Rear drum brake repair kit for Škoda Fabia 2: selection, replacement and nuances

Rear drum brakes on Škoda Fabia 2 (2007–2014) - a unit that is often left unattended until it begins to “signal” with squeaking, vibration or deterioration in braking dynamics. Unlike front disc mechanisms, drums wear out more slowly, but their repair requires more time and precision. The main problem of owners is the choice of quality repair kit, since on the market they are found as original parts from VW Group, as well as cheap analogues with questionable durability.

In this article we will look at how to choose the right repair kit for rear drum brakes Fabia 2 (including restyled versions), which part numbers of the original pads, springs and cylinders are relevant in 2026, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors. Let us separately dwell on the nuances that even experienced craftsmen ignore - for example, why after replacing the pads, the brake may “stick” for the first 100 km and how to avoid it.

When you need a repair kit: signs of wear on the rear drum brakes

Drum brakes on Fabia 2 designed for 80–120 thousand km, but the actual period depends on the driving style and the quality of the parts. The first symptoms of wear are often attributed to “car features,” but it is dangerous to ignore them - this can lead to jamming of the mechanism or leakage of brake fluid.

Look out for the following signs:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking at low speed - a signal about the thinning of the friction layer of the pads or dirt getting into the drum.
• 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when pressing the pedal - may indicate uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the drum.
• 🛠️ Increased pedal travel - often associated with wear on the working cylinder or fluid leakage.
• 🔥 Overheating of the rear wheels after a trip - a sign of jamming of the pads due to weakened springs or corrosion in the mechanism.

If any of the symptoms appear, inspect the brakes visually. To do this, remove the wheel and evaluate the thickness of the pads through the inspection window in the brake shield. The minimum permissible thickness of the friction layer is 1.5 mm. If less, replacement is required.

⚠️ Attention: On Fabia 2 With ABS, the rear wheel speed sensors are integrated into the hub rather than into the brake shield. When replacing the drum, do not damage the wiring!

Article numbers of repair kits: original vs analogues

Original repair kits for rear drum brakes Škoda Fabia 2 supplies VW Group under the brand Skoda or VW. They guarantee compatibility and long service life, but cost 30–50% more than their analogues. Below are the current article numbers for different versions of the machine:

Detail	Original article	Popular analogues	Note
Set of pads (4 pcs.)	6Q0 698 451 A	TRW GDB1446, ATE 03.0137-0196.2, Brembo P 24 036	Suitable for all modifications 2007–2014.
Brake drum	6Q0 615 601 (∅200 mm)	ATE 24.0120-0117.1, Brembo 09.8698.10	Check the diameter with a caliper!
Working cylinder	6Q0 615 123	TRW PCB110, ATE 03.0137-0042.3	When replacing, bleed the system!
Repair kit for springs and rods	6Q0 615 261	Febi 13120, Meyle 100 421 0013	Includes all small mechanism parts

When choosing analogues, focus on brands TRW, ATE or Brembo — they deliver parts to the conveyor VW Group. Cheap kits (for example, Fenox or Avantech) may have pads with a low coefficient of friction, which impairs braking.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the repair kit

Replacing rear drum brakes with Fabia 2 requires patience and accuracy. Unlike disk mechanisms, there are more small parts that can be easily lost or installed incorrectly. Below is an algorithm of actions taking into account typical mistakes.

Required tools:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (especially for 13 and 15).
• 🔨 Hammer with rubber striker.
• 🔗 Pliers and a flat blade screwdriver.
• 🧴 Brake fluid DOT 4 and lubricant for guides (Molykote G-3401 or analogues).
• 📏 Vernier calipers for measuring drum wear.

Work order:

1. Remove the wheel and release the handbrake. Jack up the car and place jack stands under the front wheels.
2. Remove the drum. If it is stuck, screw two bolts into the threaded holes at the end and tighten them evenly until the drum moves. Do not hit the edge with a hammer - you may deform the seat!
3. Clean the mechanism from dirt and rust. Use a wire brush and brake cleaner (ABRO or LIQUI MOLY).
4. Replace pads and springs. Make sure that the spacer bar and tension springs are positioned correctly - the diagram can be found in the manual or on a sticker under the hood.
5. Check the slave cylinder. If it shows signs of leaks or corrosion, replace it. When installing a new cylinder, do not forget to bleed the brakes!
6. Install the drum and adjust the pad clearance. To do this, press the brake pedal several times so that the cylinder pistons take their working position.

