Car rear brake system Skoda Fabia the second generation often raises questions among owners when problems arise with braking. Unlike front disc brakes, drum brakes require a more thorough approach to diagnosis, since their maintenance is hidden from view and is often ignored until critical symptoms appear.
Correct operation and timely replacement brake drum - this is the key not only to braking efficiency, but also to the durability of the entire rear suspension. Ignoring wear can lead to destruction of the wheel cylinder, jamming of the mechanism and, as a result, an emergency on the road.
In this article we will examine in detail the design features of the drums on the model Skoda Fabia 2, methods for determining their wear without disassembling and a step-by-step replacement algorithm, taking into account all the technical nuances.
Design and features of Fabia 2 rear brakes
Rear brake system Skoda Fabia The second generation is made according to the classic scheme for the budget segment: disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. This solution is economically justified and makes it possible to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle without a significant loss of safety under normal operating conditions.
The main element here is brake drum, which is mounted directly on the rear wheel hub. Inside it are brake pads, which are moved apart by the wheel cylinder. Design Feature Fabia 2 is the presence of a hand brake integrated into the same mechanism, which requires special attention when adjusting the tension of the cables.
The drum is made of cast iron, which has good heat capacity, but is prone to corrosion on the working surface during prolonged inactivity. That's why diagnostics should be carried out regularly, especially after the winter season or operation in high humidity conditions.
It is worth noting that the geometry of the drum can become disrupted over time, which leads to beating and vibration. Troubleshooting should include checking not only the wall thickness, but also the ovality of the inner surface.
Wear symptoms and diagnostic methods
Understand that brake drum requires replacement, based on a number of indirect and direct signs. The most obvious symptom is decreased braking performance or the need to press the brake pedal deeper. However, the problem often manifests itself differently.
If you feel the pedal beating or hear a grinding noise when the rear wheels brake, this is a sure sign that the inner surface of the drum has deep grooves or is worn unevenly. In some cases, the pads may simply not โfindโ the drum if it is broken to a critical size.
A visual diagnosis without removing the wheel is not possible, but a simple test can be performed: Have a helper press the brake pedal while you look at the rear wheel. If the drum does not rotate or rotates slowly, the mechanism may be jammed.
- ๐จ Grinding or metallic clanging noise when rear wheels brake
- ๐จ Car pulls to the side during heavy braking
- ๐จ Extraneous knocking noises in the suspension when driving over uneven surfaces
- ๐จ Uneven tire wear on the rear axle
To accurately assess the condition, it is necessary to remove the wheel and visually inspect the brake mechanism through the technological holes, if accessible, or completely dismantle the unit.
- Yes, I can already hear the grinding
- No, everything is working fine
- I don't know, I need to check
- The car is under warranty
Selection of quality spare parts: original or analogues
When choosing spare parts for Skoda Fabia 2 It is important to understand that saving on the brake system is unacceptable. The market offers a huge range of options: from original parts VAG to budget analogues of unknown brands. The original is usually marked 5Q0 615 301 or similar, depending on the year of manufacture and configuration.
However, original parts are expensive and many car owners are looking for quality alternatives. Proven brands such as TRW, ATE, Brembo or Schaeffler (LuK) often manufacture products in the same factories as the original, but under their own brand. It is a great compromise between price and quality.
Avoid buying cheap Chinese or Turkish counterparts without a known reputation. Cheap cast iron can have internal stresses that will lead to cracks when heated, or too soft structure, which causes the drum to wear quickly.
| Manufacturer | Product type | Approximate price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAG (Original) | Original | High | Ideal for new cars |
| TRW / ATE | Premium analogue | Average | Optimal choice |
| Febi Bilstein | Middle segment | Average | Good value |
| No-name brands | Budget | Low | Not recommended |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never change just one brake drum! This will upset the balance of braking forces and can lead to the skidding of the car during emergency braking. Always change them with a pair on one axis.
Tools and preparation for replacement
Before starting work, you need to prepare a workplace and the necessary set of tools. Replacement process brake drum on Skoda Fabia 2 It does not require special complex equipment, but requires accuracy and care.
You will need a jack, car stands (in no case do not work under the machine only on the jack), a set of keys and heads, a hammer, WD-40 for processing threaded connections and a brush for metal. You will also need a dynamometer key to tighten the bolts properly.
