Replacing rear brakes pads by car Škoda Octavia A5 is a procedure that the owner can perform independently if he has a minimum set of tools and a desire to save on service costs. The design of the rear suspension and braking system in this generation has its own characteristics, especially when it comes to versions with an electronic parking brake. Failure to promptly replace the brake discs will result in wear and tear of the brake discs, which will result in significantly higher repair costs in the future.
The process requires attention to detail as improper installation piston caliper may cause mechanism jamming or system failure. Many owners Octavia A5 They encounter difficulties precisely when returning the piston back, not knowing about the need for preliminary preparation of the electronics or the use of special adapters. In this article we will look at all the nuances so that you can safely and efficiently service your car.
Preparing tools and work area
Before you begin to physically impact vehicle components, it is necessary to organize a safe work space. You will need a jack, reliable stands for the body and a set of keys. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the parking brake (if mechanical) is released, but the wheels in front of the jack are securely blocked with wheel chocks.
To complete the work you will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 Socket wrenches or sockets 13 and 17 (for caliper and guides)
- 🔩 7 socket or hexagon socket (for bracket guides)
- 💧 Special lubricant for guides and pistons (not ordinary oil!)
- 🛠️ Caliper piston compressor (or special tool for ESP)
It is important to have a clean rag and container ready to catch the old brake fluid if it leaks out when the piston is compressed. A clean work area is critical to prevent dirt from getting inside. brake mechanism, which can lead to rapid wear of new parts.
Wheel removal and visual inspection
The first step is to remove the wheel. Loosen the mounting bolts with the vehicle standing, then jack it up and place it on a stand. Only after this can you completely unscrew the bolts and remove the wheel. Inspect the brake rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or signs of severe overheating. If the disk is damaged, replace only pads will not solve the problem, and the disc will need to be resurfaced or replaced.
Pay attention to the condition of the caliper guide boots. If they are torn, dirt and moisture have already entered and the lubricant may have washed out. In this case, it is strongly recommended not only to replace the pads, but to completely disassemble and clean the caliper, replacing the worn boots. This will extend the life of the mechanism and ensure smooth movement of the staple.
☑️ Preparing for replacement
Features of the brake system: Mechanical vs. EPB
On Škoda Octavia A5 There are two types of rear brake mechanisms: with a mechanical parking brake (cable drive) and with an electronic parking brake (EPB). This is a critical point, since the procedure for replacing pads is radically different. An error in determining the drive type can lead to mechanism failure.
If you have a mechanical brake, the piston is threaded and screws inward when compressed. If installed electronic, the piston can only be screwed in through a special diagnostic procedure or using an adapter. They can be visually distinguished by the presence of an electrical connector on the caliper body. If there is a connector and a motor on the back of the caliper, this is an EPB.
- Mechanical (cable)
- Electronic (EPB)
- I don't know
- Other
Replacement Procedure for Mechanical Parking Brake
When working with a mechanical caliper, you must first remove the caliper. Unscrew the two guide bolts at the back of the caliper. They may be sticky, so use a penetrating lubricant. Remove the bracket without disconnecting the brake hose, and hang it on a wire so as not to damage the hose with its own weight.
After removing the bracket you will see the piston. To return it use compressor or pliers, rotating the piston clockwise while pressing on it. Do not attempt to push the piston out without rotating as this will damage the threads and O-rings. Make sure the piston is pushed in all the way.
- 🚫 Do not press the brake pedal after removing the caliper - the piston may fly out
- ✅ Check the integrity of the piston boot before installing new pads
- 🛠️ Grease the guides and back of the pads with heat-resistant lubrication
With mechanical parking brake, the piston is always screwed inwards, never squeezed out by direct pressure without rotation!
Replacement procedure for electronic parking brake (EPB)
If your car is equipped with EBV, simply compressing the piston is not enough. The electronic control unit must transfer the mechanism to the maintenance mode. Without this, the motor will resist, and an attempt at mechanical compression will break the gears of the gearbox. You will need a diagnostic scanner or special tool to put EBP in replacement mode.
After activation of the service mode through Diagnosis → Brake → Remove from serviceThe piston can be compressed manually or with a special key. Some models require the use of an adapter that is inserted into the slats of the piston and screwed in. Never try to force a piston on a working motor.
What happens if you compress the piston without putting it into service mode?
The engine of the EBP will burn, the gearbox will break, and you will have to change the entire caliper in the collection, which will cost several thousand rubles.
Installation of new pads and assembly
Install new brakes. pads They are in the right place, and they are in the right place. In some models Octavia A5 It is necessary to move metal spring clamps from old pads to new ones to ensure tight fit and no noise. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature lubricant to the back of the pads and to the contact points with the caliper.
Carefully put a brace with new pads on the disc. Make sure the piston is exactly in the center of the disk. Twisting the guide bolts with the recommended tightening moment. If you have EBP, be sure to remove the mechanism from the service mode via the scanner or button (depending on the algorithm).
| Detail | Tightening torque (Nm) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Caliper guides | 15-20 | Use a torque wrench |
| Caliper mounting bolts | 35-40 | Only after installation is delayed |
| Disc mounting bolts | 120-140 | For bolt discs only. |
| Wheel bolts | 120 | Final puff on the ground |
Before assembly, be sure to wipe the brake disc from dust and dirt, using a special liquid to clean the brakes.
Final checks and laundry
After assembling the wheel and lowering the car to the ground, you need to press the brake pedal several times until hardness appears. This is necessary in order for the pistons to reach working positions and the pads to press against the disk. Ignoring this step will result in no braking on the first attempt to stop.
The laundry of new shoes takes about 200-300 kilometers of quiet driving. Avoid extreme stress and extreme stress during this period. This will allow the pads to be sprayed evenly distributed on the surface of the disc, ensuring maximum braking efficiency and the absence of creaks.
- 🚗 Grind the pads at a speed of 40-60 km / h with a smooth deceleration
- ⚠️ Do not use the parking brake immediately after replacement on hot discs.
- 🔍 Check the level of brake fluid in the tank before the trip
Frequently asked questions and answers
Can you replace only one pair of pads (front or back)?
No, that's unacceptable. The braking system should work symmetrically. Replacement of the pads is made only by a set on one axle (both rear wheels). Replacing only one shoe will lead to skewedness and uneven wear.
What to do if the indicator of wear of the shoe burns after replacement?
On Octavia A5 The indicator can be triggered by a wear sensor that needs to be replaced along with the pads, or from an error in the EBU system that is reset by the scanner. Sometimes it helps to simply shut off the battery terminal for 10 minutes, but it is not always effective.
Do I need to change brake discs and pads?
If the thickness of the disk is within the permissible minimum (indicated on the disk itself) and there are no deep furrows or cracks on it, it is not necessary to change them. However, if the disc is worn out, the new pads will fit loosely to it, which will worsen braking.
How often do you need to change your rear brake pads?
Service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. On average, at Škoda Octavia A5 The rear brake pads run from 40,000 to 80,000 km. Regularly checking the thickness of the friction layer is the best way to determine if replacement is needed.