Brake pads for Skoda Octavia A7: which brand to choose and how to replace it yourself

Skoda Octavia A7 is one of the most popular cars in Russia, and its braking system requires special attention. Brake pads are not just a consumable, but a critical safety element on which braking efficiency depends in any conditions. In this article we will look at which pads are best to choose for Octavia A7 (including versions with engines 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI), how to recognize their wear and whether it is possible to save money on replacement without risking your life.

Standard pads are installed on the conveyor TRW or ATE, but the market offers dozens of alternatives - from budget Ferodo up to bonus Brembo. We analyzed owner reviews, independent expert tests, and technical specifications to create a checklist of the best options. They also described the replacement process in detail - with nuances that are silent about in the service manuals.

What kind of brake pads are installed on the Skoda Octavia A7 from the factory?

Factory pads on Octavia A7 depend on the year of manufacture and configuration. Most cars (2013–2020) were equipped with:

• 🔧 Front pads: TRW GDB1646 (for disc brakes) or ATE 13.0460-3717.2 - both options are soft and low in dust.
• 🔧 Rear pads: TRW GDB1648 (for drum brakes on basic versions) or ATE 13.0460-3795.2 (for disk drives on top trim levels).
• 🔧 For versions with 2.0 TDI engine: pads are common Brembo P 68 034 - they are tougher, but can withstand high loads.

Original pads from Skoda are marked with articles 1ZD 698 151 (front) and 1ZD 698 152 (rear), but this is just a repackaging of the same TRW or ATE with a markup of 30–50%. Service life of factory pads - 30–50 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or frequent braking in the city, they can wear out after 20 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A7 with engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI (power from 180 hp) larger front brake discs - 312 mm instead of standard 288 mm. The pads for them are not interchangeable! Check the article by VIN code.

Signs of brake pad wear: when is it time to change

The manufacturer recommends checking the pads every 15 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. Here are the key symptoms that the pads require replacement:

• 🚨 Creaking noise when braking - appears due to a wear indicator (metal plate) that rubs against the disc. On Octavia A7 squeaking can also occur in humid weather, but if it is constant, this is a signal.
• 🔊 Increased braking distance - the pads become thinner and the brake fluid begins to compress more, reducing efficiency.
• 💨 Black dust on wheels - the norm for most pads, but if it has become significantly more, this indicates accelerated wear of the friction material.
• 🛑 Vibration or wobble in the steering wheel when braking - may indicate uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the brake disc.

For an accurate diagnosis, a visual inspection is sufficient: the thickness of the friction lining must be at least 3–4 mm. On Octavia A7 this can be checked without removing the wheel - through the spokes of the disk (a flashlight is required). If the pad is thinner 2 mm, pads are subject to immediate replacement — further operation is dangerous!

What happens if you drive on worn out pads?

When wear is critical (less than 1 mm), the metal base of the pad begins to scratch the brake disc, which leads to its deformation. In the worst case scenario, the disc may crack under hard braking and the brake caliper may seize. On a Skoda Octavia A7 with an electronic ESP system, this is fraught with malfunctions of the ABS and an emergency situation.

Top 5 brands of brake pads for Skoda Octavia A7: comparison and reviews

We analyzed owner reviews Octavia A7 on forums (including Skoda-Club.ru and Drive2) and tests by independent experts (for example, ADAC) to rank the best pads. There were three criteria: braking efficiency, service life and noise/dust level.

Brand and model	Article (front)	Service life (thousand km)	Dust level	Price (set, rub.)
ATE Ceramic	13.0460-3717.2	40–50	Low	3 200–3 800
Brembo P 68 034	P 68 034	35–45	Medium	4 500–5 200
Ferodo Premier	FDB1646	30–40	High	2 500–3 000
TRW GDB1646 (original)	GDB1646	35–45	Low	3 800–4 300
Textar 2364601	2364601	30–38	Medium	2 800–3 300

Rating leader - ATE Ceramic: they are practically dust-free, run smoothly and are suitable for city driving. Brembo They perform better on the highway and with a sporty driving style, but they may creak during the first 200–300 km (this is normal - they break in). Ferodo Premier - a budget option, but they generate more dust than others.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A7 with the system ESP 9 (electronic stability control) it is not recommended to install pads with a high coefficient of friction (for example, EBC Redstuff). This may cause false ABS activations.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace brake pads on a Skoda Octavia A7 with your own hands

Replacing the pads with Octavia A7 does not require special equipment, but will require care. On average the process takes 1.5–2 hours for both axes. You will need:

• 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
• 🔧 Set of sockets and socket wrenches (13 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm).
• 🔧 A flat blade screwdriver (for bending the locking plates).
• 🔧 Lubricant for caliper guides (SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC or analogues).
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT 4 (in case of pumping).

1. Place the car on a flat surface and tighten the handbrake

2. Remove the negative terminal from the battery (to avoid ESP activation)

3. Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting on the jack.

4. Place blocks under the rear wheels (if you are lifting the front axle)

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Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Caliper

Raise the car with a jack and remove the wheel. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 15 mm) and carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope - do not let it hang on the brake hose, it may damage it. Remove the old pads and clean the guides from dirt.

Step 2. Installing new pads

Before installing new pads necessarily press the caliper piston back. On Octavia A7 To do this, you will need a special tool (caliper releaser) or pliers. If the piston does not recess, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (if necessary, pump out some with a syringe). Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the guides and install the pads.

