[Gewehr44]

I was going to replace my rear brake pads and saw that there is an EPB maintenance mode on all the write ups that is accessed via the dash settings. Well...of course I don't have that under my settings.

Is there a manual way to put the Jeep into maintenance mode or would simply not having the parking brake on be sufficient?

(2016 Trailhawk/U.S)

 

[BLKTHINJAPAN]

My 2016 Did not have the maintenance mode accessible either.
I left the parking brake off and manually wound the piston back in like any other rear disc brake.

I have not had any issues with it since.

 

[puddlesplasher]

I was going to replace my rear brake pads and saw that there is an EPB maintenance mode on all the write ups that is accessed via the dash settings. Well...of course I don't have that under my settings.

Is there a manual way to put the Jeep into maintenance mode or would simply not having the parking brake on be sufficient?

(2016 Trailhawk/U.S)

Aha! you have fallen foul to that dreaded scenario also.

A few years ago I asked on this specific forum for an answer. Many were of a varied response but ultimately, yes, rear brakes pads can be changed but it requires the Jeep to be linked to a (for want of phrase) a computer. It confuses me, OBD, alpha OBD etc hence I called it a computer.

The brake pistons require to be retracted and then actuated again upon removing and installing new pads. Unlike the front pads that are basically a DIY job for £20.

May I ask if your rear pads really need changed?

Removal of my front pads yesterday after 55k miles thereabouts still have around 75% of the original pads.

If I am not mistaken, rear pads should not under normal circumstances need replaced before the front ones. In my case the Jeep has already passed an MOT and no mention of the pads being worn were intimated.

Just reconsider if you really want to replace the pads if the low level pad wear indicator has not yet illuminated on your dash board.

 

[Marek K]

I left the parking brake off and manually wound the piston back in like any other rear disc brake.

I have not had any issues with it since.

I seem to remember that the reason recent cars (last 15 years or so) have had specific procedures, at least for the rear brakes, is that they use the same brake pads for the service brakes (hydraulically) and the parking brake (cable-operated). On our VW Mk5s, you can't just push the rear pistons in; you have to use a special tool that rotates them while pushing. (I've never done it, since I don't have the tool.)

I just looked in my 2020 USB Service Manual. No parking brake cables in the Renegade; instead, there's an electric actuator at each rear piston that operates the EPB -- that's we hear when the switch is pulled. So the actuators may not like being pushed in manually...

Interestingly, for emergency braking, you have to keep that switch pulled up...

 

[BLKTHINJAPAN]

I seem to remember that the reason recent cars (łast 15 years or so) have had specific procedures, at least for the rear brakes, is that they use the same brake pads for the service brakes (hydraulically) and the parking brake (cable-operated). On our VW Mk5s, you can't just push the rear pistons in; you have to use a special tool that rotates them while pushing. (I've never done it, since I don't have the tool.)

I just looked in my 2020 USB Service Manual. No parking brake cables in the Renegade; instead, there's an electric actuator at each rear piston that operates the EPB -- that's we hear when the switch is pulled. So the actuators may not like being pushed in manually...

Interestingly, for emergency braking, you have to keep that switch pulled up...

Merek K,
Yes they are wound or turned in which has been standard procedure for rear disc brakes that do not have a separate parking brake and use the same pads / piston for both duties.
The pistons can be wound in and do operate normally. Why certain 2016 models did not have the service mode enabled I do not know but there were many you tube videos showing that treating them as normal rear disc brakes was ok.

 

[Marek K]

Yes they are wound or turned in

Oh. OK... Sorry. You wrote that you "manually wound the piston back."

I assumed you just pressed them in, the old-fashioned way.

I never understood why they need to be wound or rotated in...

And what does the current Brake Service Mode do? My Owner's Manuals says: "When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear caliper bore. With the EPB system, this can only be done after retracting the EPB actuator."

 

[puddlesplasher]

I spoke with my mechanic yesterday pertaining to this specific topic.

In my layman's terms it appears that the brake fluid behind the piston cannot be compressed. Were you to manually force the piston, screwing it in or otherwise can cause a fracture of components surrounding the piston.

However, by using the Jeep's onboard computer or a suitably plugged in computer that tell the Jeep that the brakes are being adjusted, a command is thereby given that will allow some free movement of the piston?

Does that make sense? Forcing it will break it.

 

[XFiber]

...I never understood why they need to be wound or rotated in...

And what does the current Brake Service Mode do? My Owner's Manuals says: "When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear caliper bore. With the EPB system, this can only be done after retracting the EPB actuator."

It has the same physics as worm gear drive. The pinion calls the shots and the driven gear can not force it to move. In either direction. Ever see a circular saw with worm gear drive? As soon as the motor stops the blade stops! It makes sense to use this for the parking brake. With the EPB off the actuator is pulled back to allow the piston to move relevantly free, the way we are used to seeing calipers work.

 

[Gewehr44]

I spoke with my mechanic yesterday pertaining to this specific topic.

In my layman's terms it appears that the brake fluid behind the piston cannot be compressed. Were you to manually force the piston, screwing it in or otherwise can cause a fracture of components surrounding the piston.

However, by using the Jeep's onboard computer or a suitably plugged in computer that tell the Jeep that the brakes are being adjusted, a command is thereby given that will allow some free movement of the piston?

Does that make sense? Forcing it will break it.

Yep. I can confirm.

I just tried to change the rear pads and broke the seals on the caliper. It is now leaking fluids. I discovered that they are indeed screw in and out. I was using a C-Clamp and damaged it.

I did have the issue that my new pads were too "fat" to fit with the caliper. With the caliper fully screwed it, the caliper would not fit over them. I had to put the old ones back on and just wait until the new caliper gets here.

 

[Gewehr44]

Also, i bought a torx e20 socket to knock out those front caliper bolts.

This has turned into the brake job from hell. The bolt didn't even budge.