The braking system is the foundation of the safety of any vehicle, and for Skoda Octavia A5 this statement is especially relevant given the popularity of the model in the taxi and commercial sectors. The rear brakes in this platform often operate in a โconstant standbyโ mode, since the main load during braking falls on the front axle, but their maintenance absolutely cannot be neglected.
Many owners are faced with a problem when, after a run of 40โ50 thousand kilometers, an unpleasant creaking or vibration appears on the pedal. This is a sure sign that the friction linings have become thin and require immediate attention. replacing rear pads for Skoda Octavia A5. Ignoring this signal can result in a seized caliper or damaged brake rotor, which will result in significantly more expensive repair costs.
A special feature of the rear mechanisms in the A5 body is the presence of an electronic parking brake (EPB) on later restyled versions. This leaves an imprint on the maintenance procedure: you will need either a specialized diagnostic scanner or knowledge of the mechanical piston return algorithm so as not to damage the electric motor.
Signs of wear and diagnostics of brake condition
The first and most obvious alarm signal is a characteristic metallic grinding sound when moving. If you hear it only when you press the pedal, it means that the friction layer has worn out and the metal base of the pad has begun to contact the disc. In such situations brake disc can get deep grooves that can no longer be removed with a simple groove.
An equally important indicator is the behavior of the car when braking. If the car begins to pull to the side and the pedal vibrates or pulsates, this often indicates uneven pad wear or stuck caliper guides. In this case, replacing only the pads may not completely solve the problem - you will have to check and lubricate the guides.
Modern versions Octavia A5 equipped with wear sensors. When a critical level is reached, the corresponding yellow lamp with the image of a brake circle lights up on the dashboard. However, you should not rely only on electronics, since the sensor may fail prematurely or, conversely, not work if low-quality spare parts are used.
Regular visual inspection through the rims allows you to identify the problem at an early stage. Pay attention to the thickness of the friction lining: if it is less than 2โ3 millimeters, operating the car becomes dangerous. It is also worth checking the condition of the anthers and protective caps, since dirt getting inside the caliper accelerates piston wear.
Selection of original spare parts and high-quality analogues
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of options for Skoda Octavia A5, and the main question is what to choose: the original or a high-quality analogue? Original pads from VAG guarantee compliance with all factory standards, but their price is often inflated due to the brand and packaging. Inside the box there are often products from the same manufacturers as on the secondary market, but they cost twice as much.
If you are looking for the best value for money, you should pay attention to European brands that specialize in brake systems. Market leaders are considered TRW, ATE, Brembo and Textar. These manufacturers often supply spare parts to the assembly line, so their products are almost identical to the original, but are cheaper.
Be extremely careful when choosing budget options. Cheap Chinese or Turkish analogues can quickly crumble, cause severe dust on the discs, or even overheat during intense driving. Remember, skimping on brakes can cost you your life, so it's better to pay more for a trusted brand than to risk safety.
- โ TRW GDB1433 - excellent balance between softness and braking efficiency
- โ ATE 13.0460-5810.2 - durable pads with low noise levels
- โ Brembo P 20 006 โ sporty character, high resistance to overheating
- โ Textar 2311801 - soft, do not creak, but require careful installation
6 MPI or 1.8 TSI) calipers of different sizes can be installed. Always check the part number with your VIN before purchasing, as even visually similar parts may not be suitable in thickness or shape.
Instrumentation and preparation for replacement
To replace the rear brake pads yourself, you will need a set of basic tools, which most car owners have. You will definitely need a jack, body stands, a wheel wrench and a set of sockets with a ratchet. Without these tools, it is impossible to do a quality job.
The key tool for the rear axle is the caliper piston recess tool. If you have a manual parking brake, you can use a regular vice or clamp, but for versions with an electronic handbrake (EPB) you need a special wrench attachment or a diagnostic scanner. Trying to press the piston without rotating can break the motor spindle.
Also, do not forget to prepare grease for the caliper guides and anti-oxidizer. The use of ordinary grease or lithol is unacceptable here, since they cannot withstand high temperatures and can leak, which will lead to jamming of the mechanism. Use only specialized high-temperature lubricants for brake systems.
- ๐ ๏ธ Head on
13for unscrewing the caliper guides - ๐ ๏ธ Head on
17to remove the caliper (if necessary) - ๐ ๏ธ Compressing the piston (special wrench or clamp)
- ๐ ๏ธ Wire brush for cleaning fasteners
Before starting work, be sure to place the car on a level surface and secure it with the hand brake (if it is front) or place chocks under the front wheels. If you are working on a rear wheel, the handbrake should be disengaged and the vehicle securely supported on stands.
- Original VAG
- ATE
- TRW
- Budget analogue
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
The replacement process begins with removing the wheel. Loosen the mounting bolts, jack up the car and place it on a safety stand. Remove the wheel and carefully inspect the caliper to assess the degree of contamination and the presence of brake fluid leaks.
Remove the two guide bolts holding the caliper bracket in place. They are usually located on the back side and have a head on 13. Carefully remove the bracket without damaging the brake hose, and hang it from a wire or hook so that it does not hang on the hose. This will prevent overtightening of the hose and possible fluid leakage.
Remove worn pads and clean the seats on the bracket from dirt and rust. Check the condition of the guide boots - if they are torn, they must be replaced, otherwise moisture and dust will get into the mechanism. Install new pads, having previously lubricated their contact points with a special high-temperature paste.
โ๏ธ Preparing for replacement
Before installing the bracket, the caliper piston must be pressed in. For versions without an electronic handbrake, this is done by simply pressing. If you have EPB, use a diagnostic scanner to put the caliper into service mode or a special rotating power tool.
