A properly functioning braking system is fundamental to your vehicle's safety, and rear drums play a critical role in that. For hatchback owners Skoda Fabia of the second generation (5J body), this is especially true, since it was the drum type of brakes that were often installed on the rear axle of the basic and medium configurations. Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, this unit requires regular attention and timely intervention at the first signs of wear.
Ignoring the symptoms of a malfunction can lead to reduced braking efficiency, system overheating, and even wheel jams while driving. Owners Skoda Fabia 2 Often they are faced with the fact that the rear brakes begin to squeak, the car pulls to the side when pressing the pedal, or the handbrake stops holding the car on a slope. Understanding the structure and principles of operation of the mechanism will help you independently carry out diagnostics or competently monitor the work of service personnel.
Design features of the rear wheel brake system
Rear brake system Skoda Fabia Generation II is based on the classic drum brake design, which has been proven over decades of operation. Unlike disc analogues, here the brake pads are released from the inside, pressing against the inner surface of the rotating drum. This design provides high reliability and protection from external pollution, which is important for a budget car operated in various climatic conditions.
The main elements of the node are itself brake drum, two brake pads, a release mechanism (wheel cylinder piston), as well as a slack adjuster and a parking brake. An important feature is the presence of an automatic clearance adjuster, which compensates for the wear of the pad linings as they decrease. However, this mechanism does not last forever and may jam over time, which will lead to constant braking of the wheel.
Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the drum is made. In most cases this cast iron, which has excellent heat dissipation properties and wear resistance. However, with aggressive use or the ingress of abrasive particles on the working surface, deep marks and grooves can form that cannot be eliminated by simple grooving.
The system is also integrated with the handbrake mechanism. The parking brake cable acts on the lever, which pushes the pads through the expansion bar. This connection requires regular adjustment, since lengthening the cable reduces the effectiveness of the handbrake over time.
- 🔧 Drum - rotating part fixed on the hub, the inner surface of which is the working plane.
- 🔧 Pads friction elements pressed against the drum to create braking force.
- 🔧 Cylinder - a hydraulic assembly, which under the pressure of brake fluid pushes the pads.
- 🔧 Regulator A mechanism that automatically maintains an optimal gap between the pads and the drum.
Wear symptoms and diagnostic methods
Determine the need to replace the rear drums or pads can be not only by mileage, but also by the characteristic features in the behavior of the car. The most obvious signal is the appearance of extraneous sounds. Screaming, grinding or metal knocking when reversing or braking often indicates that the friction linings have worn off to metal or foreign objects have hit the mechanism.
In addition to the sounds, the driver may notice a change in the behavior of the car on the road. If when pressing the brake pedal, the car begins to take away, this may indicate uneven wear of the drums or jamming of one of the wheel cylinders. Also alarming signal is vibration of the pedal or steering wheel, although for drum brakes this is less typical than for disc brakes, but it is possible with a strong drum beat.
Regular visual diagnosis is a mandatory part of the service. To do this, remove the wheel and, if necessary, the drum itself to assess the condition of all nodes. Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the friction linings and the condition of the working surface of the metal.
It is important to note that even if the drum’s appearance seems perfect, the presence of microcracks or significant beats makes it unsuitable for further use. The critical wear of the ŠKODA FABIA 2 drum is determined by reaching an internal diameter of 200 mm, which is the limit value specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding this size makes the part unsafe.
- 🚨 Screaming or grinding is a sign of wear of the linings or damage to the surface of the drum.
- 🚨 Sliding the car aside is a cylinder problem or uneven wear.
- 🚨 Decreased hand brake efficiency - wear of the mechanism or stretching of the cable.
- 🚨 Vibration during braking - the beating of the drum or its deformation.
- Yeah, I'm doing it myself.
- No, only in the service
- I don't know how to do this
- The drums on my car are new.
Step-by-step instructions for removing and replacing drums
Replacement of rear drums by Skoda Fabia 2 It requires a set of tools and a consistent sequence of actions. Start with lifting the car on the lift or jack, be sure to install safety stands under the body. Remove the rear wheel and clean the area around the drum of dirt and rust to avoid getting abrasives inside the mechanism during disassembly.
The first step is to remove the drum itself. In some cases, it can be secured by a screw that often sours and requires treatment with penetrating lubricant. If there is no screw, the drum is held on the hub and can be removed by hands after unscrewing the fixing screw. In the case of boiling, it may be necessary to use a skipper or neat hammer blows through a wooden spacer.
After removing the drum, carefully examine the wheel cylinder and springs. It is not recommended to completely disassemble the mechanism unless there is an urgent need, since the springs can be very tight and dangerous. However, checking the condition of the anthers of the cylinder and the absence of ducts of the brake fluid are mandatory.
Before installing new parts, it is necessary to clean the hub of rust and apply a thin layer of heat-resistant lubricant to the contact points of the drum with the hub. This will prevent the cramping in the future and ensure the ease of subsequent removal. Make sure that the new drum sits perfectly on the hub without distortion.
☑️ Preparing to replace the drums
Selection of quality spare parts and analogues
When choosing spare parts for Skoda Fabia It is important to understand the difference between original parts and high-quality analogues. Original drums from Skoda (VAGs) guarantee perfect technical compliance, but their price is often overpriced. A good alternative is brands specializing in brake systems, such as: TRW, ATE, Textar or Febi Bilstein.
Do not save on materials, as cheap Chinese counterparts often have uneven wall thickness, which leads to rapid overheating and deformation. The quality of cast iron and the accuracy of casting directly affect the efficiency of braking and the service life of the part. Always check for quality certificates and labels on the packaging.
