Car rear brake system Skoda Fabia the second generation, produced from 2007 to 2014, is often equipped with classic drum mechanisms. Despite the fact that modern trends dictate the use of discs even on the rear axle, brake drums remain a reliable and proven solution for this model, especially in trim levels with a smaller engine capacity. They provide ample braking force, have a long service life and are relatively easy to maintain, making them the preferred choice for many budget car owners.
However, any mechanism is subject to natural wear and tear over time. Ignoring signs of malfunction can lead to reduced braking efficiency, increased braking distance and even damage to adjacent components such as brake pads or hub. Correct selection of spare parts and timely diagnostics are the key to your safety on the road. In this article, we will look in detail at how to choose quality parts, what symptoms indicate the need for repair, and how to correctly perform the replacement procedure.
Design and operating principle of the rear drum on a Fabia
To understand how to service a node, you need to know its structure. The mechanism is based on a cast or stamped brake drum, which rotates with the wheel. Brake brakes are located inside pads, spread by the pistons of the working cylinder when pressing the brake pedal. Friction of friction linings against the inner surface of the drum creates an effort that slows the rotation of the wheel.
Design Feature Skoda Fabia 2 The parking brake (handle) is integrated directly into this mechanism. The lever of the handbrake pulls the cable, which through special levers pushes the pads, fixing the car in place. This creates additional loads on the parts during a long parking on a slope. If you often park on a slide, the load on the brake drums and handbrake increases many times over.
Corrosion is the main enemy of metal. Drums are often exposed to water, reagents and dirt, which can lead to rust on landing surfaces. This complicates the subsequent disassembly and can cause a distortion of the mechanism during assembly. Regular cleaning and lubrication hubs And the guiding fingers are critical to the durability of the system.
Signs of wear and diagnosis of the drum mechanism
Drum brakes work in a closed space, so visual control without disassembly is difficult. However, there are a number of indirect signs that will tell you about the problems. If you feel vibration or beating the brake pedal when pressed, this may indicate deformation (ovality) of the drum. Also note the change in the vehicleβs braking behavior: If the car starts to move aside, perhaps one of the drums is performing worse than the other.
Particular attention should be paid to the work of the parking brake. If you're a lever handbrake rises too high (more than 5-7 clicks) and does not keep the car on a slope, the problem can be not only in the wear of the pads, but also in the increased gap inside the mechanism or jamming. working cylinder. Sometimes a characteristic creak or metal grinding is heard, which occurs when friction linings wear to metal.
β οΈ Warning: If you hear a strong grinding sound during braking, stop using the car immediately. Metal rubbing against metal can destroy the working surface of the drum, which will require its complete replacement, not just a change of the pads.
For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to remove the wheel and dismantle the drum. Visually check for deep drawings, cracks, or traces of overheating (blueish metal). Measure the internal diameter with a special rod and compare it with factory parameters. Brake drums They have a limit on the size of wear that cannot be exceeded.
Criteria for selecting quality spare parts
The auto parts market is oversaturated with offers, and choose the right one drum it can be difficult. Original from Skoda (VW Group) guarantees perfect matching of geometry and quality of cast iron, but often costs much more than analogues. A good alternative is premium brands such as TRW, Brembo or ATEThey often supply parts to manufacturers.
Budget options from little-known manufacturers can be made of poor-quality metal, which quickly deforms when heated or is corroded. A cheap drum can have an uneven surface from the factory, which will lead to beating and poor fit of the pads. Donβt skimp on safety by choosing parts only at the lowest price.
- β Original (OEM) is the perfect balance of quality and price, but requires authentication by catalog number.
- β Premium brands (TRW, Brembo) β often surpass the original in material quality and wear resistance.
- β The middle segment (Jurid, Pagid) are reliable analogues suitable for a calm driving style.
When buying, be sure to check the labeling. The batch number and production date shall be stamped at the end of the drum. Also pay attention to the packaging: quality manufacturers it is dense, with protection from moisture and damage. Brake drums must be supplied in individual packaging, excluding contact with other parts.
- Original (Skoda/VW)
- Premium brands (TRW, Brembo)
- Budget analogues
- I only buy what the master recommends
Instructions for self-replacement of drums
Replacement brake drums on Skoda Fabia 2 A task of medium complexity that can be performed in garage conditions with a minimum set of tools. The process begins with lifting the car on the jack and removing the wheel. Before starting work, make sure that the car is securely fixed on the stand, since working with the brake system requires high accuracy.
Take off the drum. If it is not removed with your hands, use special filmmakers or gently tap the inside with a hammer, avoiding hitting the hub flange. Often the drum is held on rust or sour guides. Apply penetrating lubricant to the joint site and wait 10-15 minutes. If the drum fails, try loosening the handgun's adjusting nut if it's available from the outside.