Reinstall the bracket and tighten the guide bolts to the recommended torque. It is important not to overtighten them, as you can break the threads in the caliper body, and not to undertighten them, which will lead to vibrations. Once all wheels are installed, press the brake pedal several times to ensure the pads are in place.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Never press the brake pedal until the calipers are fully installed and secured! This can cause the piston to fly out and cause loss of brake fluid.
Replacement nuances on versions with EPB
On vehicles with an electronic handbrake, you must disable the system via the diagnostic port or use a special attachment to rotate the piston. Simply pushing the piston in without rotating will break the mechanism. If you do not have a scanner, it is better to contact a service that has ODIS or VCDS equipment.
Nuances of servicing calipers and guides
A common cause of squeaks and uneven wear is jammed caliper guides. Over time, the lubricant in them dries out, mixes with dust and turns into an abrasive paste. This leads to the fact that the caliper stops โfloatingโ and the pad wears out on only one side.
Whenever you replace the pads, be sure to remove the guides, clean them of old grease and apply new one. Use only specialized guide lubricants such as TRW PFG110 or ATE Ceram. Conventional mineral-based lubricants can corrode rubber boots.
It is also worth paying attention to the caliper piston. If it shows signs of corrosion or moves stiffly, it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty piston not only does not return well to its original position, but can also damage the boot, allowing water to enter and further corrosion.
- ๐ ๏ธ Use only silicone guide lubricants
- ๐ ๏ธ Clean the seats with a wire brush
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the integrity of the rubber boots
- ๐ ๏ธ Keep your brake fluid clean
If you notice that the brake fluid in the reservoir has become dark or cloudy, it needs to be replaced. Moisture that gets into the fluid reduces its boiling point, which during intense braking can lead to boiling and loss of braking effect.
Before installing new pads, apply a thin layer of copper paste to the back of the pads and where they contact the caliper - this will help avoid vibrations and squeaks.
Electronic handbrake (EPB) problems
On restyled versions Octavia A5 (after 2009) an electronic parking brake is installed. This complicates the replacement procedure since the caliper piston has a screw thread and cannot be pressed in without rotating. Simply pressing it will cause the mechanism to break.
To return the piston to its original position, you must use a diagnostic scanner. Via the menu Diagnostics โ 53 โ Parking brake โ Basic settings the system will put the calipers into maintenance mode. After replacing the pads, the procedure must be repeated to return them to their working position.
If you donโt have a scanner, you can use a mechanical method. This will require a special key nozzle that is inserted into the back of the piston and allows you to rotate it manually. However, this method requires a certain skill and caution, so as not to damage the spindle.
โ ๏ธ WARNING: When using the mechanical method of rotating the piston, make sure you rotate it strictly clockwise (for the right side) or against (for the left side), otherwise you will tear the thread!
Also, if this is not done, the handbrake lamp can burn constantly, even if the handbrake is serviceable.
Electronic hand brake requires a special approach: either a scanner for transfer to service mode, or a special mechanical tool for rotating the piston.
Compatibility table and articles
To simplify the selection of spare parts, we have prepared a table with the main articles for the rear brake pads. Note that the items may vary depending on the year of production and the type of engine.
| Manufacturer | Article | Brake type | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original VAG | 1K0 698 151 B | Mechanical handbrake | 4500 rub. |
| ATE | 13.0460-5810.2 | Mechanical/EPB | 3200 rub. |
| TRW | GDB1433 | Mechanical | 2800 rub. |
| Brembo | P 20 006 | EPB | 3500 rub. |
| Textar | 2311801 | All types | 3000 rub. |
When ordering spare parts, always specify the VIN code of the car. This will eliminate the error associated with different types of calipers. For example, on some versions Octavia A5 calipers were installed TRW with one type of pad, and with the other ATE It's a completely different geometry.
Remember that the correct installation and use of quality parts is the key to your safety. Do not skimp on the brakes, because not only your life depends on them, but also the lives of others.
โ ๏ธ Attention: The rear pads on the Octavia A5 with a 1.8 TSI engine and powerful brakes require only certified parts capable of withstanding high heat loads.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long do the rear brake pads on the Skoda Octavia A5 run?
On average, the rear pads on this model serve from 40 to 60 thousand kilometers. However, the service life depends on the driving style, operating conditions (city, highway) and the quality of the parts used. With active driving in the city, the resource can be reduced to 30 thousand km.
Is it possible to change only the front pads?
Only the front pads can be changed, but it is not recommended to do this too often without checking the rear pads. The front pads wear out faster (usually 1.5-2 times), but if the rear is worn to a minimum, they also need to be replaced for uniform braking.
What to do if a squeaking noise appears after replacing the pads?
Screaming can occur due to lack of lubrication on contact areas, poor-quality pads or improper installation. Check if the guides are not pulled, and make sure that a special paste is applied to the back of the shoe. If the creak does not pass, perhaps the pads should be replaced with better quality ones.
Do I need to change the brake disc along with the pads?
If the thickness of the brake disc is within the permissible minimum (specified on the disc itself) and there are no deep furrows on it, it can not be changed. However, when replacing the pads, it is recommended to drill the disc to remove irregularities. If the disk is worn critically, replacement is required.
How to Reset the Brake System Error After Replacement?
To reset the error, it is often enough to press the brake pedal several times and check the handbrake. If the error persists, a diagnostic scanner will be required to reset the error code in the brake control unit. On versions with EPB, it is also necessary to return the calipers to working position through service mode.