Replacing rear brake pads on a Škoda Fabia with drum brakes: instructions from A to Z

Rear drum brakes on Škoda Fabia (especially in models of the 1st and 2nd generations) is a unit that requires attention less often than disk units, but its maintenance has its own subtleties. If you notice squeaking, decreased braking performance, or increased pedal travel, it's likely time to replace your rear pads. Unlike front disc brakes, where the process is relatively simple, working with drums requires care and knowledge of design features.

In this article we will analyze the entire replacement process - from preparing tools to adjusting the handbrake after installing new pads. You will find out what pads fit your version Fabia, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, damage to the brake cylinder) and when you really should contact the service. The material is relevant for models with drum brakes, including Fabia I (6Y) and Fabia II (5J) with engines 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 MPI/TDI.

When do you need to change the rear pads on a Škoda Fabia?

Drum brakes wear out more slowly than disc brakes, but their condition is more difficult to assess visually. The main signs that the pads require replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates wear of the friction material to the metal base.
• 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel or its “softness” - may signal a decrease in the efficiency of the rear mechanisms.
• 🔧 Vibrations or beating when pressing the pedal - often due to drum deformation or uneven wear of the pads.
• 📏 Friction layer thickness less than 1.5–2 mm (during disassembly). For Fabia Wear of up to 1 mm is considered critical.

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear pads every 30–40 thousand km, but the actual period depends on the driving style. For example, frequent city driving with heavy braking reduces the service life by 1.5–2 times. On Fabia With ABS, pad wear may be uneven - this is normal, but requires a mandatory check of both wheels.

⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal remains soft after replacing the pads, this may indicate brake fluid leak or a faulty master cylinder. In this case, system diagnostics are required!

Which pads to choose for Škoda Fabia?

For Škoda Fabia Pads from the following manufacturers are suitable for drum brakes (indicating original and analogues):

Manufacturer	Article	Notes	Price (approximate, rub.)
Original Škoda/VW	6Y0 698 451 A	Original, high quality, but expensive	2 500–3 200
TRW	GDB1446	Optimal price/quality ratio	1 800–2 300
Bosch	0 986 494 720	Soft, generates little dust, but wears out faster	2 000–2 600
ATE	13.0460-2764.2	Rigid, durable, but can creak	2 200–2 800
Ferodo	FDB1646	Good for aggressive riding	1 900–2 500

When choosing, pay attention to drum size - for Fabia he makes up 200 mm in diameter. Drum pads 228 mm (for example, from Octavia) will not fit! Also check the package: some kits do not have springs or spacers - you will have to buy them separately or transfer them from old pads.

Tools and materials for replacement

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Keys and heads: on 13, 15, 17 (to remove the drum), socket wrench on 7 (to adjust the handbrake).
• 🛠️ Pliers: regular and round nose pliers (for removing springs).
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer (for careful removal of the drum).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner — for processing threaded connections.
• 🧰 Brake lubricant (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 📏 Vernier caliper (to measure drum wear).
• 🚗 Jack and stops (be sure to secure the car!).

Important: Do not use graphite or lithium brake grease - they do not withstand high temperatures and may cause seizure! Also prepare gloves and safety glasses — Brake dust is harmful to health.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads

The process of replacing pads Škoda Fabia with drum brakes involves several key steps. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

1. Removing the brake drum

This is the most difficult stage - the drum can “stick” to the hub. Proceed like this:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a wire brush.
2. Unscrew the guide pins (if equipped) or remove the hub protective cap (on some models).
3. Loosen the handbrake cable - to do this, find the adjusting nut under the car (next to the handbrake lever) and unscrew it 3-4 turns.
4. Gently tap the hammer through the wooden spacer along the edge of the drum, turning it to remove evenly. Don't hit the center - this may damage the bearing!
5. If the drum does not budge, use a puller or tighten two bolts into the drum holes (if there are any) - this will help “tighten” it.

⚠️ Attention: If the drum does not come off even after prolonged force, do not use excessive force as this may cause cracks. In this case, contact the service for removal using special equipment.