- ๐ ๏ธ Head on 13, 17, 30 (for a hub nut)
- ๐ ๏ธ End key or bit with extension
- ๐ ๏ธ A hammer and a chisel (to unscrew the boiling bolts)
- ๐ ๏ธ Penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)
Pay special attention to cleaning the hub from rust and dirt. If the surface is uneven, the new drum It will be crooked, which will cause a beat and rapid wear.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace the drum
If the bolts of the drum attachment are boiling, do not try to tear them from the spot with a jerk. It is better to profusely treat the connection with lubrication and give it time to act.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
It often happens that the drum "sticks" to the hub due to corrosion. Do not hit it with a hammer too hard, so as not to split the cast iron. Try gently tapping the inside edge of the drum (not the working surface!) or using a removable. If nothing helps, you can try to warm up the contact area with a building hairdryer, but be careful with rubber parts.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
Removing old brake drum It starts with the opening of the guide bolts. They usually have a hexagonal or cross screwdriver thread. If the bolt scrolls, hold it on the back with the key.
After removing the bolts, the drum should come off the hub. If it sits tightly, gently tap the hammer through a wooden pad on the end of the drum, moving in a circle. Wheel cylinder It can interfere with removal if it is very worn out and the pistons protrude outwards.
Before installing a new element, it is necessary to clean the hub of rust, lubricate the guide pins and the seat with a thin layer of copper lubricant or graphite lubricant. This will prevent the swelling in the future.
Install a new drum by combining the holes with guide pins. Twirl the guide bolts. If the kit has a new hub nut, replace it, pre-adjusting the hub bearing.
- ๐ง Clean the hub of dirt and rust
- ๐ง Apply lubricant to the seat
- ๐ง Set the drum and tighten the guides.
- ๐ง Check the rotation of the wheel for no jamming
After installation, you need to adjust the hand brake, as new pads may have a greater stroke than worn.
Before you put on the wheel, several times press the brake pedal to the end. This is necessary for the pistons of the wheel cylinder to come out and press the pads against the drum. Otherwise, the first tap will be โin the floorโ!
The correct cleaning of the hub and lubrication of seats is the guarantee that the new drum will not boil in six months and will easily be removed at the next scheduled maintenance.
Handbrake adjustment nuances
After replacing the drums and pads, manual brake adjustment is often required. Nana Skoda Fabia 2 This process is carried out through a technological hole in the brake shield or by means of an adjustment mechanism inside the drum.
If you canโt adjust the handbrake from the outside, itโs possible that the mechanism of the padsโ divorce inside the drum requires intervention. To do this, remove the brake shield and check the state of the regulator.
A properly adjusted hand brake should keep the car on a slope when lifting the lever by 3-5 clicks. If the lever goes too high, the brakes won't work. If it is too low, the pads will constantly rub against the drum.
Use adjusting nut on the handbrake cable under the car for fine tuning of tension. Do not tighten it too much so as not to block the rear wheels.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to adjust the handbrake if you have old worn-out pads. First replace them, otherwise the adjustment will not work, and you will spoil the mechanism.
Frequent maintenance errors
Many owners Skoda Fabia 2 Make mistakes that lead to repeated failures. The most common problem is the lack of lubrication on the guide pins. Because of this, the drum will skew, and the pads will wear unevenly.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive chemicals to clean the brakes, which can damage the rubber seals of the wheel cylinder. Use only special cleaners for brake systems.
The condition of the wheel cylinders cannot be ignored. If when removing the drum you see traces of leakage of brake fluid, the cylinder must be replaced. Brake fluid It is hygroscopic and breaks down rubber over time.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the springs return of the pads. If they are stretched, the pads will not fit tightly to the shield, causing excessive wear and noise.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
How often do you need to change brake drums on a Skoda Fabia 2?
The service life depends on the driving style and operating conditions. On average, drums serve 80-120 thousand kilometers, but this depends on the quality of the pads and the condition of the cylinder. If the pads are worn to metal, the drum will also have to be changed.
Is it possible to grind the drum instead of replacing it?
It is possible, but in modern cars, including Skoda Fabia 2The thickness of the drum walls is often minimal. The duct can make it too thin, which will lead to overheating and destruction. Replacing it with a new one is a more reliable option.
What if the new drum doesnโt fit on the hub?
Check if the wheel cylinder pistons stick out. If they bulge, insert them back with a special tool or rod. Also make sure that the hub is cleaned of rust and dirt.
Do I need to change the brake pads along with the drum?
Yes, it is highly recommended to change them with a set. Old pads may have uneven wear that will damage the new drum. In addition, the springs and fixers of the pads lose elasticity over time.
How do you know if the drum is worn without removing it?
An indirect sign is a grinding, pedal beating or taking the car aside. Accurate measurement of the internal diameter can be done only after removing the drum with a rod or special tool.