When buying, be sure to check the items by the VIN code of your car, as depending on the year of release and the engine, drums with different sizes or mounting can be installed. An error in the selection can lead to the inability to install the part or disrupt the brake system.
Also pay attention to the completeness. Sometimes new brake pads are included with the drum, but more often they need to be purchased separately. Make sure the shoes you choose have the right friction material that suits your driving style.
| Brand | Quality | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Original | Excellent | High | Perfect compatibility |
| ATE / TRW | Very good | Average | They often go to the conveyor belt |
| Textar | good | Average | Stable quality |
| Budget analogues | Average | Low | Risk of rapid wear and tear |
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is boiling, do not use excessive force. Treat the junction of the hub and drum with penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40 or analog) and give it time to act. Try to gently tap the hammer on the side surface of the drum (not on the working edge!). In extreme cases, use the removable for the drums, evenly applying force to the screws of the removable.
Nuances of adjustment and maintenance of the mechanism
After installing new drums and pads, the adjustment of the gap is an obligatory step. Nana Skoda Fabia 2 This process occurs automatically when reversing with the brake pedal pressed, but in some cases manual adjustment is required. If the gap is too large, the handbrake will work inefficiently, and if it is too small, the wheels will slow down.
For manual adjustment, it is necessary to remove the hatch on the brake shield and rotate the adjustment nut until the pads rest in the drum, after which you need to return them to their original position for several teeth. This requires patience and care, as improper adjustment can lead to overheating of the brakes.
Do not forget to check the condition of the parking brake cables. They should move freely, without jamming, and have the necessary tension. If the cables are rusted or worn out, replacing them will prevent handbrake problems in the future.
An important aspect of maintenance is cleaning the mechanism from brake dust. Brake dust contains particles of metal and asbestos, which can be harmful to health. Use special cleaners and protective equipment when working with the brake system.
Before installing the new drum, be sure to clean the hub of rust with a metal brush and apply a thin layer of graphite or heat-resistant lubricant to the landing place. This will prevent the drum from boiling in the future and will make it easier to remove it at the next replacement.
Typical repair mistakes and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is to neglect the check of wheel cylinders. Many owners only change the drums and pads, leaving the old cylinders that may have hidden defects. This leads to leakage of brake fluid or jamming of pistons, which negates all efforts to replace parts.
Another common mistake is the wrong installation of springs. The springs must be installed strictly according to the scheme, otherwise the mechanism may not work correctly or jam at the first braking. The use of old, weakened springs is also unacceptable, since they will not be able to provide the necessary force of pressing the pads.
It is important not to forget about lubrication of the guides and levers of the mechanism. However, lubrication should be applied only in strictly designated areas and use special high-temperature compositions. Transverse lubrication on the working surfaces of pads or drums is strictly prohibited, as this will lead to a loss of braking efficiency.
Also avoid the use of aggressive cleaning chemicals that can damage rubber seals and anthers. This will accelerate the wear of the sealing elements and lead to dirt getting inside the mechanism.
Correct adjustment of the gap and check of condition of wheel cylinders are the key to safe operation of the brake system after replacement of drums. Ignoring these steps can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Maintenance and Prevention
Regular maintenance of the rear brakes helps to extend their service life and avoid sudden breakdowns. It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the mechanism at each change of brake fluid or at least once in 20 000 kilometers of run. This will allow you to notice the beginning of wear or corrosion in time.
In winter, when roads are showered with reagents, special attention should be paid to the purity of wheel arches and mechanisms. Aggressive chemical compounds can accelerate the corrosion of metal and the destruction of rubber elements. Washing the suspension and braking system after operation in such conditions is good practice.
If you often operate a car in difficult conditions (off-road, city traffic jams with frequent braking), check intervals should be reduced. In such conditions, the wear of parts is much faster, and prevention becomes critical for safety.
Remember that the brake system is not the node on which you can save. Timely replacement of worn parts and the use of quality spare parts guarantee your safety on the road and the peace of mind of loved ones.
⚠️ Warning: When replacing the rear drums, always change them with a pair on both sides of the car. Uneven wear or difference in braking efficiency between the left and right side can lead to skidding of the car during sharp braking.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a regular lubricant for brake parts. Use only special high-temperature lubricants designed for brake mechanisms to avoid them melting and jamming.
How often should I change the rear drums to the ŠKODA FABIA 2?
The service life of the rear drums depends on the driving style and operating conditions. On average, they last between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometers, but with aggressive driving or frequent trips in the urban cycle, wear and tear can come faster. Regular diagnosis will help determine the exact replacement time.
Can I use the back drums instead of replacement?
The flow is possible only if the thickness of the drum walls allows this to be done and does not exceed the permissible limits of wear. For the Skoda Fabia 2, the diameter limit is 200 mm. If the flow leads to an excess of this value, the drum must be replaced.
Why do the rear brakes creak after changing the drums?
Scream can be caused by several reasons: improper installation of pads, lack of lubrication on contact surfaces, getting dirt into the mechanism or using poor-quality friction pads. It is also possible that the new drum takes time to latch.
Should I change the wheel cylinders when replacing the drums?
It is advisable to check their condition. If there are traces of leakage, corrosion of pistons or difficulty in movement, it is better to carry out the replacement immediately. This will save time and money in the future as access to cylinders after installing new reels will be difficult.
How to adjust the handbrake after replacement?
Adjustment is made by tensioning the handbrake cables. Usually, for this you need to tighten the nut on the adjustment mechanism located under the car, until the hand brake will not fix the car on a slope of 3-5 lever teeth.