How to Reset Rear Brake Calipers with Parking Brakes

Replacing the rear brake pads and rotors on your car can save you money and get the satisfaction you did the job yourself, and did it correctly. This guide is meant to help you reset the rear brake calipers with brakes systems that use the rear brake caliper as the parking brake. This includes cars that automatically engage the parking brake while the transmission is in park.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Brake caliper tool (special tool for retracting piston)
• Socket set and ratchet
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake cleaner
• New brake pads (if replacing)
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves and safety glasses

Getting Started

Park your car on level ground with the engine off will the transmission is in park. You will need to lift the rear of the car and secure it on jack stands while using blocks of wood to chock the front tires to prevent the car from moving.

1. On modern combustion fuel, hybrid and electric cars the parking brake will automatically be engaged when the transmission is put into park. To service the rear brake pads, the parking brake system will need to be in "service mode". Each manufacturer has a different procedures for doing this but it is easy to find out and perform in most cases. If you need instructions for this ask our experts which will help you for free.

2. After removing the wheel the brake caliper will be exposed, at this point perform a normal rear brake job service but stop at installing the new rear brake pads. Now, you will need to do the brake caliper reset procedure before the rear brake pads are installed. In the image below you can see the actuator itself and the actuator activation motor.

3. You will need to use a caliper reset tool which you can buy from Amazon or you can rent it for free at the local auto parts store. Insert the tool into the brake caliper while carefully aligning the plunger tangs (2) with the reliefs on the caliper piston.

4. While holding the tool in place use two wrenches, one to move the caliper reset tool plunger clockwise and the other larger wrench to hold the tool adjuster sleeve steady. Keep retracting (turning clockwise) the caliper piston until it stops, (do not force the piston).

5. Use the caliper tool or needle nose pliers to turn the brake pad alignment groves counterclockwise until they are straight up and down, the rear brake caliper has been successfully reset.

6. When installing the new rear brake pads there will be a activation dowel on the rear of the pad which is what the rear brake caliper piston alignment tangs will fit into. If this is not done correctly you will have a low brake pedal and the parking brake may not work.

7. Once the brake job has been completed, cycle the parking brake several times, this will help bring the pads to the brake rotor. Also, gently hold your foot on and off the brake pedal while the cycling takes place and you are all set.

Watch the Video!

Please watch this video of the job being done to glean additional helpful information.

Credits

This guide knowledge base was created by the 2CarPros Team, and by Ken Lavacot: Automobile repair shop owner and certified master automobile technician of over 30 years. If you have question or need help please ask one of our experts we are happy to help. Please visit our 2CarPros YouTube Channel.