.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the parking brake in service mode

• With the car ON and in Park, use the parking brake switch sequence to enter maintenance mode for the rear electric parking brake.
• If your dash shows a message, confirm maintenance mode is active before continuing.
• Pro tip: Keep the ignition on, engine off.

Step 2: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to break the lug nuts loose while the car is still on the ground.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 3: Raise and support the car

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear of the car at the proper jacking point.
• Set the car securely on jack stands (pair).
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 4: Remove the rear caliper

• Use a 14mm socket and 17mm wrench to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a support strap or wire so the brake hose is not stretched.

Step 5: Remove the old brake pads and hardware

• Slide the old pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and anti-rattle hardware.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
• Clean metal contact points fully.

Step 6: Retract the rear caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty) to wind the piston back in.
• Rear pistons usually turn as they retract; do not force them straight in.
• Make sure the piston boot is not twisted or damaged.

Step 7: Install the new hardware and pads

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

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts by hand first.
• Tighten the slide pin bolts with a 14mm socket and 17mm wrench.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the car with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Torque the lug nuts with a torque wrench in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat for the other rear side

• Replace the pads on the opposite side using the same process.
• Always replace rear pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Take the parking brake out of service mode.
• Verify the rear wheels spin freely when the parking brake is released.
• Check for warning lights on the dash.
• Test brake operation at low speed before normal driving.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $190-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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