Check the integrity of the working cylinder boot |

Lubricate the pad guides with special paste|

Make sure the handbrake cable is not twisted|

Adjust the gap between the pads and the drum (0.1–0.15 mm)|

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced technicians make mistakes when working with drum brakes. Fabia 2. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

1. Incorrect spring installation. If the upper tension spring is twisted or loose, the pads will “walk” and wear unevenly. Check the tension of the springs after assembly - they should securely fix the pads, but not deform them.
2. Ignoring drum status. If the inner surface of the drum has deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm), it needs to be ground or replaced. Installing new pads on a worn drum will reduce their service life by 2-3 times.
3. Lack of lubrication on the guides. The contact points of the pads and backing board should be lubricated with high temperature paste. Using regular Litol-24 will cause the mechanism to jam when heated.
4. Incorrect brake bleeding. After replacing the cylinder or hoses, be sure to bleed the system diagonally (right rear → left front → left rear → right front). Otherwise, air will remain in the circuit, and the pedal will be “wobbly”.

⚠️ Attention: On Fabia 2 with engines 1.2 TSI and 1.6 MPI The rear brake hoses are of different lengths. When replacing, check the part numbers using the VIN code to avoid tension or kinks!

Adjusting the hand brake after replacing the repair kit

Rear drum brakes on Fabia 2 are directly connected to the handbrake, so after replacing the pads or cylinders, adjustment of the cable tension is required. If this is not done, the handbrake will either not hold the car on a slope, or vice versa - the pads will jam.

How to adjust the handbrake:

1. Raise the rear of the car on a jack or platform so that the wheels are hanging in the air.
2. Loosen the cable tensioner locknut (located under the bottom, near the exhaust system).
3. Tighten the adjusting nut until the pads begin to slightly brake the wheel when rotating (a slight tension should be felt).
4. Check the travel of the handbrake lever - it should go up 4-6 clicks (all the way). If less, loosen the cable; if more, tighten it.
5. Tighten the locknut and check the operation of the handbrake on a slope (at least 20%).

If after adjustment the handbrake still does not hold, the problem may be worn cables or corrosion in the sheath. In this case, replacement of the cables is required (original article number - 6Q0 711 865/866 for left/right).

What to do if the handbrake is not adjustable?

If the adjusting nut is tightened all the way, but the handbrake still does not work, the reason may be:

1. Stretched ropes - replacement required.

2. Jammed mechanism in the drum (for example, the spacer bar is rusty).

3. Worn pads - even new ones can be of poor quality.

In this case, disassemble the mechanism and check each part separately.

Cost of service work vs independent replacement

Replacement price for rear drum brake repair kit Fabia 2 in service depends on the region and level of the service station. The average cost in Russia in 2026 looks like this:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Time (hours)
Replacing pads (without drum)	1 500–2 500	1–1,5
Replacing drum + pads	3 000–4 500	2–2,5
Replacing the working cylinder	2 000–3 000	1,5–2
Complete repair kit (pads, drums, cylinders, springs)	5 000–7 000	3–4

Self-replacement will only cost the cost of the parts (from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the brand), but will require time and tools. If you do not have experience working with drum brakes, it is better to entrust this to professionals - errors during assembly can lead to brake failure at speed.

Frequently asked questions about rear drum brakes Fabia 2

Is it possible to install front disc brakes instead of rear drum brakes?

Technically possible, but it will require replacing the entire brake system (calipers, hoses, master cylinder) and reflashing the ABS. This modification is impractical - it’s easier to buy Fabia 3, where disc brakes come from the factory.

How often do you need to change brake fluid with drum brakes?

Every 2 years or 30 thousand km - regardless of the type of brakes. Drum mechanisms are less sensitive to fluid aging, but its hygroscopicity leads to corrosion of the cylinders.

Why does the brake squeak for the first 100 km after replacing the pads?

This is normal - new pads are rubbing into the drum. If the squeak does not disappear after 200 km, check:

• The quality of the pads (possibly defective).
• Availability of lubricant on the guides.
• Condition of the drum (grooves or ellipse).

Is it possible to grind the drum instead of replacing it?

Yes, if its thickness after grooving is not less 18.5 mm (nominal - 20 mm). Use a lathe rather than a grinder - it is important to maintain perfect roundness.

Which pads are better - original or TRW?

TRW - this is the same original, but under a different brand (supplier for VW Group). There is no difference in quality, but TRW often 10-15% cheaper. Budget options you can consider ATE or Brembo.