Operation Skoda Rapid In urban environment and Russian roads inevitably leads to wear of the brake system. The rear axle of most configurations of this model is equipped with drum brakes, which are characterized by increased reliability, but require periodic maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that the drums are โindestructibleโ and last forever, but the resource of the pads here is also limited and depends on the driving style.
Timely replacement rear brake pads It is not just a matter of comfort, but a critical safety measure. Worn-out elements can lead to jamming of the wheel, reduced braking efficiency and damage to the brake drum itself, the repair of which will cost much more. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of diagnosis, selection of spare parts and step-by-step instructions for replacement.
Signs of wear and the need for diagnostics
Unlike disc brakes, where the wear of the pad can often be determined visually through the caliper window or by the characteristic squeak, the situation with the drums is more complicated. The main symptom that will tell you that it is time to go to the service or take a tool is a change in the nature of braking. If the brake pedal has become softer, and the car stops worse, it is possible that the gap between the pads and the drum exceeded the permissible limits.
Often owners Skoda Rapid hear an unpleasant grinding or metallic sound when pressed on the pedal. This may mean that the friction pad has completely worn off and the metal base of the pad starts rubbing against the drum. This condition is unacceptable, as it leads to the destruction of the working surface of the drum, which will require its flow or complete replacement.
- ๐ The appearance of extraneous sounds (squeaking, hum) when braking from behind
- ๐ Increased braking distance and the need to push the pedal harder
- ๐ก๏ธ Overheating of the rear wheels after the trip without emergency braking
Regular check of the brake system will avoid emergency situations. It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection every 10-15 thousand kilometers of mileage, even if the car behaves normally. This is especially true for cars operated in off-road conditions or frequent stops in traffic jams.
Selection of quality spare parts and consumables
The auto parts market is oversaturated with offers, and choosing reliable brake pads for Skoda Rapid It might not be easy. Original parts from the manufacturer (VAG) guarantee perfect compliance with all technical requirements, but their cost is often overstated. Often, manufacturers of original spare parts are the same factories that produce products under their own brands.
Alternatively, there are quality analogues from proven brands, such as: TRW, ATE, Brembo or SBS. These companies offer excellent value for money, using modern friction mixtures that do not dust or destroy the drums. However, it is important to avoid cheap fakes, as their composition can be unstable, which will lead to overheating and loss of braking efficiency.
When buying, be sure to pay attention to the complete set. A good kit should include not only the pads themselves, but also new springs, clamps and possibly adjusting couplings. Old springs lose their elasticity, and their re-installation can lead to improper operation of the mechanism. Adjustment mechanism It is also subject to testing for smearing.
| Brand | Material type | Indicative resource | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Original (VAG) | Organoma semi | 60,000 - 80,000 km | Perfect compatibility, high price |
| TRW / Lucas | Ceramics/Semi-organic | 50,000 - 70,000 km | Low dust, stable braking |
| ATE | Special mixture | 45,000 - 60,000 km | It works well in the rain, the average price. |
| Budget analogues | Asbestos/Cheap Mixture | 20,000 - 30,000 km | Rapid wear of drums, creaking |
โ ๏ธ Attention: Never install the shoes of different manufacturers on the same axle! Different coefficient of friction will lead to uneven braking and skidding of the car at a sharp stop.
- Original (VAG)
- TRW/ATE
- Brembo
- Budget analogue
Tools and workplace preparation
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tool so that the process goes quickly and without unnecessary problems. Drum brakes. Skoda Rapid They have their own specifics, and the lack of the right key can turn a simple replacement into anguish. Make sure you have access to a lift or a hole, as it will be more convenient to work from under the car.
The list of necessary tools includes a jack, car stands (do not work only on the jack!), a balloon key and a set of heads. You will need 10, 13, 17 heads and a special removable to remove the drum if it is boiling. Also useful brush for metal, WD-40 for removing rust and brake fluid for washing parts.
- ๐ง Socket set and ratchet
- ๐ ๏ธ Brake drums detacher (or hammer with wooden nozzle)
- ๐งค Safety glasses and gloves (brake dust is toxic)
- ๐จ Compressed air cylinder or brush for cleaning
The workplace should be clean and well-lit. Any dirt that gets on friction linings will sharply reduce their effectiveness. Before starting work, be sure to clean the area around the wheel of dust and dirt, so that it does not fall inside the mechanism when removing the drum.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace pads
Step-by-step instructions for removing the drum and old pads
The process begins with the removal of the wheel. Weaken the wheel mount bolts even before lifting the car with a jack. Lift the back of the car, set it on a reliable stand and remove the wheel. Now you have to see the brake drum and the parking brake mechanism.
The next step is to remove the drum itself. It is held on guide pins and can be stuck to the hub due to corrosion. Try to shake his hands. If it is not removed, gently tap the hammer through the wood on the end of the drum. Sometimes it is necessary to unscrew the guide screw, if it is provided by the design, or use a removable.
After removing the drum, you will see a mechanism with springs and pads. Extension mechanism Parking brake and main springs keep the pads in the working position. Be very careful: the springs under tension can shoot and injure you. It is recommended to use special hooks to remove springs.
