Owners Skoda Octavia A5 are often faced with the problem of wear on the undercarriage, and one of the most common โsoresโ is failure of the rear hub. This detail, seemingly hidden from view, plays a critical role in ensuring traffic safety and riding comfort. If you hear a hum that changes when turning, or feel a wobbly steering wheel, then the problem most likely lies here.
Ignoring signs of malfunction can lead to wheel jamming while moving or destruction of the brake disc, which can lead to serious repairs. In this article, we will look in detail at how to diagnose a breakdown, which brands offer reliable solutions, and how to properly replace a wheel bearing yourself without resorting to expensive services.
Signs of a bad rear hub
It is quite easy to identify a problem in the early stages if you listen to the behavior of the car. The main symptom is a monotonous hum or howl emanating from the rear of the body. This sound has an interesting feature: its intensity changes depending on the speed and direction of the turn.
When you turn left, the weight of the car shifts to the right side, putting stress on the right hub. If the hum intensifies during such a maneuver, then the problem is in the right part. Conversely, when turning right, the load falls on the left side. This is a classic test for diagnosing suspension.
- ๐ The appearance of a hum or howl, which intensifies as speed increases.
- ๐ข Feeling of vibration in the seat or floor of the cabin when driving.
- ๐ Steering wheel or brake pedal wobble at high speeds.
In addition to acoustic signals, visual signs may also appear that are noticeable upon examination. Check the condition of the hub boot and the presence of traces of grease around the wheel. Seal failure allows moisture and dirt to enter the assembly, which accelerates wear.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you hear metallic grinding or clanging noises, the vehicle should be stopped from use immediately. This means that the bearing cage is destroyed and there is a high risk of the wheel seizing.
Design features and body types
It is important to understand that Skoda Octavia A5 It was produced in two main bodies: a classic sedan (Tour) and a liftback. The design of the rear suspension in them may differ slightly, but the operating principle of the hub unit remains similar. In most cases, a non-separable hub assembled with a bearing is used.
Many owners mistakenly believe that they can only replace the bearing itself by knocking out the old one and pressing in a new one. In practice, this is an extremely difficult task, requiring a special press and mandrels. Moreover, during dismantling, the hub shaft or seat in the steering knuckle is often damaged.
To select the correct spare part, you need to know not only the car model, but also the type of brake system. The diameter of the brake disc directly affects the size of the hub assembly. Some versions have larger calipers, requiring reinforced hubs with a larger bore diameter.
What is the difference between Tour and Lift hubs?
Visually, the units may look the same, but the catalog numbers often differ. On liftbacks, sometimes there are reinforced versions for 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines. Always check the VIN before purchasing.
Manufacturer's choice: original or analogue?
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of options, from cheap Chinese copies to premium European brands. When choosing rear hub for Octavia A5 savings can play a cruel joke, since this node is under enormous load.
Original parts from Skoda (VAG) are usually marked by the supplier manufacturer, such as SKF or FAG. When buying an original, you often receive a high-quality analogue, simply packed in a box with the automakerโs logo. However, the cost of such spare parts is much higher.
If the budget is tight, it is worth considering proven primary market producers. Brands that supply parts to the conveyor ensure the highest quality of materials and precision of manufacture. Cheap analogues from unknown sources often do not care for 10 thousand kilometers.
- โ SKF Swedish brand, the benchmark of bearing quality, often comes in the original VAG packaging.
- โ FAG German company specializing in high-precision bearing units.
- โ Lemfรถrder - A well-known supplier of suspension, offers excellent hubs in the assembly.
- Original VAG
- Premium analogue (SKF/FAG)
- Budgetary analogue (SNR/Trialli)
- Cheap China
List of necessary replacement tools
Before you start, make sure you have all the tools you need. Replacing the rear hub is not the easiest procedure, requiring access to hub mount bolts and possibly removing the brake caliper. Without special equipment can not do.
You will need standard tools: a set of heads, a rattle, an extension cord and a collar. However, the key is the presence of a powerful jack and reliable stands. The car must be securely fixed, as the work will be carried out under the car.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace the hub
Also critical is a hydraulic removable or powerful press to dismantle the old part. Attempts to knock the hub with a hammer often lead to deformation of the rotary fist, which will make it unsuitable for further operation. If you do not have a press, it is better to contact a service that has such equipment.
Donโt forget about penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or analog) for processing rusty bolts. The fasteners of the rear suspension are often clamped to the ground due to dirt and salt, and unscrewing them can be a real challenge for your hands.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with lifting the car and removing the wheel. Weaken the wheel mount bolts before the machine is fully lifted. After removing the wheel, unscrew the brake caliper mount bolts. Be careful, do not damage the brake hose, hang the caliper on the wire so that it does not hang on the hose.