2. Removing old pads

After removing the drum, you will see the brake mechanism with pads, springs and a spacer bar. Procedure:

1. Take a photo of the location of the springs and rods - this will help with reassembly.
2. Remove the upper and lower tension springs using pliers.
3. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the lever on the block (you will need a key for 10).
4. Remove the spacer bar and pull out the pads. Please note the condition brake cylinder - if it leaks, it needs to be replaced.

Check the drum: Measure the inside diameter with a caliper. Maximum permissible diameter for Fabia — 201.5 mm. If more, the drum must be replaced.

What to do if the brake cylinder is leaking?

If you find traces of brake fluid on the cylinder, it must be replaced. To do this:

1. Disconnect the brake hose (pre-prepare a container to drain the fluid).

2. Unscrew the two cylinder mounting bolts (13mm wrench).

3. Install a new cylinder and bleed the brakes.

Attention: After replacing the cylinder, be sure to check the system for leaks!

3. Installing new pads

Before installing new pads:

• 🧼 Clean all parts of the mechanism (except friction linings!) from dust and old grease.
• 🔧 Apply a thin layer of high temperature grease to contact points between the pads and the support disk (but not on work surfaces!).
• 🔄 Make sure the brake cylinder pistons move freely - if they are stuck, the cylinder must be replaced.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order:

1. Install new pads, connecting them with a spacer bar.
2. Connect the handbrake cable to the lever on the block.
3. Install the tension springs (use pliers to tighten).
4. Check the movement of the pads - they should move freely, without jamming.

4. Drum installation and adjustment

Before installing the drum:

• 🔧 Adjust the position of the pads by rotating the adjustment mechanism sprocket (located between the pads) until it stops, and then back 5-7 clicks.
• 🧴 Apply a thin layer of copper grease to the drum seating surface (not the working surface!).
• 🔨 Install the drum and tighten the guide pins (tightening torque - 20–25 Nm).

After installing the wheel, press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in working position. Then adjust the handbrake (more on this in the next section).

Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads

An incorrectly adjusted handbrake can cause rear brake overheating or their ineffective work. To adjust:

1. Raise the handbrake lever 2–3 clicks.
2. Under the car, locate the adjusting nut on the cable (next to the muffler).
3. Tighten the nut until the rear wheels lock with 3-4 clicks of the lever.
4. Check that the wheels rotate freely when the lever is lowered.

⚠️ Attention: If, after adjustment, the handbrake locks the wheels already at 1–2 clicks, this will lead to accelerated wear of the pads and overheating of the drums. Optimal lever stroke - 3–5 clicks until completely blocked.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• 🔧 Incorrect spring assembly - leads to jamming of the pads or their uneven wear. Always take photos of the starting position!
• 🛑 Ignoring the state of the brake cylinder - if it leaks, the new pads will quickly fail.
• 🔨 Excessive force when removing the drum - May damage the wheel bearing.
• 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant — graphite or lithium grease does not withstand heat and can jam the mechanism.
• 📏 Failure to check drum diameter - a worn drum will accelerate the wear of new pads.

Another common problem is new pads squeak. It may occur due to:

• Low quality friction material (especially for budget analogues).
• Contact of grease on working surfaces.
• Incorrect grinding in (solved by smooth braking in the first 100 km).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads on a Škoda Fabia

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

No, the pads are always changed pair on one axis. Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How often do you need to change the rear pads on a Fabia?

Service life depends on driving style, but on average:

• City mode: 40–50 thousand km.
• Route/calm driving: 60–80 thousand km.

Check the thickness of the pads every 20 thousand km.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car pulls to the side?

This may be caused by:

• Uneven adjustment of the pads on the left and right wheels.
• Jamming of the brake cylinder on one of the wheels.
• Incorrect assembly of the mechanism (for example, skewed pads).

Check both wheels and repeat the adjustment if necessary.

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

Bleeding is required only if:

• You have disconnected the brake hoses (for example, when replacing a cylinder).
• A brake fluid leak was detected.

If the pads were replaced without interfering with the hydraulic system, bleeding is not necessary.

Which drums are suitable for Škoda Fabia?

The original drums have an article number 6Y0 615 601 (for models before 2010) and 5J0 615 601 A (for Fabia II). Analogues:

• TRW — GDB1445.
• ATE — 24.0102-0117.1.
• Bosch — 0 986 479 020.

When replacing drums, be sure to check the runout - it should not exceed 0.1 mm.