Crossover owners Skoda Kodiaq Often faced with the need to maintain the brake system, as this car has a significant weight and dynamic characteristics. The reliability of the brakes directly affects traffic safety, so the issue of selecting quality consumables becomes a priority.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to buy any compatible parts, but the specifics of the suspension and brake mechanisms Kodiaq It requires careful consideration. Incorrectly selected or low-quality pads can lead to overheating, reduced braking efficiency and premature wear of brake discs.
Design features of the Kodiaq brake system
Brake system of modern Skoda Kodiaq It is designed with high load on the front axle, as the engine and transmission are located there. The front calipers often have a piston diameter that exceeds similar indicators in lighter models, which requires a special composition of the friction material from the pads.
The rear brake system can be both disc and drum depending on the configuration and year of release, but most versions with all-wheel drive are installed disc mechanisms. This is important to consider when ordering spare parts, as the size and shape of the car are brake pads It can be very different even within the same car.
The manufacturer uses original catalog numbers, which can vary depending on the type of engine and wheel size. For example, versions with 19-inch discs may require other calipers, and therefore other pads with increased friction area.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Ignoring differences in calipers sizes when replaced may result in the inability to install pads or jam them in guides.
Particular attention should be paid to the electronic parking brake (EPB) system, which is present on most trim levels. When replacing the rear pads on cars with such a system, you need to use a diagnostic scanner or a special maintenance mode to remove the caliper piston.
Original spare parts vs Analogues: what to choose?
The choice between original details Skoda High-quality analogues remain one of the most controversial among car owners. Original pads, supplied in a box with the brand logo, guarantee compliance with all factory standards, but their cost is often overstated due to the markup of the dealer.
On the other hand, many original component manufacturers (OEMs) produce their products under their own brands. Buying such parts, you get the same quality as in the original packaging, but at a more affordable price. It is important to make sure that the manufacturer is the supplier on the conveyor. Volkswagen Group.
- ๐น TRW One of the largest suppliers of original braking systems for the VAG concern, provides excellent smoothness and no creaking.
- ๐น ATE The German brand specializing in high-performance brakes is ideal for a sporty driving style.
- ๐น Brembo - Italian giant, offering pads with improved friction mixture composition for high heat resistance.
Savings on cheap analogues of unknown origin often turn into rapid wear of the discs and the appearance of an unpleasant squeak when braking. Cheap friction mixtures may contain too much metal shavings, which acts as an abrasive to cast-iron discs.
- Original Skoda
- OEM brands (TRW, ATE)
- Budget analogues
- I only buy sports shoes.
Signs of wear and condition diagnosis
To determine the moment when replacement is necessary, you can not only by mileage, but also by indirect signs that are noticeable in the process of operation. The main indicator is a characteristic metal grinding that occurs when you press the brake pedal, which indicates complete wear of the friction layer and friction of the metal against the metal.
Modern Skoda Kodiaq They are equipped with wear sensors that can work before the physical wear of the pads. When the control lamp on the dashboard is sunbathing, it is necessary to check the thickness of the friction linings as soon as possible, even if the stopping distance has not changed.
It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the car during emergency braking. If the car begins to be taken aside, and the pedal becomes too soft or, conversely, rigid, this may indicate uneven wear of the pads or problems with calipers.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the wear sensor is working, the operation of the car is permissible only at the minimum mileage to the nearest service, since the residual resource is extremely small.
Do not forget to inspect the brake discs for the presence of deep furrows, cracks or traces of overheating (blue metal). Replacing the pads with damaged discs will not give the desired effect and will lead to a rapid failure of new parts.
Step-by-step instructions for self-replacement
Replacing brake pads with Kodiaq It requires a certain set of tools and skills to work with automotive equipment. The process begins with preparation: the car should stand on a flat surface, and the wheels are fixed with recoil stops.
The first step is to remove the wheel. After that, you need to find the calipers guides, which are usually hidden under protective caps. Unscrewing the bolts of the guides, you can carefully take the caliper to the side without damaging the brake hose.
- ๐น Prepare a set of end heads (often 13, 17 or 18 mm dimensions are required).
- ๐น Prepare a special tool for pressing the piston caliper (or strubbine).
- ๐น Take a brake cleaner and a copper lubricant for the guides.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace pads
Before installing new pads, it is necessary to clean the seats from rust and dirt. The caliper guides must be lubricated with a special high-temperature lubricant to avoid distortion and jamming of the mechanism.
If your car has a system installed electronic hand brake, before pressing the piston, it is necessary to activate the service mode via the on-board computer or diagnostic adapter. Otherwise, mechanical pressing of the piston will lead to damage to the electric motor.