Next, remove the brake disc. It can get stuck, so sometimes a careful hit on the inside of the disk or the use of mounting is required. After removing the disc, access to the hub and the bolts of its attachment to the rotary fist is opened.
Unscrew four bolts that attach the hub to the fist. If they do not unscrew, use penetrating lubricant and heating. After that, you can remove the old hub. If it does not come out, you may need to use a tenant for pressing.
โ ๏ธ Note: When installing a new hub, be sure to use new mount bolts if they are disposable (stretchable). Reusing old bolts can cause them to break away in transit.
Before installing a new part, clean the seat in the swivel fist from rust and dirt. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the outer edge of the bearing. Install a new hub and tighten the mount bolts with the recommended moment. Do not drag them to avoid deforming the metal.
The correct tightening of the hub mount bolts is critical: insufficient moment will lead to backlash and rapid wear, and excessive can disrupt the thread.
Catalog number table and compatibility
For accurate selection of spare parts, use the table below. Please note that the numbers may vary depending on the year of production and configuration of the car. Always double-check the VIN code information in the directories.
| Brand | Catalog number | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda (OEM) | 5U0 407 625 A | Original version of most versions of the A5 |
| SKF | VKBA 3634 | Premium class analogue, often in the collection |
| FAG | 713 6120 50 | High quality, German production |
| Lemfรถrder | 30836 01 | A great alternative to the original |
When choosing a detail, pay attention to the complete set. Some manufacturers offer hubs already with ABS sensors installed, while others offer hubs without them. If your car is equipped with an ABS system, make sure the new assembly has a magnetic ring or sensor in the kit.
Features of operation and maintenance
After replacing the hub, it is important to conduct the correct run-in. Avoid sharp starts and extreme loads on the suspension in the first 500-1000 kilometers. This will allow the parts to โget lostโ and provide a long service life.
Regularly check the condition of wheel bearings when passing the planned maintenance. Even a quality part can fail ahead of time, if it was installed with violations of technology or if water got into the suspension.
After replacing the hub, do not forget to check the collapse-convergence. Violation of the angles of the wheel installation can lead to uneven wear of the tires and deterioration of the car's handling.
Keep an eye on the integrity of the anthers and protective covers. Mud and moisture are the main enemies of bearings. If you notice traces of oil or dirt on the wheel, take immediate action to avoid premature failure of the unit.
Common mistakes when replacing
One of the most common mistakes is to try to install a hub without replacing the lubricant or cleaning the seats. Rust and dirt create an uneven gap, which leads to vibrations and noises even at a new node. Careful preparation is the key to success.
Another mistake is the use of percussion tools to press the bearing. This can damage the internal clip or separator, which will lead to rapid destruction of the node. Use only a hydraulic press and the appropriate mandrels.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use a hammer to directly press the bearing. Blows to the outer clip can damage the swinging elements inside, and the bearing will fail after several hundred kilometers.
It is also worth noting the error with the ABS sensor. If you bought a hub without a sensor, but your car requires it, the system will give an error, and the ABS lamp will light up. Make sure you have the full package.
Conclusion
Replacing the rear hub with Skoda Octavia A5 This is a task that can be solved on your own, with the necessary tools and skills. The main thing is to choose a high-quality set and follow the installation technology. A high-quality hub of SKF or FAG serves an average of 100-150 thousand kilometers without complaints.
Keep in mind that road safety depends on the serviceability of all the components of the car. Do not delay repairs when the first signs of malfunction appear. Regular diagnosis and timely replacement of worn parts will help you avoid serious breakdowns and maintain driving comfort.
How to distinguish a hub with an ABS sensor from a regular one?
The hub with the ABS sensor has a special connector or plug on the body, where the sensor wiring is connected. A regular hub has a smooth body without electric connectors. The magnetic ring may also be embedded in the bearing or a separate element.
Is it possible to replace only the bearing and not the hub assembly?
Theoretically, it can, but it is highly discouraged. This requires special press and corrections. When dismantling, the seat in the swivel fist is often damaged, which makes further installation impossible without replacing the fist. Installation of the hub in the assembly is more reliable and faster.
What is the point of tightening the hub mount bolts?
The recommended point of tightening of the hub bolts to the rotary fist is usually about 100-120 Nm. The exact value depends on the specific modification of the car, so it is better to check the service book or the manufacturer's technical data.
Why is the new hub buzzing?
If the new hub buzzes immediately after installation, it may be due to improper installation (skewing), damage during transportation or defectiveness. It is also possible that the problem is not the hub, but in other suspension elements such as levers or shock absorbers.