These instructions apply to the Maserati Ghibli (M157) 2013-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Maserati Ghibli (M157, 2013–2021) uses a true motor-on-caliper electronic parking brake: a power actuator on each rear caliper drives a spindle directly onto the piston to clamp the pads. That means a rear-pad change has to start by putting the EPB into maintenance (service) mode so the motors wind the spindles back — there is no owner button sequence that retracts the calipers, and forcing them is an expensive mistake.
What maintenance mode is and why the Ghibli needs it
Each rear caliper actuator screws a spindle onto the piston to apply the parking brake. Fresh, thicker pads need that spindle wound fully back first. Maintenance mode commands both rear motors to retract the spindles and locks the EPB out so it cannot re-apply while you work. On the Ghibli this is a scan-tool function — the Maserati MDVCI/SD3 factory tool, or a capable aftermarket unit (OBDSTAR X200/X300, Foxwell, Autel, iCarsoft for FCA) that lists a Maserati brake-pad-change routine.
Retracting the rear calipers on the Ghibli
Park level, chock the fronts and connect a battery charger — the EPB is voltage-sensitive and will abort a tired battery.
- Release the EPB. In the tool, select the parking-brake module and run brake-pad replacement / maintenance mode. Both rear motors wind the spindles back.
- Unbolt the caliper. Press the piston straight in by hand or with a flat spreader — once the spindle is retracted it does not need rotating.
- Fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
If you have no scan tool, the Ghibli’s rear caliper can be wound back mechanically: disconnect and unbolt each actuator, then turn the exposed spline to release the piston — the same access the boot emergency-release tool uses on the parking brake. Refit the actuators afterwards. A tool is still cleaner for exiting maintenance mode.
Never force the EPB pistons back by hand
Never push or clamp the Ghibli’s rear piston back while the actuator is still applied. The piston sits on the motor’s spindle; forcing it strips the actuator gearbox or spindle thread and writes off the caliper. The motor must retract the spindle in maintenance mode — or you must wind it clear with the actuator removed — before the piston moves. If the piston feels solid, the EPB is not in maintenance mode; stop and sort that first.
Exit and bed-in
With the new pads in and the caliper torqued, use the tool to end maintenance mode so the motors re-clamp and take up the running clearance. Cycle the ignition, apply and release the EPB a couple of times and confirm the parking-brake warning has cleared on the cluster. Then bed the pads in with several moderate slowdowns from about 30–40 mph, allowing cooling between them, and check the parking brake holds on a slope before driving hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ghibli piston screw in or push straight? Push straight — once the actuator has wound the spindle back in maintenance mode, the piston compresses straight in. You don’t rotate it like an older screw-type rear caliper.
Can I change rear pads without a scanner? It’s possible by unbolting each actuator and winding the spindle back mechanically, but a tool is needed to exit maintenance mode cleanly and to clear any EPB code.
What’s the tool in the boot for? It’s the emergency parking-brake release for the rear calipers, not a full pad-change tool — but it accesses the same caliper spline.
Why did maintenance mode abort? Low 12 V supply, almost always. Keep a charger connected and retry.
EPB stuck in maintenance mode? Reconnect the tool and command it out; the ignition cycle alone will not release it.
If a parking-brake or ABS code is stored after the job, decode it on our sister site autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Maserati. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.