Piston Retraction Tool: Do You Need It for VAG?

Hello colleagues,

"As I'll be needing to replace my brakes soon, I have a question for you. How is the rear disc brake system/caliper designed in the current models? Specifically, I'm interested in the Passat 3C, Touran, upcoming Sharan, G5, A4, and A6."

Is it still like it was with the G3, G4, Passat models from 35i to 3BG, etc.? My concern is that I might only need to replace the rear brakes 3 or 4 more times on my current vehicles. After that, I'll be buying newer cars. I'm now considering buying or having made a caliper retraction tool. But is it worth it? For just a few times, I could also borrow one. However, if the same principle is still used, it would definitely be worth it.

I know that many other manufacturers have separate systems for the handbrake and foot brake. I'm just wondering if VAG (Volkswagen Group) is now using something different.

Please provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English.

I would appreciate hearing your answers.

Tom.

Hello HerrAntje,

Investing in the reset tool is worthwhile for you because nothing will change at VAG in that area! I can't provide any information yet regarding the 3C model with the electric parking brake, but I assume it will work in a similar way.

P.S.: This kind of tool doesn't cost a fortune! It should be in every hobby workshop!

Best regards, fellow Tom.

@Tom
Thanks! Other models either don't have an electric parking brake, or they have the older system, did I understand that correctly?

I can imagine that the A4 and A6 models might also have this brake system, so it would be interesting to see if the same concept applies to those models as well. Perhaps someone can provide a definitive answer on that.

In the 3C engine, a portion of the piston is retracted using a diagnostic tool, while the remaining portion is retracted using a piston retraction mechanism.

@Andy280

Okay, thanks! That gives me peace of mind to spend or invest the money. Let's see if I'll do something myself, or if I'll buy something cheap at an auction. I'm leaning towards the latter, because these things won't be that expensive. I'll start taking care of things myself if the price reaches EUR 20.

Herr Antje wrote:

Let's see if I'll make something myself, or if I'll buy a cheap one at auction. I think it's more likely the latter, because those things won't be that expensive.

If the price is EUR 20 or more, I'll take care of it myself.}
Hi Tom,

Could you occasionally provide us with the sources and prices you have researched?

Or would you like to publish your own DIY solution for others to replicate?

@Ulf
Okay, I will. My friend is a DIY enthusiast; he already has one, and he also built his own brake bleeding device (using compressed air, also for fluid changes). I'll either document his or mine. It will take a while, though.

Oh, I mean, I saw one for EUR 15.00 at a bookstore.

To be continued

I just bought a new one. It costs around 35€, but it's actually quite good.

I got it from a trusted dealer.

@Tom
Thanks! Other models either don't have an electric parking brake, or they have the older system, did I understand that correctly?

I can imagine that the A4 and A6 models also have this brake, so it would be interesting to see if the same concept works there as well. Perhaps someone can provide a definitive statement on that.

That's definitely true!

Even with MB vehicles equipped with SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control), this can be used in combination with the diagnostic system!

For the eBay price, I wouldn't have time to build anything!

myfisch

myfisch wrote:

For that ridiculous price, I wouldn't even bother building anything!

"I agree, that's why my limit is EUR 20.00. I'm not interested in anything below that. If the quality turns out to be not so good, I can give you the dimensions and maybe offer some suggestions on how to improve it... We'll see."

@all

I have to apologize, but that part only cost 20 euros, thanks to the invoice.

At least nothing will break on the piston.

@Andy280:
Could you perhaps tell us where you got it from?
Thank you.