Rear brake pads on ŠKODA Octavia Tour (especially generations A5, A7 and FL) require replacement every 40–60 thousand km - depending on driving style and quality of consumables. Ignoring wear not only leads to poor braking, but also to damage to the brake discs, which is much more expensive. At the car service center they ask for this work from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles, but if you have the tools and patience, it’s easy to do it yourself.

In this article we will look at the process of replacing rear pads with Octavia Tour taking into account the features of the model: from the choice of consumables to adjusting the hand brake. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes (eg. incorrect installation of springs or tightening of the handbrake cable), which lead to squeaking or jamming of the wheels. The material is relevant for gasoline and diesel versions with a mechanical hand brake.

1. Signs of wear on the rear pads Octavia Tour

Unlike the front brakes, the rear brake pads are ŠKODA wear out more slowly, but their condition is critical for safety. The need for replacement can be determined by the following symptoms:

  • 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - a sign of thinning of the friction layer or dirt getting between the pad and the disc.
  • 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel - indicates a decrease in braking efficiency due to pad wear.
  • 🔥 Overheating of the rear wheels after a trip - may indicate the caliper is jammed or the pads are worn down to metal.
  • 📏 Visual wear: friction layer thickness less 2–3 mm (norm for Octavia Tour - from 8 mm for new pads).

On Octavia Tour with ESP and ABS Worn pads can cause false activation of the stabilization system. If the indicator on the dashboard comes on ! in a circle - check the brakes first.

⚠️ Attention: On models with electronic hand brake (EPB) Replacing the pads requires a special tool to retract the caliper piston. In this case, without a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS) can't be avoided.

2. Which pads to choose for ŠKODA Octavia Tour

Original rear pads for Octavia Tour (article 1K0 698 451 or 5Q0 698 451 for new generations) cost from 3,000 rubles per set. However, there are worthy analogues from trusted brands:

Brand Article Price (per set) Features
TRW GDB1445 2 200–2 500 ₽ Soft composition, minimal disc wear
ATE 13.0460-7206.2 2 800–3 200 ₽ High wear resistance, suitable for aggressive driving
Brembo P 24 063 3 500–4 000 ₽ Sports series, increased resource
Bosch 0 986 494 219 2 000–2 300 ₽ Budget option, average resource

When choosing, pay attention to presence of wear sensor (if it was on the old pads). On Octavia Tour with ESP The sensor is required - its absence may cause an error in the system.

📊 What pads do you prefer to install?
  • Original (ŠKODA/VW)
  • TRW or ATE
  • Brembo (sports)
  • Bosch (budget)
  • Others

3. Tools and materials for replacement

To work you will need:

  • 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
  • 🔩 Socket wrenches on 13 mm, 15 mm and 17 mm.
  • 🗝️ 7 mm hexagon to unscrew the caliper guides.
  • 🔨 Hammer and flat blade screwdriver to remove springs.
  • 🧴 Copper grease (for example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste) for guides.
  • 🧤 Gloves and glasses — Brake dust is harmful to health!

☑️ Preparing to replace pads

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If on your Octavia Tour installed electronic handbrake (EPB), you will additionally need:

  • 📱 Diagnostic scanner (VCDS, OBDeleven or analogues).
  • 🔧 A special tool for retracting the piston (for example, Lisle 25800).
⚠️ Attention: Do not use WD-40 or other penetrating lubricants for treating caliper guides! They destroy the rubber boots and cause the mechanism to jam. Only high temperature copper grease!

4. Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads

Replacement process Octavia Tour with a mechanical handbrake takes 1.5–2 hours for both wheels. Follow the algorithm:

Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Caliper

1. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and remove the wheel.

2. Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually 13 mm or 15 mm).

3. Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope to the shock absorber spring - Do not allow sagging on the hose!

Step 2: Replacing the pads

1. Remove the old pads by disconnecting the springs and retainers. On Octavia Tour Plastic latches are common - they are easy to break, so proceed with caution.

