How do you change 2008 Passat rear brakes?..

[Tbars4]

...Without the use of a computer???

...I have a mechanic friend who has a Snap On Code reader (Ethos EESC312)with the correct cable but he needs an update for his program, just to change the rear brakes on a 2008 Passat...

...I am hoping one of our many Mechanics has this info or a link to the update/download while the car waits for a Snap On representitive to show up just for an update...

 

[Joe Dirt]

...and thus the reason I love my simple, old Explorer.

CLICK ME FOR PASSATNESS

Maybe that will help...

Oh- this was an interesting line: "If you try to change the pads without a battery charger, you will get faults codes, (see the above posts and check the VAG-Com forum)"

 

[Tbars4]

...Thanks...We have already studied that one...

...I have been helping people with other vehicles like BMW's, Mercedes', and now this VW lately...I now know why I have stayed with Ford's for so many years...But I have had a built Baja Bug and an old Toy Truck that were neither this complicted...

...For fun when other users are bored, I recently had to open a BMW with a dead battery...They have motorized door locks and no battery means no door will open...They have an emergency key sequence that is common to not work...

...Then you have to...well, I'll save that for a campfire story...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Wow- I was looking around, and it seems like it's a major PITA to work on those cars. I drove a few and they're really, really nice cars- but I couldn't deal with the service at all.

 

[maxxdout]

not difficult at all. However one must have a vaccom or preferably a VCDS system update v. 10.4 or greater. You must access the basic settings for the electronic parking brakes. Activate to the full retract position. you will hear the motors fully retract the parking brake stops. ONce the stop wait a minute and your good to go. I have seen alot of problems with the parking brake motors failing and not retracting all the way or the caliper sticking in a certain position. Gets costly. ONce installed do a self test and relearn stop procedure also in the Basic Settings menu of the VCDS.

So long story short, without the VCDS scanner system i dont know if its possible. I have also looked at the snap on systems and i dont knw if this is possible as of yet. These are decent little cars, just over engineered alittle.

Good luck.

 

[Stic-o]

So it's What The Farfegnugen?

 

[Carguy3J]

So it's What The Farfegnugen?

"What the Fahrvergnügen?", is right. You need a scan tool just to change the brakes?

Yeah, I really see any of these things still being around 20+ years from now. I totally understand the benefits of, say, EFI over a carb, or even ABS and traction control. Yes, I enjoy "one-touch" window down,etc... BUT....When you NEED a specialized electronic tool just to do a simple brake job, that has gone way too far.

I'm glad I read this thread, as I was not aware of this insanity. I know I'll never buy a VW now, new or used. Does anybody know if other manufacturers are doing anything similarly stupid?

What exactly does this electronic parking brake motor thingy do?---besides the obvious. Why is it there, vs a good old cable operated parking brake? Can you smash that little motor doo-dad to bits, and simply replace it w/ a cable to your e-brake handle/pedal, or will the ECM be pissed?

 

[BradR]

To much computer, not enough motor.