The braking system of a car is the main element of passive safety, which requires regular attention and monitoring. On models Skoda Fabia Rear brake units are often designed as a drum design, which significantly changes the maintenance procedure compared to front disc units. Many owners mistakenly believe that rear pads wear out more slowly and need to be changed every 100 thousand kilometers, but the actual service life depends on driving style and the quality of the road surface.
Timely replacement brake pads allows you to avoid critical wear of the brake drum, the repair of which costs many times more than purchasing new consumables. Ignoring signs of wear can result in wheel seizure or loss of braking effectiveness in an emergency. In this article we will look in detail at how to carry out this procedure on your own. Skoda Fabia second and third generations, what tools will be needed and what to pay special attention to during assembly.
Preparing tools and selecting consumables
Before you jack up your car, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary tools. For use with rear drum mechanism Skoda Fabia A standard car set of keys may not be sufficient, especially if the unit has not been serviced for a long time. You will need specialized tools to compress the caliper piston and remove the spring retainers.
The list of required equipment includes:
- π οΈ Set of socket heads (8, 10, 13, 17 mm) and wrenches
- π§ Special tool for removing drum retaining springs
- 𧴠Brake cleaner (spray) and copper guide grease
- π¦ Powerful flashlight for inspecting the inside of the drum
Selecting new pads is a critical step. Original spare parts from Skoda guarantee compliance with factory parameters, but high-quality analogues from brands like TRW, ATE or Textar also do an excellent job. It is important to check the article numbers, as on different modifications Fabia (for example, with or without ABS) there may be different mechanisms.
β οΈ Caution: Never use graphite or lithol based multi-purpose lubricants on brake parts as they can destroy rubber seals and cause piston seizure.
Brake drum removal and visual inspection
The process begins by lifting the rear of the car. Install Skoda Fabia on a level surface, apply the handbrake and chock the front wheels. Remove the wheel and begin removing the brake drum. In some cases, the drum may be stuck to the hub due to corrosion or adhered dirt.
If the drum cannot be removed by hand, use special holes in its end. Insert two M8 or M10 bolts there and tighten them evenly so that they press out the drum. Do not hit it with a hammer as this may damage the seating surface or break the wheel bearing. Once removed, you will see the wear of the brake linings and the condition of the springs.
Inspect the mechanism for the following defects:
- π Cracks on the surface of the brake drum
- π Traces of brake fluid leaking from the cylinder
- π Worn guide pads and return springs
- π Corrosion on the working cylinder pistons
- Less than 50,000 km
- 50,000 - 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 150,000 km
- More than 150,000 km
If you find that the slave cylinder shows signs of leakage, it must be replaced along with the pads. Operating the mechanism with a faulty cylinder is dangerous, as brake fluid may leak out and the brakes will fail.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
Removing old pads requires care, as the springs are under tension. Use a special hook or pliers to unhook the upper and lower return springs. First remove the upper spring, then the lower one, after which you can remove the spacer bar and the working cylinder itself (if it has not been removed previously).
The disassembly procedure is as follows:
- π§ Remove the lock washers holding the pads to the base plate
- π§ Disconnect the handbrake cable from the rear shoe lever
- π§ Remove the spacer bar and expand the mechanism
- π§ Remove the slave cylinder by first unscrewing the brake hose
Before installing new parts, be sure to clean the base plate of rust and old grease. Apply a thin layer of heat-resistant grease to the contact points between the pads and the support. Install the new working cylinder by first pressing the pistons inward (this can be done with a special tool or carefully through a vice, being careful).
βοΈ Preparing to assemble the mechanism
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Pay special attention to the correct positioning of the spacer bar and springs. Make sure that the pads move freely in the guides and do not touch the drum when rotating. Adjusting the hand brake performed automatically with a few pedal presses after assembly.
The nuances of working with the handbrake mechanism
By car Skoda Fabia The rear pads perform double duty: they are responsible for the main braking and the operation of the handbrake. The handbrake mechanism is integrated into the block itself through a lever and a cable. When replacing pads, it is often necessary to check the cable tension.
If the cable is overtightened, the pads may not fully expand, which will lead to overheating of the drums and increased fuel consumption. If it is loose, the handbrake will only hold the car on steep slopes. The adjustment is made under the bottom of the car or through a hatch in the tunnel, depending on the year of manufacture of the model.
Check the handbrake lever travel after installation:
- π The lever should rise with characteristic clicks (usually 3-7 clicks)
- π The wheel should turn freely after lowering the lever
- π There should be no extraneous sounds when coasting
What should I do if the drum does not come off after replacing the pads?