โ ๏ธ Attention: In no case do not try to disassemble the mechanism without removing it from the car completely, if you are not sure of your abilities. The springs can fly off with great force.
Carefully disconnect the upper and lower springs, then remove the spacer bar. The shoes are freed and can be taken out. Pay attention to the condition of the guide pins - they should walk freely and be lubricated with a special high-temperature lubricant.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is boiling, try to hit it slightly back and forth without removing the wheel (at low speed and on an empty road), or use a removable. Sometimes it helps to warm up the hair dryer, but extremely carefully so as not to damage the ABS sensors.
Cleaning, lubrication and installation of new elements
Before installing new shoes, all details must be carefully cleaned. Use a brush and compressed air to remove old brake dust. This dust is extremely harmful to the lungs, so work in a mask and do not use compressed air in an enclosed room without an hood.
Pay special attention to the lubrication of contact points. The support points of the pads, the guide pins and the thread of the adjusting coupling must be lubricated with a special brake lubricant. Brake Lubricant It should not fall on the friction linings or the working surface of the drum, otherwise the brakes will stop working. Use it. High Temperature Brake GreaseNot the usual lithium lubricant.
- ๐ข๏ธ Lubricate the guide pins and touch points of the pads
- ๐ฉ Lubricate the thread of the adjusting nut
- ๐ซ Do not allow lubrication to fall on friction linings
Installation of new shoes occurs in reverse order. First, assemble the lower mechanism with a spacer bar, then fasten the pads on the top. Stretching the springs using a hook. It is important that the springs are stretched evenly, otherwise the pads will be skewed. Check that the parking brake cable walks freely and does not touch other details.
Before assembly, be sure to check the condition of the hydraulic cylinder cuff. If there are underdraughts of brake fluid, the cylinder must be replaced, otherwise all work will go to waste.
Gap adjustment and final assembly
After installing new pads, you need to adjust the gap between them and the drum. V Skoda Rapid This is done through a special hole in the drum or automatically at the first brake with the parking brake. However, manual adjustment through the probe or adjusting nut on the spacer bar provides a more accurate result.
Put the drum back on the hub. If it is not worn immediately, then the pads are diluted too much. Use the adjustment bar to slightly reduce the pads until the drum is worn loosely, but without backlash. Secure the drum with a guide screw or a locking puck, then put on the wheel.
Lower the car and press the brake pedal several times to dilute the pads into the working position. Also check the effectiveness of the handbrake: it should fix the car on a slope at 3-5 clicks of the lever. If the handbrake is not holding, an additional cable lift or re-adjustment will be required.
Proper adjustment of the gap is critical: too large a gap will lead to failure of the pedal, too small - to overheating and rapid wear of the pads.
Eliminating squeaks and running in new pads
Often after replacing the pads, owners are faced with a new phenomenon - creaking. This may be due to the absence of anti-scrip plates or insufficient lubrication of contact points. Make sure that all metal surfaces touching the pads are lubricated and the pads themselves do not touch the drum when not working.
The first 500 kilometers of the run is the run-in period. At this time, the friction material of the pad adapts to the surface of the drum. Avoid emergency braking and long trips with a strong push on the pedal. This will allow you to create the right layer of the lining and ensure maximum braking efficiency in the future.
If the creaking has not disappeared after the run-in, it is possible that there is a problem in the quality of the pads themselves or in the geometry of the drum. The drum may have had a production or beat that has not been eliminated. In this case, it may be necessary to leak the drum on the machine or replace it with a new one.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long do the back drum pads on the Skoda Rapid go?
Average resource of rear pads Skoda Rapid It is between 40,000 and 80,000 kilometers. The exact time depends on the driving style, the quality of the road surface and the parts used. Drum brakes wear slower than disc brakes, but require regular checks.
Do I need to use the brake drum when replacing the pads?
Drilling is recommended if there are deep risks, grooves or beatings on the surface of the drum. If the surface is smooth and the thickness of the drum allows, the flow is not required. However, after replacing the pads with new ones, it is advisable to make sure that the working surface is ideal.
How to check the wear of the drum without removing the wheel?
It is impossible to fully assess wear without removal. However, you can visually inspect through the vents of the wheel for the presence of deep grooves or rust. The inner diameter of the drum is measured only after its dismantling using a caliper.
Can I use WD-40 lubricant for the brake system?
Absolutely not. WD-40 is a solvent and moisture displacer, not a lubricant for high temperatures. The use of WD-40 in the braking system will lead to loss of braking efficiency and corrosion of metal parts. Use only specialized brake lubricants.
What if the brake pedal fails after replacement?
Most likely there is air left in the system. The brake system needs to be bled. Also check if the rubber seals in the master cylinder or slave cylinders have been damaged. If the problem cannot be solved by pumping, contact the service for hydraulic diagnostics.
Replacing rear brake pads with Skoda Rapid - a task that even a novice car enthusiast can handle with a minimum set of tools and care. The main thing is to take your time, keep it clean and use quality parts. Regular brake system maintenance ensures your safety on the roads and peace of mind for your loved ones.