These instructions apply to the Mercedes GLA Mk2 (H247) 2020-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Mercedes GLA (H247, 2020–Present) sits on the same MFA2 platform as the W177 A-Class and CLA, so it carries the same true electric parking brake (EPB) with the clamp motor integrated into each rear caliper. That motor also drives the rear piston, which means the rear pads cannot be serviced until the EPB has been retracted electronically into its service position. There is no foot pedal and no hand lever on this car.
This guide shows how to put the H247 rear EPB into the brake-pad fitting position, retract the caliper, and exit and bed in.
Which parking brake does the H247 have?
The second-generation GLA (H247) replaced the older X156’s setup with the modern pushbutton EPB across the range, including the GLA250 and the AMG GLA35/45. The switch is on the dash by the steering column — no cable, pedal or lever. The rear calipers hold the parking-brake motor and threaded spindle, so the piston is not a hand-wind-back type and must be commanded open before the pads are removed.
Put the rear EPB into the service position
The H247 has the same cluster workshop routine as its A-Class and CLA siblings, and it also takes a generic OBD EPB tool. Cluster method:
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (on, engine off). Do not press the brake or start the engine.
- Close all doors, the bonnet and the glovebox — an open one will block the menu.
- Set the central display to show the total odometer reading.
- Press and hold the telephone/hang-up button and the OK button on the steering wheel together for about five seconds until the workshop menu opens.
- Select Brake Pad Replacement (Fitting Position), press OK and confirm; you will hear the rear EPB motors retract the spindles.
With a tool, plug into the OBD socket, choose the rear-brake/EPB function and run “service mode / open caliper.” XENTRY does the same plus a parking-brake re-adaptation. After the EPB retracts, wind the hydraulic piston back with a piston tool to clear the thicker new pads.
Critical warning
Never force a true EPB piston back by hand or with a G-clamp. The H247 rear piston rides on a motor-driven spindle; pushing it in while the brake is applied strips the gears and ruins the caliper. Always retract it electronically with the cluster menu or a tool first. (A foot-brake or cable caliper genuinely does wind back by hand — the GLA has neither, so do not use that method here.)
Exit service mode and bed in
Fit the new pads, wind the hydraulic piston home and reassemble. Take the EPB out of fitting position — press OK in the menu to exit, or run the tool’s close/calibrate step so it clamps to normal travel. With the GLA parked, pump the brake pedal until firm so the pistons seat, cycle the EPB switch a couple of times and confirm the warning clears. Bed in the pads with six to eight moderate stops from a safe speed, building to a few firmer ones, avoiding one hard high-speed stop on cold pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the GLA rear pads without a scan tool? Yes — the phone + OK cluster menu gives the Fitting Position with no tool. A generic OBD EPB tool is a solid alternative.
Why won’t the workshop menu appear on my GLA? Usually an open door, bonnet or glovebox, or the display not on the odometer. Ignition on, engine off.
Do the front pads need the EPB step? No. The EPB is rear-axle only, so the fronts are a standard hydraulic wind-back.
Parking-brake warning after the swap? Exit service mode, pump the pedal firm and cycle the EPB switch; a XENTRY EPB adaptation clears a stubborn one.
Is the AMG GLA35/45 different? Bigger brakes, same motor-on-caliper EPB and the same fitting-position routine.
If your GLA stores a brake or EPB fault code during the work, you can look it up on autodtcs.com before you carry on.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mercedes. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.