βοΈ Preparing to replace the drums
After removal, clean the hub from dirt and rust. Check the status. working cylinder - there should be no traces of leakage of brake fluid. Examine the springs and levers of the hand brake mechanism. If they are stretched or damaged, they must be replaced with new pads. Apply special high-temperature lubrication to the contact points pads with a support plate.
Set up a new drum. Before that, make sure that it rotates freely and does not touch the pads. If the pads are too open, use an adjustment mechanism to reduce the gap. Fix the drum with a screw (if provided by the design) and install the wheel. Repeat the procedure for the second wheel.
β οΈ Warning: Never use conventional lithium or graphite lubricant on brake friction surfaces! Use only specialized high-temperature compounds for braking systems, for example,
Molykoteor analogues from TRW.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum oxide on the hub, try to gently warm it with a building hair dryer or burner (with caution!) so that the metal expands. Then apply the penetrating lubricant. In extreme cases, you can use a removable, but do not overdo it so that the drum itself does not crack. Sometimes it helps several blows with a rubber kiangu on the end of the drum from different sides.
Proper cleaning of the hub and lubrication of the guides is a guarantee that the new drum will not sour and will easily be removed when the next shoe is replaced.
Specifications and Dimensions
For the correct selection of spare parts, you need to know the exact technical parameters of your car. Skoda Fabia 2 has several modifications, and the size of the brake elements may vary depending on the engine and year of release. The main parameters include the internal diameter, width and number of fastening holes.
Below is a table with the main characteristics for most versions of the model. Always check this with your vehicleβs VIN code before ordering, as there may be exceptions for specific trim levels.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Internal diameter (new) | 200 | mm |
| Maximum permissible wear | 201.5 | mm |
| Wall thickness (minimum) | 10 | mm |
| Number of fastening holes | 4 | pcs |
| Hub diameter | 57.1 | mm |
Please note maximum wear. If the internal diameter exceeds 201.5 mm, the drum must be replaced. Attempting to waste it further will lead to loss of stiffness and possible destruction during emergency braking. It is also important to control the thickness of the wall to avoid overheating and deformation.
Before buying new parts, measure the current diameter of the old drum. If it is already close to the limit value, buying cheap analogues can be pointless, as they will quickly become useless.
Impact of driving style on resource
Resource brake drums It depends on how you drive the car. Aggressive driving style, frequent sharp braking and movement in dense urban traffic lead to rapid overheating of parts. The superheated metal loses its properties, and the drum can deform, which will cause a beat and a decrease in braking efficiency.
Unlike disc brakes, drums have a closed design, which makes them difficult to cool. Therefore, for long descents from the slide, it is recommended to use low gear for engine braking, and not keep the brake pedal pressed constantly. It will help to preserve brake drums And the pads are in good condition much longer.
- β Avoid "slipper" wheels when moving from a place, as this creates an extra load on the brake system.
- β Plan braking in advance to avoid sharp pedal presses.
- β Check the condition regularly brake fluidBecause the quality of the cylinder depends on the work.
If you often drive off-road or in conditions of large amounts of dust and dirt, inspect the brake system more often. The grains of sand that fall inside the mechanism act as an abrasive, accelerating the wear of friction linings and surfaces. drum. In such conditions, the replacement interval can be reduced by one and a half to two times.
β οΈ Note: If you notice that the rear wheels heat up a lot after the ride, even without emergency braking, you may have a cylinder popping or no pads pulling away. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate repair.
Smooth braking and the use of engine braking on the descents is the key to the maximum resource of the rear reels on the Skoda Fabia 2.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to grind brake drums instead of replacing them?
In theory, a leakage is possible if there are small risks or beatings on the surface, but only if the wall thickness remains above the minimum permissible after treatment. Nana Skoda Fabia 2 The safety margin is small, so most often the duct is impossible, and a complete replacement is required. In addition, modern drums often have thin walls, and a duct can make them too brittle.
How do you know when it's time to change your brake pads?
The most reliable way is to remove the drum and visually measure the thickness of the friction lining. The minimum thickness is usually 1.5-2 mm. If the plate is thinned to metal, replacement is required. Also, an indirect sign may be a decrease in the effectiveness of braking or the need to press the pedal more strongly.
Should I change the drums with a pair?
Yes, it is highly recommended to replace brake drums and pads on both rear wheels at the same time. This will ensure uniform braking and prevent the car from skidding during an emergency stop. Different wear on the left and right wheels can lead to loss of controllability.
What lubricant is suitable for guide brake pads?
Use only special high-temperature lubricant for brake systems (usually blue or red), resistant to brake fluid and high temperatures. Conventional lubricants (Litol, solidol) can melt, leak or soften rubber seals, which will lead to failure of the mechanism.
Why did the drums change when the creaking came?
Scream can be caused by several reasons: lack of lubrication in the places of contact of the pads with the support plate, skewing of the pads or dust. Sometimes you also need to βsmashβ new shoes to the new drum. If the creak does not pass after several hundred kilometers, check the correct installation of the mechanism.