[blnewt]

My 2022 Taos SE FWD rear brake pads are down to 5mm in pad thickness and dust like a mofo so time to go w/ ceramics.
I bought DFC 3000 Ceramic pads from Rockauto.com part # 1310-1761-00 they were about $30 w/ hardware kit. Hardware kit wasn't needed since it's so new, but I'll just stow them away for when they are needed.
Simple 45 minute swap. Used the following two videos for reference

Only difference from the top video is the Taos has outer pad clips that you pop off w/ a screwdriver prior to caliper removal.
Need a 7mm hex bit for two caliper pins
17mm hex for lug nuts
a couple screw drivers for removing the brake motor wire connector
Alligator clip leads
Jumper cable
12v source (I jumped off the car battery)


When removing the connector from the brake motor just an easy pry on the top tab to pull the tab away from the connector and another larger screwdriver to pry the connector away from the motor, it came off very easily. On the inside of the connector (at the motor) you'll see two prongs, the negative prong is on the flat side of the connector, you'll see the difference once you get in there.

I put the alligator clips on the prongs and put a plastic knife in between the clips so no chance to short them. I just hooked up the positive alligator wire to the positive jumper cable clamp, I then used the negative alligator clamp just pressed against the negative jumper clamp so I could quickly pull it off when the motor was done winding. I ran it for about 10 seconds, the sound will change so I assumed it was done winding but ran it a couple seconds longer just in case.

I then put the caliper on top of a 5 gal bucket next to the hub for a good work spot. I then inserted the old pads in the caliper along w/ a piece of 1/4" steel plate to make a tighter fit. I then used a pry bar to spread the calipers. The caliper piston moved very easily so no need to get a specific clamp. I've done over a hundred brake jobs using this method and never a problem

Torque the two caliper pins to 26 ft lbs, reconnect the brake motor connector, reconnect the two rear rubber plugs, connect the pad wire clip, and torque the wheel lugs to 104 ft lbs.

Once you get it all together you need to engage and retract the parking brake 3x to get it set. If you get pads that require a specific bed-in procedure be sure to follow the companies recommendations, very important!!

 

[rawkaz]

I went to the dealership to get my 2nd free oil change, and there was a "warranty/recall" on the brake pads on certain Taos and Jetta models. Supposedly they wear out prematurely so they replaced mine for free. I was about to replace mine because they started squealing really bad but good thing I took it to the stealership before.

 

[blnewt]

I went to the dealership to get my 2nd free oil change, and there was a "warranty/recall" on the brake pads on certain Taos and Jetta models. Supposedly they wear out prematurely so they replaced mine for free. I was about to replace mine because they started squealing really bad but good thing I took it to the stealership before.

Good that they changed them out for you. I'm glad I just went w/ new ceramic pads, hopefully your new set is improved over whatever junk they had in there before. Only cost me $30 and under an hour time, so better than a dealer for me since I don't have one close by.

 

[SomeDude]

Did you replace the rotors as well? Also, it is unlikely the pads are the issue here. I suspect you will see fast wear with your new pads as well. Most likely a caliper issue, brake bias, and electronic nanny problem. Pads won't change that, they will just buy you some time.

 

[blnewt]

Did you replace the rotors as well? Also, it is unlikely the pads are the issue here. I suspect you will see fast wear with your new pads as well. Most likely a caliper issue, brake bias, and electronic nanny problem. Pads won't change that, they will just buy you some time.

Could be other factors for sure, but pad compound should definitely make a big difference. Will find out soon enough, got a 2000 mile road trip in a couple weeks. Whenever I wash the VW a huge black river comes out of the back wheels w/ very little in the front, so could be bias. Would think VW engineers would have that ironed out these days lol.

 

[FJB]

Good that they changed them out for you. I'm glad I just went w/ new ceramic pads, hopefully your new set is improved over whatever junk they had in there before. Only cost me $30 and under an hour time, so better than a dealer for me since I don't have one close by.

I wouldn't say the oem pads are junk. They are quiet, and work very well. Brake dust has always been an issue with VW's. You may sacrifice cold braking, and they will take longer to heat up and require more heat to be effective.

 

[blnewt]

I wouldn't say the oem pads are junk. They are quiet, and work very well. Brake dust has always been an issue with VW's. You may sacrifice cold braking, and they will take longer to heat up and require more heat to be effective.

Well getting only 15k miles out of the pads and many other owners needing to replace them much sooner I wouldn't say they are a good pad. I've had Infiniti G37 pads lasting 5x as long w/ real driving (auto X, and track days) we don't drive the Taos hard at all. I guess YMMV???

