C5 Tourer Rear Pad Change With Electric Handbrake.

[jaysams80]

So, I've been told you DO need a laptop to rewind the brakes and I've been told you DON'T.

Can someone please enlighten me?

Is it a main dealer fix or can I do it as I have with countless other brakes?

 

[paul.h]

If fitting new pads, the brake pistons are wound in clockwise using a piston winding tool. However, the diagnostic is to put the parking brake in the removal position and then to calibrate it once everything is installed again. It may well be possible that this diagnostic work is not needed and hopefully another member may advise on this. If you are just removing and refitting the old pads after cleaning, then maybe the diagnostic is not required.

 

The following is a slightly modified Citroen procedure for brake pad replacement for cars with the electric handbrake:

 

2. Precautions to be taken

Before any operations ; Place the electric parking brake in the removal position ; Using a diagnostic tool.

After any adjustment ; Carry out the electric parking brake calibration procedure ; Using a diagnostic tool.

 

3. Removing

If the brake fluid reservoir is at maximum level, remove its filter and partially drain the reservoir with the aid of a clean syringe in order to avoid it overflowing.

Slacken the parking brake .

Place the electric parking brake in the removal position ; Using a diagnostic tool.

CAUTION : After switching off the ignition: wait 15 minutes before disconnecting the battery, to ensure that the initialisations of the various ECUs are memorised.

Disconnect the battery.

Untighten the rear wheel bolts.

Raise and support the vehicle, with the rear wheels hanging free.

Remove :The rear wheel bolts and the rear wheels

Remove the caliper retaining spring

 

Unclip the brake hose.

Uncouple the parking brake cable (2) from the brake caliper and unclip it from the caliper.

Remove :The caliper lower plastic blank and then the revealed lower caliper retaining bolt

 

Tilt the brake caliper upwards.

Remove the brake pads.

4. Cleaning

ESSENTIAL : Do not use compressed air to clean the brakes.

4.1. 1st possibility

Clean the brake disc and the brake caliper, using an approved brake cleaning product.

Leave to drip dry.

Wipe with a paper towel :

• The brake disc
• The brake caliper

4.2. 2nd possibility

Use dedusting equipment approved by the manufacturer .

5. Refitting

 

Visually check :

• The sealing around the brake caliper piston
• That the protective gaiters are in good condition and correctly adjusted
• Wear of the brake disc

Replace any defective parts.

CAUTION : No trace of grease, oil or lubricant can be tolerated on the brake pads.

 

 

Turn and push back the rear brake caliper piston clockwise using a piston winding tool.

Check the brake fluid level.

Refit :

• The brake pads
• The caliper lower retaining bolt (28 Nm) and refit its plastic plug.

Clip in the handbrake cable to the caliper.

Couple the parking brake cable on the brake caliper.

Clip the brake flexible pipe back.

CAUTION : Ensure that the guides of the parking brake cable are correctly positioned in their housing and ensure that the parking brake cable shells are correctly positioned in the caliper levers.

Refit :

• The caliper retaining spring
• The rear wheel and bolts (100 Nm).

Reconnect the battery.

CAUTION : Apply the brakes several times, gently and progressively, with the engine running, before driving the vehicle.

Check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

Return the vehicle to its wheels.

Tighten : The rear wheel bolts.

CAUTION : Perform the operations to be carried out following reconnection of the battery.

 

6. Operations to be carried out after the repair

Carry out the electric parking brake calibration procedure ; Using a diagnostic tool.

Activate the electric handbrake control.

Check the immobilisation of the wheels.

 

 

As well as this procedure, it is normal practice to apply a smear of copper grease on the back of the brake pads and on the edges where they contact the caliper bracket. Also do this where the alloy wheels contact the hub to avoid them corroding and sticking together. When pushing/winding in pistons, I prefer to release the brake fluid out of the bleed screw to avoid pushing any dirt back in to the brake system but care needs to be taken so that air does not enter the caliper- only have the bleed screw open whilst the piston is moving in and then close it just as it stops, also have the bleed screw at the highest point which may require the caliper to be removed from the bracket.

 

In a few days I will put this topic in the C5 section.

[jaysams80]

Bugger, so a diagnostic tool i.e. computer is required.  That's pee'd on my parade.  Cheers for the info all the same.

[paul.h]

In the handbook in the section on the handbrake there is a way to release the handbrake in an emergency such as if the battery is flat. This may be  a way of releasing the handbrake to allow you to fit new pads so could be worth checking to see if the handbrake is released more than normal at the calipers.