Rear brake pads on Škoda Yeti is a critical safety element that requires regular monitoring and timely replacement. Unlike the front pads, the rear ones often work in a more gentle mode, but their wear can go unnoticed until serious problems appear: extended braking distance, squeaking or even wheel locking. Owners Yeti (especially with engines 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI) it is worth remembering that the rear axle of this crossover is equipped with both a disc and drum brake system - depending on the year of manufacture and configuration.
In this article we will look at everything you need to know about rear pads for Škoda Yeti: from the selection of original and analog spare parts to step-by-step instructions for replacement. You'll learn how to determine wear without removing a wheel, which brands offer the best value for money, and why ignoring the problem can lead to costly caliper or brake cylinder repairs. And for those who prefer to entrust the work to professionals, we will provide average prices for services and a list of tools that will be required for independent replacement.
Types of rear brakes on the Škoda Yeti: discs vs drums
Rear brake system design Škoda Yeti varies depending on the modification and year of manufacture. Cars produced before 2013 (inclusive), often completed drum brakes on the rear axle, while later versions (especially with engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI) received disc brakes. This division affects not only the process of replacing pads, but also their cost, service life, and even the behavior of the car during emergency braking.
How to determine which brakes are installed on your Yeti?
- 🔧 Visual inspection: Remove the rear wheel - if a metal drum is visible behind it, the system is drum. If there is a brake disc and a caliper, it is a disc brake.
- 📄 Documentation: Check the vehicle's VIN in the service book or through online services (for example, ETKA or Elcats).
- 🚗 Year of issue: Cars after facelift (2014+) almost always have disc brakes at the rear.
Drum brakes are cheaper to maintain, but less effective during heavy braking and dissipate heat less well. Disc brake pads, on the other hand, provide better braking dynamics, but require more frequent pad replacement due to their open design. On models with the system ESP and ASR Disc brakes are more common, as these systems critically depend on the precise braking of each wheel.
- Disc brakes at the rear
- Drum brakes at the rear
- I don't know, haven't checked
- Another option
Signs of rear pad wear: when is it time to change
Rear pads on Škoda Yeti wear out slower than the front ones (about 2–3 times), but their condition cannot be ignored. The main symptoms indicating the need for replacement:
- 🚨 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates complete wear of the friction layer (the metal of the pad rubs against the disc/drum).
- 🔄 Increased braking distance or a “soft” brake pedal is a sign that the pads are not providing enough pressure.
- 🔥 Overheating of the rear wheels after intense braking - this may indicate that the caliper is jammed or the pads are worn out.
- 🛑 Jerking or vibration when braking - often caused by uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the brake disc.
For accurate diagnostics, it is recommended to inspect the pads through an inspection window (on drum systems) or measure the residual thickness of the friction layer (on disc systems). Minimum permissible pad thickness - 2–3 mm (depending on the manufacturer). If the layer is thinner, replacement cannot be delayed: this could result in damage to the brake disc or drum, which will entail additional costs.
⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with the system ESP worn rear pads can cause false traction control system activations (ASR) due to uneven braking of the wheels. This is indicated by the indicator blinking ESP on the dashboard.
Choice of rear pads: original vs analogues
When purchasing pads for Škoda Yeti owners are faced with a dilemma: to take original spare parts or analogues from third-party manufacturers. Original pads (see table below for part numbers) guarantee compatibility and predictable behavior, but are often overpriced. Analogs may offer a better price-quality ratio, but it is important to choose trusted manufacturers.
| Brake type | Original article | Manufacturer | Average price (per set) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disc (2014+) | 5Q0698151J |
TRW (original) | 3 500–4 200 ₽ |
| Drums (until 2013) | 6Q0698451A |
ATE (original) | 2 800–3 300 ₽ |
| Disk (analog) | GDB1446 |
Ferodo | 2 200–2 600 ₽ |
| Drum (analog) | 030357 |
Brembo | 1 900–2 300 ₽ |
Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:
- 🔹 Ferodo — optimal balance of price and quality, suitable for everyday use.
- 🔹 ATE — premium segment, minimal disc wear, but high price.
- 🔹 Brembo — sports pads with a high coefficient of friction (suitable for an aggressive driving style).
- 🔹 TRW - original supplier for VAG, reliability at the level of factory parts.
⚠️ Attention: Pads with high metal content (e.g. sintered) provide better braking at high temperatures, but wear out the brake discs faster. Optimal for urban use ceramic or semi-metallic pads.
Before purchasing pads, check their compatibility with your system ESP. Some analogues may cause errors in the operation of electronic systems due to differences in the coefficient of friction.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads
Replacing rear pads with Škoda Yeti requires accuracy and adherence to sequence of actions. Below are instructions for disk system (for a drum the process is similar, but has nuances with adjusting the hand brake).
Required tools:
- 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
- 🔧 Key on
13and15(for caliper). - 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for spreading the pads).
- 🔧 Brake fluid
DOT 4(for topping up). - 🔧 Lubricant for caliper guides (Molykote or analogues).
Procedure:
- Raise the rear of the car, remove the wheel and clean the dirt from the caliper.
- Unscrew the lower caliper mounting bolt (key on
13), then the top one (key on15). - Hang the caliper on a wire or rope to avoid damaging the brake hose.
