How to Replace Brake Pads on a Car with Electronic Parking Brake?
4 Answers
Electronic parking brake replacement of brake pads method is: 1. Use a jack to lift the front part of the car; 2. Use tools to remove the tire; 3. Unscrew the caliper screws, remove the damaged brake pads and replace them. The electronic parking brake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. The working principle of the electronic parking brake is: to achieve parking by the friction clamping between the brake shoes and the brake drum or between the friction pads and the brake disc. The control method replaces the original manual operation and mechanical linkage with electronic buttons and motors. The full name of this system is the Electronically Controlled Mechanical Parking Brake System.
I've dealt with many electronic parking brake (EPB) cars when replacing brake pads during repairs, which is much more troublesome than regular cars. The EPB is controlled by an electric motor, and failing to release it first can lock the brakes, potentially causing personal injury or component damage during operation. The correct method is to park on a level surface, shift into P (Park), and then enter maintenance mode. Some vehicles allow the EPB to be released via key cycles or diagnostic tools in service mode; if no scanner is available, refer to the owner's manual or online tutorials. Next, use a jack to lift the car, remove the wheel, and install new brake pads. Finally, reset the system and check if the brake warning light functions normally. It's best to seek professional assistance for the entire process to avoid triggering electronic faults or safety issues.
My car has an electronic parking brake, and I nearly had an accident last time when changing the brake pads. I thought it was like a traditional handbrake where you could just remove them directly, but the parking brake was still locked, and the caliper triggered an alarm as soon as I moved it. Later, I learned my lesson—before replacing the pads, you must release the electronic parking brake, either by pressing a specific button sequence or entering diagnostic mode. Now, whenever I do it myself, I always park the car in P mode first, find a way to put the system into service mode, and then proceed. After replacement, I test it several times to ensure everything works properly. Remember, don’t mess around—safety first, wear gloves and goggles. This is no joke.
Replacing brake pads with an electronic parking brake requires extra caution due to safety risks. Forgetting to deactivate the electronic system may lead to accidental finger pinching or component damage. The correct procedure is to first park the vehicle securely in P gear, then enter maintenance mode to release the parking brake, such as using a key or diagnostic tool. Only then should you proceed with brake pad replacement. After replacement, a reset and test are mandatory to prevent malfunctions. It is strongly recommended to visit an authorized service center rather than attempting DIY to avoid potential accidents. Safety should always be the top priority.