2013 Volkswagen Passat Brake Pad Replacement
Complete guide to 2013 Volkswagen Passat brake pad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 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 2013 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:
Open your trunk and find the access panel.
The access panel will be located around the corner of the indent. It is in a similar position on the opposite side as well.
Step 2:
Look around for the access panel as it might blend in well with the rest of the trunk.
Once found, pull back the access panel to reveal the rear components of the tail light assembly.
Step 3:
Pull back on the red tab to release the securing mechanism.
Remove the plug.
Step 4:
Rotate the plastic screw counter-clockwise until the screw becomes loose.
Remove the plastic screw.
The screw is the only part that holds the tail light to the vehicle. Be sure to hold the tail light from outside the vehicle so it does not fall and become damaged.
Step 5:
Remove the tail light from the rear of the vehicle by pulling it away from the vehicle.
If it seems stuck, give it a bit of a wiggle to loosen it.
Step 6:
Undo all 4 clips securing the grey plastic piece to the red plastic piece.
Lift up and separate the grey piece from the red piece.
There are still wires connecting the two pieces. Do not disconnect the wires.
Step 7:
Twist the lightbulb clockwise until the bulb can be removed.
The lightbulb has two notches on it that keep it secured. Rotate until the two notches line up with the two cutouts on the assembly.
Step 8:
When inserting the new light bulb, line up the notches with the cutouts and insert the light bulb.
Once the light bulb has been inserted, rotate counter-clockwise to secure the light bulb.
📖 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 2013 Volkswagen Passat instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5995 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2013 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!
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