Step 3. Assembly and pumping

Reassemble the caliper in reverse order, install the wheel and lower the car. After replacement press the brake pedal several timesso that the pads are pressed against the discs. If the pedal becomes soft, the brakes need to be bled. On Octavia A7 with the system ESP It is better to do pumping with a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS), otherwise an error may appear.

Common mistakes when replacing pads and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that later result in squeaking, uneven wear, or even brake failure. Here are the most common mistakes on Octavia A7:

• 🔧 Unlubricated caliper guides - leads to pad wedging and accelerated wear. Use only high temperature grease (for example, SLIPKOTE or Molykote G-3407).
• 🔧 Warped pads - if they are installed unevenly, there will be uneven wear and vibration when braking. Check the tightness of the fit to the disc.
• 🔧 Ignoring the condition of the brake discs - if the discs have deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm), they need to be sharpened or replaced. On Octavia A7 the minimum permissible thickness of the disk is indicated on its end (usually 22–25 mm).
• 🔧 Incorrect brake bleeding — if after replacement the pedal remains soft, there is air in the system. On machines with ESP bleeding should start from the rear right wheel.

Another typical problem is new pads squeak. On Octavia A7 this is often due to the lack of anti-squeak plates (if they are not included, buy them separately, item no. 1ZD 615 325). Also, squeaking may occur due to low-quality friction material - in this case, only replacing it with a different brand will help.

Cost of replacing brake pads: service vs self-repair

Cost of replacing pads Skoda Octavia A7 varies depending on the region and type of service station. On average in Russia the cost of work is as follows:

• 💰 Front pads: 1,500–2,500 rub. per axle (excluding cost of parts).
• 💰 Rear pads: 1,800–3,000 rub. (versions with disc brakes are more expensive due to difficulty of access).
• 💰 Bleeding the brakes: 1,000–1,500 rub. (if required).

Replacing it yourself can save you up to 70% from the cost of work. For example, a set of front pads ATE Ceramic will cost 3,500 rub., and their replacement in the service is still in 2,000 rub.. However, consider the risks: if you make a mistake with the installation, repairs will cost more. For example, replacing a damaged brake hose costs 4,000–6,000 rub..

Where to buy pads? Optimal options:

• 🛒 Official dealers Skoda - guarantee of original parts, but prices are 20–30% higher.
• 🛒 Specialty stores (for example, Autodoc, Exist) - wide range and frequent discounts.
• 🛒 Marketplace (Yandex.Market, Ozon) - convenient, but there is a risk of running into a fake. Check the seller's reviews and ratings.

How to extend the life of brake pads on a Skoda Octavia A7

The service life of the pads is Octavia A7 can be increased by 20–30%if you follow simple rules:

• 🚗 Avoid hard braking - Brake smoothly, slowing down in advance. This is especially true for versions with DSGwhere the braking system experiences increased load.
• 🚗 Monitor the condition of the brake discs — beating or warping of discs accelerates pad wear. Grind the discs every 80–100 thousand km.
• 🚗 Check the brake fluid level - its low level or contamination leads to overheating of the calipers. Liquid on Octavia A7 it is recommended to change every 2 years or 30 thousand km.
• 🚗 Wash your wheels in winter — salt and reagents corrode the protective coating of pads and discs, causing corrosion.

Another tip - Clean the calipers regularly from dirt. On Octavia A7 they often become clogged with dust, which leads to jamming of the pistons. To clean, use a special brake cleaner (for example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger) and a soft brush.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with the system Start-Stop (available at Octavia A7 from 2017) brake pads wear out faster due to frequent braking cycles when starting the engine. In this case, it is recommended to install pads with increased wear resistance (for example, Brembo Xtra).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about brake pads for the Skoda Octavia A7

Is it possible to install pads from other VW models (for example, Golf or Passat) on the Octavia A7?

Yes, but only if the article numbers match. For example, front pads from VW Golf 7 (article 5Q0 698 151) suitable for Octavia A7 with disks 288 mm. However, on versions with engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI (discs 312 mm) pads from Golf will not fit - you need original ones 1ZD 698 151 A.

How often do you need to change brake pads on an Octavia A7?

The manufacturer recommends checking every 15 thousand km, but the actual replacement interval depends on the driving style:

• 🚗 City riding (frequent braking): 20–30 thousand km.
• 🚗 Route (rare braking): 40–50 thousand km.
• 🚗 Aggressive style (sport driving): 15–20 thousand km.

On the rear axle, the pads last longer - up to 60–80 thousand km, if these are disc brakes.

Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the pads?

This is a sign that there is air left in the system. On Octavia A7 with ESP Bleeding the brakes must be done in strict sequence: rear right → front left → rear left → front right. If the ABS light does not go out, diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, VCDS).

Which pads are best for winter?

For cold climates, pads with ceramic composition (for example, ATE Ceramic or Brembo Ceramic). They freeze less, warm up faster and do not lose efficiency at sub-zero temperatures. Suitable budget options Ferodo Premier - they are softer, but require more frequent replacement.

Is it possible to drive if the brake pads squeak?

If the squeak appeared recently (for example, after replacement), this is normal - the pads are grinding in. But if the creaking is constant and accompanied by vibration, this is a sign:

• 🔧 Critical pad wear (replacement required).
• 🔧 Dirt or sand getting between the pad and disc.
• 🔧 Deformation of the brake disc (needs re-grooving or replacement).

Ignoring a squeak is dangerous - it can lead to damage to the disk and expensive repairs.