Vehicle operation Skoda Octavia A5 inevitably leads to wear and tear on the brake system elements, and the handbrake is no exception. Over time, the parking brake lever begins to lift too high, which indicates stretched cables or worn brake pads. If you notice that you have to lift the lever 8-10 clicks or more to lock the machine on a slope, then the tension needs to be adjusted immediately.
Ignoring this problem can lead to the fact that in a critical situation the car simply will not stay in place, even with the handbrake raised all the way. In addition, excessive tension, carried out without taking into account the wear of the pads, can cause them to overheat and jam the wheels when driving. In this article we will look in detail at how to independently adjust this mechanism to ensure safety and reliability. Skoda Octavia A5.
Tool preparation and diagnostics before adjustment
Before you begin any physical impact on vehicle components, you must ensure that you have the appropriate tool and conduct a visual inspection. To work, you will need a set of wrenches, in particular 8 and 10 millimeters, as well as a flat-head screwdriver and, preferably, a car jack. Without these tools, high-quality tuning is impossible.
It is important to conduct a preliminary diagnosis of the condition of the cables themselves. If during inspection you find tears in the braid, severe corrosion or jamming of the cable inside the sheath, simple adjustment will not help - a complete replacement will be required. Brake pads should also be checked for the remaining thickness of the friction layer, since adjustment on worn parts is pointless.
- ๐ง Set of open-end and socket wrenches (sizes 8, 10, 13 mm)
- ๐จ Hammer and screwdriver for removing plugs
- ๐ Jack and supports for safe lifting of the machine
- ๐งผ Brake cleaner and thread lubricant
Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the front wheels are securely secured with wheel chocks. The work is carried out on a raised rear axle, so safety is priority No. 1.
โ ๏ธ Caution: Never make adjustments on uneven ground or without using body stands if you are using a jack. Hydraulic failure can cause the vehicle to fall.
If the brake disc is heavily worn or has deep grooves, this will also affect braking performance. In such cases, it is recommended to first replace the disk and then adjust the cable tension.
- Up to 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
- Exact mileage unknown
Removing the interior trim and accessing the mechanism
Handbrake tensioning mechanism Octavia A5 hidden under a plastic tunnel between the front seats. To get to the adjusting nut, you must carefully remove the decorative trim. This is not a difficult procedure, but requires care not to break the plastic clips.
First you need to unscrew the two screws located in the front of the tunnel, next to the gear shift knob. Sometimes additional fasteners are hidden under a plastic plug. After removing the screws, tilt the cover and pull it up to release the latches.
- ๐ Remove the gearshift lever if it interferes with access (on some modifications)
- ๐ฉ Unscrew the screws securing the tunnel from the front and rear
- ๐จ Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the latches to avoid scratching the plastic.
After removing the upholstery, you will see a metal bracket with two cables and an adjusting nut in the middle. Pay attention to the condition of the cable boots - if they are torn, dirt and moisture could get inside, which will accelerate the wear of the mechanism.
Sometimes there may be additional fastening elements hidden under the trim that need to be disconnected before completely removing the tunnel. Proceed consistently so as not to lose small details.
โ๏ธ Access to the mechanism
The process of adjusting the tension of the handbrake cables
The most important stage is the direct lifting of the cables. We find a control nut located on the threaded rod between two cables. It is usually covered with a metal or plastic cap that needs to be removed. Use the 8 or 10 mm key to work, depending on the modification of the car.
Turn the nut clockwise to pull the cables. This should be done gradually, checking the result after each half-turn. Too sharp tightening can lead to skewing of the pads or their jamming. The ideal tension is considered, at which the lever rises by 4-6 clicks to complete fixation.
In parallel with the tightening of the nut, it is necessary to ensure that the ropes are pulled evenly. If one cable is pulled stronger than the other, it will lead to uneven braking and the car to the side during emergency manual braking. Uniform tension - the guarantee of stable operation of the system.
- ๐ฉ Twisting the adjustment nut evenly without making sudden movements
- ๐ข Count the clicks of the handbar: optimally 4-6 clicks
- ๐ Check the free running of the rear wheels after each adjustment stage
If you have an automatic transmission installed, remember that the mode switching lever may interfere with access. In some cases, you have to disconnect the transmission selector cable to get full access to the tunnel.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not tighten the cables to a state where the rear wheels stop rotating manually. This will lead to overheating of the brake mechanisms during movement.
After achieving the desired result, be sure to twist the counternut to fix the position of the adjustment nut. This will prevent spontaneous relaxation of tension during operation.
If the maximum twisting of the nuts tension is not achieved, most likely, the cables stretched critically or worn brake pads. In this case, the adjustment will not help, you will need to replace the parts.
Checking and testing of the brake system
After the adjustment work is completed, it is necessary to make sure that the system is functioning correctly. Lower the car to the ground, remove the jacks and proceed to the inspection. First, make sure the rear wheels rotate freely without slapping when the handbrake is lowered.