2. Install new pads, starting with internal (piston side). Make sure the wear indicator (if equipped) is facing up.

3. Replace the springs and retainers. Check that the pads move freely in the bracket grooves.

Step 3: Retracting the Caliper Piston

On Octavia Tour With a mechanical handbrake, the piston is screwed in clockwise. Use a special tool or pliers:

1. Place the tool on the piston and rotate clockwise, while pressing.

2. If the piston does not screw in, check whether the handbrake is completely released.

What to do if the piston does not screw in?

If the piston is stuck, try the following:

1. Check whether the handbrake is released (the cable may block the mechanism).

2. Treat the piston threads with lubricant WD-40 (only for this operation!).

3. Use a tool with plenty of leverage, but without excessive force to avoid stripping the threads.

If all else fails, the caliper must be replaced.

Step 4: Assembly and Testing

1. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to torque 30–35 Nm.

2. Put on the wheel and lower the car.

3. Press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in working position.

4. Check the operation of the handbrake: it should hold the car on a slope 20–25% by 3–4 clicks.

💡

After replacing the pads, avoid sharp braking for the first 200–300 km - new pads require running-in to the discs.

5. Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads

On ŠKODA Octavia Tour with a mechanical handbrake, after replacing the pads, the cable often needs to be adjusted. Signs of incorrect operation:

  • 🚗 The machine does not stay on the slope with 3-4 clicks of the lever.
  • 🔧 The rear wheels jam when driving (the cable is too tight).

To adjust:

  1. Lift the rear of the car and remove the wheels.
  2. Locate the adjusting nut on the cable under the bottom (next to the muffler).
  3. Loosen the locknut and tighten the adjusting nut to tighten the cable.
  4. Check the stroke of the lever: it should lock into place. 3–4 clicks.
⚠️ Attention: On models with EPB The handbrake adjustment is performed programmatically via a diagnostic scanner. Tampering with the cable yourself can lead to errors in the system.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Octavia Tour. Here are the most common:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Incorrect spring installation Brake squealing, uneven wear Follow the diagram from the instructions for the pads
Tightened handbrake cable Wheels jamming, discs overheating Adjust the cable after complete assembly
Lack of lubrication on the guides Caliper jamming, accelerated wear Use only copper grease
Incorrect piston screw-in Thread damage, brake fluid leakage Rotate the piston strictly clockwise

Another common problem is incompatibility of pads with wear sensor. If you are installing analogues without a sensor, but the car had one, you will either have to buy an additional sensor separately or turn it off in the control unit (diagnostics is required).

💡

After replacing the pads, be sure to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - it may rise when the pistons are retracted.

7. When brake discs need to be replaced

Rear brake discs on Octavia Tour serve 80–120 thousand km, but their condition depends on the quality of the pads and driving style. Replacement is required when:

  • 📏 Disc thickness less than 8.4 mm (denomination for new ones - 10 mm).
  • 🔍 Visible grooves or cracks on the work surface.
  • 🔥 Blue tint of the disc (overheating due to a jamming caliper).

Original rear discs for Octavia Tour have an article number 1K0 615 601 (diameter 253 mm). When replacing discs, be sure to use new pads - the old ones are already ground into uneven areas and will not provide uniform braking.

The process of replacing discs is similar to replacing pads, but you will additionally need:

  1. Remove the caliper bracket (unscrew the two bolts 17 mm).
  2. Knock the disc off the hub with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
  3. Clean the hub from rust and apply copper grease to the seat.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, the pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis. Uneven wear will lead to the machine slipping when braking and increased load on the bearings.

How many handbrake clicks should there be after replacing the pads?

Norm for Octavia Tour — 3–4 clicks until the wheels are completely locked. If there are more than 5 clicks, the cable requires tightening.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?

No, bleeding is only required if you opened the hydraulic system (for example, unscrewed the caliper fittings). When replacing pads normally, you only need to press the brake pedal several times.

Why do my brakes squeak after replacing the pads?

Creaking can occur due to:

  • Incorrectly installed anti-squeak plates.
  • Lack of lubrication on back side of the pads.
  • Low-quality friction material (especially for budget pads).

Solution: disassemble the mechanism and check the installation of all elements.

How often should you check your rear pads?

It is recommended to inspect the pads every 15–20 thousand km or when changing tires seasonally. On Octavia Tour with ESP Pad wear may be displayed on the instrument panel (if a sensor is installed).