2012 Volkswagen Passat Brake Pad Replacement
Complete guide to 2012 Volkswagen Passat brake pad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
🌍 Share Your Environmental Impact
Inspire others to repair instead of replace! Share how much CO₂ you're saving.
💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Brake Pad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2012 Volkswagen Passat. This repair involves replacing the damaged brakes component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement brakes part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
The camshaft position sensor tells the engine control unit the angle of the camshaft rotation. This is necessary to determine the exact timing of fuel injection and ignition. The failed sensor may cause a number of problems, from poor fuel economy to the engine failing to start.
In my case the symptom was that the engine would only start after 3-4 attempts of hard, determined cranking. Of course, the malfunction indicator light was on. To confirm that the camshaft position sensor is indeed at fault you will need an OBD2 fault code reader or a similar diagnostic tool.
The fault codes indicating the camshaft position sensor malfunction are in the range of P0340-P0349 -- for me it was P0343.
I used my Vgate Scan Bluetooth-connected scan tool and the Car Gauge Pro Android app. The OBD2 tool plugs into the diagnostic socket, which is located under the driver side of the dashboard, roughly above the driver's left knee.
Step 2:
Once you have confirmed that the camshaft position sensor is at fault and received the replacement part, it's time to get your hands dirty.
The second photo shows the location of various components.
First, remove the plastic engine cover. Using a flat-head screwdriver (or a coin), turn each of the three plastic screws 90° (1/4 turn) counterclockwise until they pop up. Lift the cover.
When reinstalling the engine cover, do not turn the screws clockwise, but simply push them down until they click in place.
Step 3:
You need to release the timing belt cover in order to access the sensor. First, free the two rubber hoses that are held in place by the clips on the cover.
Undo two metal clips on the sides of the cover, using a flathead screwdriver.
Detach the sensor electrical connector: press the metal bracket with your thumb and gently pull the connector to the right.
Step 4:
Now you should be able to pull the timing belt cover far enough towards the front of the car to access the sensor.
Using the 10 mm nut driver remove the two screws holding the sensor in place. Be careful not to drop the screws -- you'll probably need to dismantle half of the engine to reach them, and leaving them loose near the timing belt is not a good idea.
Screw the replacement sensor in place, reattach the electrical connector, and replace the covers. Don't forget to put the rubber hoses back under the clips on the belt cover.
When attaching the engine cover, do not turn the screws -- just push them down until they click into place.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Easy | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $90-$180)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($150-$300)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2012 Volkswagen Passat instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5995 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2012 Volkswagen Passat generates 6000 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 5 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
Get a Personalized Repair Estimate
Upload a photo of your 2012 Volkswagen Passat and get an AI-powered cost estimate in seconds. See exactly what's damaged and how much it'll cost to fix.