How to activate service mode on Skoda Kodiaq?
Go to the car settings through the multimedia screen. Go to the โServiceโ or โMaintenanceโ section. Select Electronic Parking Brake and press Remove/Install (or Service Position). After this, the rear caliper pistons will extend and can be pressed in manually without using force. After replacing, do not forget to click โInstallโ to return to operating mode.
Install the new pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they move freely in their grooves. If you have a wear sensor, connect it to the block and carefully lay the wire so that it does not get pinched during assembly.
Before final assembly, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. This is necessary so that the caliper pistons press against the new pads, and the brakes work immediately after the start of movement.
Service life and wear factors
Approximate service life of brake pads Skoda Kodiaq ranges from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers, but this figure is extremely arbitrary and depends on many variables. Driving style is a key factor: aggressive driving with frequent hard braking reduces service life significantly.
Urban driving, characterized by constant stops at traffic lights and traffic jams, creates a high thermal load on the braking system. In such conditions, the pads wear out faster than in highway mode, where braking occurs less frequently and more smoothly.
| Type of operation | Average resource (km) | Recommended check |
|---|---|---|
| City (traffic jams, aggressive style) | 25 000 โ 35 000 | Every 15,000 km |
| Mixed (city + highway) | 35 000 โ 45 000 | Every 20,000 km |
| Route (calm style) | 50 000 โ 60 000+ | Every 25,000 km |
| Harsh conditions (mud, off-road) | 20 000 โ 30 000 | Every 10,000 km |
Climatic conditions also play a role. In regions with high humidity and frequent rain, brake rotors and pads are susceptible to corrosion, which can cause uneven wear and seizing of the caliper guides.
Regular diagnostics of the brake system every 15 thousand kilometers allows you to avoid expensive repairs of calipers and discs, extending the life of the entire system as a whole.
The influence of disc quality on pad life
Brake pads and discs work in pairs, so the condition of one element directly affects the wear of the other. Installing new pads on old, worn or overheated discs will cause the new pads to quickly become unusable.
There should be no deep marks or grooves on the surface of the disc, as they will work like sandpaper, erasing the friction material of the pad. It is also critical to adhere to the minimum acceptable disc thickness specified by the manufacturer.
Sometimes it makes sense to replace both discs and pads as a set at once, especially if the carโs mileage exceeds 80-100 thousand kilometers. This guarantees maximum braking efficiency and no vibration when pressing the pedal.
What is the minimum disc thickness?
Each brake disc is marked with the minimum permissible thickness (eg 20 mm). If the current thickness of the disc is less than this value, its use is prohibited, since if it overheats, it may simply burst, which will lead to complete brake failure.
Frequent maintenance errors
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong lubricant for the guide calipers. The use of graphite lubricant or ordinary lithol can lead to their liquefaction at high temperatures and subsequent jamming of the mechanism.
Not cleaning the seats before installing new pads also leads to problems. Dust, dirt and corrosion prevent the pads from moving freely, causing uneven wear and increased fuel consumption due to constant braking.
Incorrect tightening of the guide bolts can cause them to become unscrewed or, conversely, become misaligned, which will make braking ineffective. Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's recommended torque values.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not use regular lubricant on door hinges or bearings on caliper guides - this will destroy them and cause loss of control of the brake system.
Forgetfulness when connecting a wear sensor can lead to the fact that even with fully functional brakes, an error will appear on the dashboard, distracting the driver and interfering with the technical inspection.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often do you need to change brake pads on a Skoda Kodiaq?
The approximate replacement interval is from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers, but the exact period depends on driving style, quality of the road surface and operating conditions. It is recommended to check the thickness of the pads at each scheduled maintenance.
Is it possible to change only the front pads?
Technically possible, but not recommended. If the front pads are worn to a critical level, the rear ones most likely also require replacement or at least a thorough inspection. It is better to change the pads in pairs along the axis to evenly distribute the braking force.
What should I do if I hear a squeaking sound after replacing the pads?
Creaking can be caused by the absence of anti-creaking plates, dirt on the seats, or the quality of the friction material. Try cleaning the guides and applying special lubricant. If the squeaking does not go away, it may be worth replacing the pads with higher quality ones.
Do I need a special scanner to replace rear pads?
Yes, models with Electronic Handbrake (EPB) require a diagnostic scanner or specialized tool to put the calipers into service mode. Without this, it is mechanically impossible to press the pistons without breaking the electric motor.
Which pads are best for winter?
For winter conditions, it is better to choose pads with a soft friction composition, which provides good grip even at low temperatures and does not lose efficiency with frequent braking. Original from Skoda or brands like TRW and ATE have proven themselves well in cold climates.