- Remove the old pads and inspect the brake rotor for damage.
- Install new pads, first applying a thin layer of lubricant to their back side (not to the friction layer!).
- Press down the caliper piston using a special tool or an adjustable wrench (on drum brakes, use the adjusting mechanism).
- Reassemble everything in reverse order, bleed the brakes and check the fluid level.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
After replacement, be sure to perform running-in: For the first 200–300 km, avoid sharp braking so that the pads rub evenly onto the disc. Also check the operation of the handbrake - adjust its tension if necessary.
What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?
This may indicate air has entered the system. It is necessary to bleed the brakes, starting with the rear right wheel. If the problem persists, check the brake hoses and calipers for leaks.
Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads
On Škoda Yeti With drum brakes, replacing the pads almost always requires subsequent adjustment of the handbrake. If this is not done, the parking brake may not hold the car on a slope or, conversely, the wheels may jam. Adjustment is made through access under the machine:
- Raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the heat shield (if equipped).
- Locate the adjusting nut on the handbrake cable (located under the bottom, center of the car).
- Loosen the lock nut, then tighten the adjusting nut until the wheels begin to slow down slightly when the handbrake lever is raised (3-4 clicks).
- Tighten the locknut and check the lever travel - it should move up 5-7 clicks.
On models with disc brakes and electronic handbrake (EPB) the adjustment is performed automatically when replacing the pads, but it may be necessary to reset errors via a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS).
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the handbrake still does not hold, check the condition of the cables - they could have stretched or rusted. In this case, they will need to be replaced.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Škoda Yeti. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- 🔧 Late replacement of brake fluid: When the caliper piston is retracted, fluid is squeezed into the reservoir. If it is old (more than 2 years), air pockets may form in the system. Solution: Bleed the brakes after replacing the pads.
- 🔧 Ignoring guide lubrication: Without lubrication, the caliper may seize, which will lead to uneven pad wear. Solution: Use a specialized lubricant (e.g. Slipkote).
- 🔧 Installing pads without cleaning the caliper: Dirt and rust on the guides can cause the brakes to not operate properly. Solution: Clean the caliper with a wire brush before installing new pads.
- 🔧 Incorrect running-in: Sharp braking on new pads causes them to overheat and wear unevenly. Solution: Avoid heavy braking for the first 300 km.
Another typical problem is incompatibility of pads with the system ESP. Some analogues have a different friction coefficient, which leads to errors C1010 (wheel speed sensor malfunction) or P0500 (ABS sensor malfunction). In this case, it is necessary to replace the pads with original ones or certified analogues.
If after replacing the pads the indicator on the dashboard comes on ABS or ESP, immediately check the compatibility of the installed pads with the vehicle’s electronic systems.
Cost of service replacement vs self-repair
Rear pad replacement cost Škoda Yeti service depends on the type of brake system and region. On average, prices look like this:
| Type of work | Disc brakes | Drum brakes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of work (per axle) | 1 500–2 500 ₽ | 2 000–3 000 ₽ |
| Cost of pads (original) | 3 500–4 200 ₽ | 2 800–3 300 ₽ |
| Cost of pads (analog) | 1 800–2 600 ₽ | 1 500–2 300 ₽ |
| Bleeding the brakes (if necessary) | 800–1 200 ₽ | 800–1 200 ₽ |
Replacing it yourself will cost less, but will require time and tools. The savings will be about 1 500–2 500 ₽ (minus the cost of the pads). However, if you do not have experience working with the brake system, it is better to trust the professionals - errors during replacement can lead to emergency situations.
When choosing a service, give preference to official dealers Škoda or verified stations with discharge equipment EPB (if your Yeti equipped with an electronic hand brake).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rear pads on the Škoda Yeti
Is it possible to put front pads on the rear axle?
No, this is strictly prohibited. Front and rear pads have different shapes, friction material compositions and thermal characteristics. Installing front pads at the rear will result in uneven braking and may damage the caliper.
How often do you need to change the rear pads on Yeti?
The service life of the rear pads depends on driving style and operating conditions. On average:
- For disc brakes: 40,000–60,000 km.
- For drum brakes: 80,000–100,000 km.
However, it is recommended to check their condition every 20,000 km or when signs of wear appear.
What happens if you don't change the rear pads?
Ignoring rear pad wear leads to:
- Damage to the brake disc or drum (replacement or grooving required).
- Brake fluid leakage due to caliper overheating.
- System failure ABS or ESP due to uneven braking.
- Increased risk of skidding during emergency braking.
Do I need to change brake discs and pads?
Not always. Disks must be replaced if:
- Their thickness is less than the minimum allowable (indicated on the disk itself).
- There are deep grooves or cracks on the surface.
- The disc has uneven wear (beating when braking).
In other cases, it is enough to install new pads and break them in.
Is it possible to drive if one rear pad squeaks?
For a short time - yes, but only to the nearest service. The creaking of one pad often indicates:
- Complete wear of the friction layer (metal rubs against the disc).
- A foreign object has gotten between the pad and the disc.
- Wedging of the caliper (the pad does not move away from the disc).
Driving for a long time in this condition will damage the disc and increase the braking distance.