Sometimes the new pad is too thick or the spacer is not installed correctly. If the drum does not fit, check that the working cylinder piston is completely recessed. Also make sure that the adjustment bar is not twisted and does not rest against the drum.
Technical characteristics and dimensions of spare parts
To select the correct spare parts, you need to know the exact dimensions of the brake mechanism. On different generations Fabia (I, II, III) drums of different diameters and thicknesses can be used. Below is a table with the main parameters for common modifications.
| Model generation | Drum diameter, mm | Pad thickness, mm | Original article number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Fabia I (1999-2007) | 200 | 4.0 | 1Z0 698 451 |
| Skoda Fabia II (2007-2014) | 200 | 4.2 | 5K0 698 451 |
| Skoda Fabia III (2014-present) | 200 | 4.5 | 5Q0 698 451 |
| Skoda Fabia Combi (all generations) | 200 | 4.0-4.5 | 1Z0/5K0/5Q0 |
It is important to consider that the minimum allowable thickness of the overlay is usually 2 mm. If wear exceeds this limit, the pads must be replaced immediately. Also pay attention to the condition of the working surface of the drum: the permissible wear of the inner surface should not exceed the limit values ββββindicated on the part itself.
β οΈ Attention: If the thickness of the pad lining is less than 2 mm, operating the vehicle is strictly prohibited, as destruction of the metal base and damage to the drum may occur.
Before starting work, be sure to take a photo of the location of the springs and handbrake levers with your phone. This will help you assemble the mechanism correctly if you forget the parts layout.
Signs of wear and troubleshooting
You can understand that it is time to change the rear pads by a number of indirect signs that appear during the operation of the car. Rear drum brakes are often quieter than disc brakes, so unusual noises may be the only indicator of a problem. If you hear a squeaking or grinding sound when you press the brake pedal, this is a sure sign to take action.
Other signs of wear and tear include:
- π Increasing the brake pedal travel
- π The car pulls to the side when braking
- π Steering wheel or body vibration
- π Burning smell from wheels after a ride
It is also worth paying attention to the indicators on the dashboard. On some versions Skoda Fabia There are no rear pad wear sensors, so monitoring is carried out visually or by indirect signs. Regularly checking the thickness of the pad is the key to your safety.
Regular diagnostics of rear brakes allows you to avoid costly repairs of wheel bearings and brake drums, which can fail due to critical wear of the pads.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Many novice craftsmen make mistakes that can lead to repeated disassembly of the unit or even an accident. One of the most common problems is improper installation of the spacer bar. If the bar is twisted or not locked in position, the pads will not release fully, causing overheating.
Another critical mistake is using the wrong lubricant. You only need to lubricate the metal-to-metal contact points (supporting pads), but in no case the working surface of the lining or the cylinder pistons. The contact of lubricant with the friction material sharply reduces the coefficient of friction.
They also often forget to bleed the brake system after replacement if the hose was unscrewed or the working cylinder was removed. Air in the system will make braking βwetβ and ineffective. Be sure to complete the bleeding procedure before your trip.
β οΈ Attention: After installing new pads, avoid sharp braking for the first 200-300 kilometers to ensure proper running-in of the friction linings to the drum surface.
Is it possible to change only one pad on an axle?
No, brake pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle. Replacing only one pad will lead to uneven braking, the car pulling to the side and rapid wear of the second part.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often do you need to change the rear pads on a Skoda Fabia?
The average life of rear drum pads is from 60,000 to 100,000 km, but the exact period depends on driving style and operating conditions. It is recommended to check their thickness at every maintenance.
Do I need to change the brake drum along with the pads?
Replacement of the drum is required only if it is critically worn, has deep grooves or cracks. If the drum diameter is within acceptable limits, simply clean it and install new pads.
How can you tell if the rear brake wheel cylinder is worn out?
The main symptoms are leakage of brake fluid due to the cylinder boot, piston seizure or uneven braking on one side of the rear axle.
Is it possible to drive with the drum removed after replacing the pads?
Absolutely not. The brake drum protects the mechanism from dirt and water, and is also part of the braking system. Operation without it is impossible and life-threatening.
What tools are needed to remove the retaining spring?
It is best to use a special drum brake circlip puller. As a last resort, you can carefully pry the spring out with a flathead screwdriver, but this requires great care to avoid damaging the grooves in the base plate.