Start the engine and run a gradient test. Choose a safe section of road with a slight lift, stop, turn on neutral gear and raise the handbrake lever. The car must be held in place without using the brake pedal.
It is also important to check whether the brake discs overheat after a short trip. If you smell a strong smell of burning or see smoke from under the wheels, then the pads are still pressed against the disc, and the tension is too strong. In this case, you need to loosen the nut by half a turn and check again.
- ๐ Check the free running of the wheels with the handbarrow lowered
- ๐ Do the slant test.
The car should be safe.
If the test was successful, you can return the decorative patch to the place. Set it up, snap the locks and twist the screws. Do not forget to check the work of all elements of the cabin, so that nothing interferes with the driver or passengers.
Replacement of hand brake cables in critical wear
Sometimes adjustment does not give the desired result, and the cables are too stretched or damaged. In such cases, a complete replacement of the cable drive is necessary. This is a more time-consuming procedure, but it guarantees reliable operation of the brake system for many years.
The replacement process begins with the removal of the rear wheels and the dismantling of the brake calipers. The cables are attached to the brake pad levers inside the caliper, as well as to the adjustment mechanism in the cabin. You will have to unscrew the cables in both places.
Pay special attention to removing the cables from the levers of the pads. They often cling to corrosion, so use penetrating lubricant and work carefully to avoid damaging the levers. New cables must be installed in the same order as the old ones.
- ๐ง Unscrew the calipers and remove the old cables from the levers of the pads
- ๐ฉ Dismant the cable mounts in the area of the adjustment unit in the cabin
- ๐ Install new cables, pre-lubricating their interior
- โ๏ธ Adjust the tension of new cables according to the above method
When replacing cables, it is strongly recommended to check the condition of brake pads and discs. If they are worn out, it is better to replace them immediately to avoid a second visit to the lift.
Sometimes cables can jam inside the shell due to moisture and dirt. In this case, even new cables may not work if the shell has not been replaced. Check the integrity of the entire system.
โ ๏ธ Note: When replacing cables, be sure to use new fasteners (washers, nuts), as the old ones may have strain or wear of the thread.
After installing new cables, conduct a full system check, including a slope test and a free wheel drive check. Only after confidence in reliability can the car be returned to operation.
| element | Condition | Action | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cables | Stretched, but intact. | Tension adjustment | Check 4-6 clicks |
| Cables | Damaged, rust. | Complete replacement | Replacement with a kit |
| Pads | Thickness < 2 mm | Replacement | Be sure to adjust before adjustment |
| Lever | Rising > 8 clicks | Adjustment or replacement | When the cables wear out |
| Discs | Deep risks | Replacement or grooving | Affects efficiency |
Design features and common mistakes
Parking brake design Octavia A5 It has its own nuances that are important to consider when servicing. For example, the system has a self-subjection mechanism of the pads, which can work incorrectly if it is not adjusted correctly. If you pull the cables, the mechanism may not work, which will lead to a spell.
A common mistake is to try to pull the handbrake without removing the rear wheels. Without visual control of the free wheels, the risk of overloading is high, which will cause the brakes to overheat and fail. Always check the rotation of the wheels manually after each adjustment step.
Another common problem is the souring of the cables in the shell. In humid climates or when frequently operated off paved roads, cables can rust. In this case, even a new adjustment will not help, and a replacement will be required.
- ๐ซ Do not adjust the handbrake without visual control of the wheels.
- โ๏ธ Watch the self-surfacing mechanism of the pads
- ๐ง๏ธ Lubricate cables regularly if they are susceptible to corrosion
- ๐ Check the condition of the cables for cracks
It is also worth noting that on some modifications Octavia A5 With electronic stabilization system (ESP), the handbrake can be connected to ABS sensors. If the ABS error lamp lights up after adjustment, it may be a problem with the sensors or their wiring.
Therefore, an integrated approach to the maintenance of the rear wheels will give the best result.
Before you start working with the cables, clean them of dirt and rust, and then apply a special lubricant for the cables - this will prolong the service life of the mechanism by 30-40%.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How many clicks should the handbrake make after adjustment?
The optimal number of clicks is from 4 to 6. Less may indicate a stretch, more - about insufficient tension.
Can I adjust the handbrake without removing the skin of the cabin?
No, access to the adjusting nut is possible only after removing the decorative lining of the tunnel between the front seats.
What should I do if after adjusting the wheels still get hot?
Most likely, the cables are pulled or the brake pads are worn out. Reduce the tension and check the condition of the pads.
Do I need to change the cables in pairs?
It is recommended to replace both cables at the same time, as they have the same resource and wear. This will ensure uniform braking.
How do you check that the handbrake is working effectively?
Conduct a slope test: stop the car on the rise, turn on the neutral and raise the handbrake. The vehicle must be held without slipping.