 

[Quattro4]

I went to the dealership to get my 2nd free oil change, and there was a "warranty/recall" on the brake pads on certain Taos and Jetta models. Supposedly they wear out prematurely so they replaced mine for free. I was about to replace mine because they started squealing really bad but good thing I took it to the stealership before.

Was this a technical service bulletin (TSB) when they looked up your VIN, or a concern you mentioned with the brakes wearing down?

 

[SomeDude]

Could be other factors for sure, but pad compound should definitely make a big difference.

Yep, your stopping distance will be worse and/or it will wear the rotors faster. All that to have longer life from the pads.

 

[rawkaz]

Was this a technical service bulletin (TSB) when they looked up your VIN, or a concern you mentioned with the brakes wearing down?

Might have been, I got a notification on my phone that some services were recommended after inspecting the vehicle.

 

[Quattro4]

Might have been, I got a notification on my phone that some services were recommended after inspecting the vehicle.
View attachment 1485
View attachment 1486

Are you at 20k miles or completing the second service early? Reason I ask is from what I find brakes are covered till 12k miles factory. I'm at about 17k miles and rear brakes are around 5mm.

 

[rawkaz]

Are you at 20k miles or completing the second service early? Reason I ask is from what I find brakes are covered till 12k miles factory. I'm at about 17k miles and rear brakes are around 5mm.

Completed the service a little early. I’m at 18.5k miles.

 

[Quattro4]

Completed the service a little early. I’m at 18.5k miles.

Thanks. Good to know there's a chance they'll still cover after 12k mi.

 

[rawkaz]

Thanks. Good to know there's a chance they'll still cover after 12k mi.

They should, service advisor said that some model Taos and Jettas are covered due to premature wear.

 

[jasonwhite13]

Thanks. Good to know there's a chance they'll still cover after 12k mi.

I'm pretty sure they extended the 12k to 24k on some Taos models

 

[jfrey412]

Just had my pads replace last week at 22K. I went in for oil service and they said I had 2mm left. They went ahead and changed them. They said the pad warranty was extended to 2 yrs 24K miles. I wasnt having any issues with my pads but gladly got them changed.

 

[blnewt]

Just had my pads replace last week at 22K. I went in for oil service and they said I had 2mm left. They went ahead and changed them. They said the pad warranty was extended to 2 yrs 24K miles. I wasnt having any issues with my pads but gladly got them changed.

Sounds like you were about a week away from having issues though

 

[Pzookey]

I am glad I found this thread, Just had the 30,000 mile service done and the rear brakes are at 4mm. Dealership gave a quote of just over $500 for pads and rotors. Also found out that the premature wear of rear pads is mostly on the vehicles with the lane assist. It seams the lane assist uses the rear brakes to help maintain the lane. Out Taos being an S does not have the nanny lane keeper but 30000 miles in not acceptable and neither is over $500 for pads and rotors just because the dealer has no way to clean up the rotors. We still have our Dodge Journey which now has 125000 miles on it and the brakes are still original. Both my wife and I are light on the brakes and living in rural GA 15 miles from the nearest store we tend to rack up the miles on back roads with minimal traffic. After seeing this I may or may not buy a scan tool but at least I know it can be done. It doesn't hurt that I was once an ASE certified mechanic before leaving that trade for another.

 

[blnewt]

I am glad I found this thread, Just had the 30,000 mile service done and the rear brakes are at 4mm. Dealership gave a quote of just over $500 for pads and rotors. Also found out that the premature wear of rear pads is mostly on the vehicles with the lane assist. It seams the lane assist uses the rear brakes to help maintain the lane. Out Taos being an S does not have the nanny lane keeper but 30000 miles in not acceptable and neither is over $500 for pads and rotors just because the dealer has no way to clean up the rotors. We still have our Dodge Journey which now has 125000 miles on it and the brakes are still original. Both my wife and I are light on the brakes and living in rural GA 15 miles from the nearest store we tend to rack up the miles on back roads with minimal traffic. After seeing this I may or may not buy a scan tool but at least I know it can be done. It doesn't hurt that I was once an ASE certified mechanic before leaving that trade for another.

It was simple, just follow what I did, takes just a few minutes per side, just note what I said regarding polarity on that connector, and be sure to put something non conductive between your lead clamps and you'll be gold.

 

[Pzookey]

It was simple, just follow what I did, takes just a few minutes per side, just note what I said regarding polarity on that connector, and be sure to put something non conductive between your lead clamps and you'll be gold.

It looks simple and I have some marine batteries I use for a trolling motor so pulling power from the car would be unnecessary. After looking at a couple scan tools that look like a viable option, I may just go that route. I remember the days of a scan tool being a $1100 Snap on brick needing constant cartridge and adapter updates costing nearly that much. Under $50 for a scan tool the resets electric parking brake is well worth it, especially as I see another Taos in a year or so to replace my Dodge Journey.