SUV operation Škoda Kodiaq It imposes special requirements on the state of the braking system. Due to the large mass of the car and frequent trips in the urban cycle with traffic jams, brake pad wear It is faster than in the passenger sedans. Ignoring signs of wear can lead to critical damage to brake discs, which will significantly increase the cost of repair.
Many owners Kodiaq It is mistakenly believed that replacing pads is a simple procedure available to any beginner. However, the design of calipers on this model has its nuances, especially taking into account the presence of electronic hand brakes on the rear wheels. Incorrect actions can lead to jamming of the piston or breakage of the servo drive.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to determine the need for replacement, which components to choose and how to perform the work yourself, complying with all the technical requirements of the manufacturer. You will learn how the front and rear brakes are different and what tools will be needed for a high-quality result.
Signs of wear and diagnostics of the brake system
Determine the moment when brake pads Replacement is required, both visually and indirectly. The most obvious signal is the characteristic metal grinding when you press the brake pedal. The sound is caused by the wear plate starting to touch the disc, alerting the driver to the critical condition of the friction material.
In addition to the sound, pay attention to the behavior of the car when braking. If Škoda Kodiaq begins to take away, vibrates the steering wheel or the brake pedal becomes "cotton", this may indicate not only wear of the linings, but also uneven wear or jamming of the guide calipers. In such cases brake-diagnosis must be carried out immediately.
Modern models are equipped with wear sensors that activate the corresponding indicator on the dashboard. However, relying on electronic signals alone is not worth it. The sensor may fail prematurely or, conversely, fail to work on time. Regular visual check of the thickness of the friction lining is the most reliable way to control.
- 🛑 Scream or screech with a light press on the brake pedal.
- 🛑 Blinking the indicator "BRAKE" or "CHECK BRAKE" on the dashboard.
- 🛑 Reducing the thickness of the friction layer less than 3 mm.
Selection of components: Original parts or analogues?
When choosing brake pads for Škoda Kodiaq Owners often face a dilemma: buy original parts or trust proven analogues. Original pads from Volkswagen Group ensure full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications, including friction coefficient and noise cancellation.
However, original parts are often much more expensive and may include the same manufacturers’ names as quality counterparts. Many leading brands, such as TRW, ATE, Brembo or TextarThey produce the slacks directly for the conveyor. Buying them in individual packaging, you get the same level of quality, but at a more affordable price.
It is not recommended to save on the brakes, choosing cheap Chinese brands without a known reputation. Low-quality friction material can lead to overheating, reduced braking efficiency and the appearance of strong dust on the discs. For the Škoda Kodiaq SUV, it is critical to choose pads with a high heat resistance class due to its weight and acceleration dynamics.
When buying, be sure to check the equipment. The box should be not only the pads themselves, but also the necessary spring clamps (anti-script plates), as well as lubricant for guides and pistons. Using old metal elements can lead to jamming and uneven wear.
- ✅ Original (VAG) - high price, guaranteed quality, rarity in availability.
- ✅ OEM brands (TRW, ATE) - the optimal ratio of price and quality, often installed on the conveyor.
- ✅ Budget analogues - the risk of low resource, noise and reduced efficiency are possible.
- Original VAG
- OEM analogues (TRW, ATE)
- Budget brands
- I don't know, please advise
Necessary tools and preparation for work
Before starting the replacement, all tools and the workplace must be prepared. To work with Škoda Kodiaq You will need a jack and reliable stands for the car, as it is dangerous to lift the car only on the jack. A set of heads and keys will also be required, including a key to remove wheel bolts.
Pay special attention to the tool for retracting the caliper piston. On the front wheels, a conventional rod or a special key is enough, but the rear calipers on most trim levels Kodiaq They are equipped with an electric hand brake. They need it. diagnostic scanner Or a specialized mechanical adapter for screwing the piston.
Don’t forget about consumables: brake cleaner (brake cleaner), lubricant for guide calipers (usually blue high-temperature) and lubricant for the back of the pads. Lack of lubrication is a common cause of creaking and jamming mechanisms after replacement.
- 🔧 A set of end keys and heads (usually 13, 17, 18 mm).
- 🔧 Removal of piston lock rings (for rear calipers without scanner).
- 🔧 Balloon key and jack with stands.
- 🔧 Brake cleaner and lubricant for guides.
☑️ Preparing to replace pads
Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads
Let’s start with the front wheels, as the procedure is more standard. After removing the wheel and unscrewing the calipers, dismantle the old shoe. Pay attention to the location of the locking springs, if they do not fall out along with the shoe, they need to be carefully tucked with a screwdriver.
Before installing new elements, carefully clean the caliper seats from dust and rust. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature lubricant to the metal staples on which the pads slide. This will ensure free running and prevent jamming. Do not apply lubrication to the working surface of the disc or the friction part of the pad!
Push the caliper piston into the body. This can be done with a strubbine or a special device, resting on the piston through the old shoe. Make sure the piston goes smoothly. If it snags, check the condition of the anther of the piston - if damaged, the replacement of the caliper should be carried out immediately.
Set the new pads in place, fasten them with spring clips and put the caliper back on. Set the guide bolts with the required tightening moment. After installing both wheels, press the brake pedal several times so that the pistons press against the discs and the pedal becomes hard.
What to do if the piston does not press in?
If the piston does not go, it is possible that the system has excessive pressure or an anther is damaged. Do not use excessive force, as it can damage the caliper. Check if the tank with brake fluid is open to ensure the free movement of the piston when injected.
Before pressing the piston, check the level of brake fluid in the tank. When the piston is pressed, the level will rise, and if the tank is full, the liquid may spill over onto the paint coating, causing it to damage.
Features of replacing the rear pads with electric drive
Rear axle Škoda Kodiaq is the greatest difficulty for self-repair due to the presence of an electric hand brake drive (electromechanical parking brake). Just press the piston with a strubbine here will not work - you will break the gear of the servo drive.
For the correct procedure, it is necessary to transfer the calipers to the maintenance mode. This is done in two ways: through a diagnostic scanner (e.g. VCDS, OBDLink) or mechanically. When using the scanner, enter the Block 53 - Parking brake You select the "Replacement of shoes" function, after which the calipers are withdrawn automatically.
If you do not have access to the diagnosis, you will need to use a mechanical adapter. It is a special nozzle that is inserted into the slats of the piston. When the adapter is rotated, the piston is screwed inward.
After installing new pads and assembling the caliper, it is necessary to remove the mechanism from the maintenance mode. If you have used a scanner, repeat the procedure in reverse order. If mechanically - just tighten the handbrake in place and release it, the servo drive itself will adjust to the new thickness of the pads.
⚠️ Note: When using the mechanical method of screwing the piston, make sure that the caliper is not twisted. Incorrect installation can damage the electrical wiring or servo body, the repair of which will be very expensive.
To replace the rear pads with the Škoda Kodiaq, either a diagnostic scanner for the piston removal or a special mechanical adapter is required. The usual scab is not suitable here.
Technical characteristics and table of intervals of replacement
Brake pad life Kodiaq It depends on the driving style and road conditions. On average, the front pads tend to 30-40,000 kilometers, while the rear can go up to 60,000 kilometers, since the main load during braking falls on the front axle.
Below is a table with indicative data on the thickness of the friction layer and replacement intervals. These values are averaged and can vary depending on the specific engine modification and the type of brake discs (ventilated or perforated).
| Parameter | Front pads | Rear pads |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness of the new lining | 14–16 mm | 12–14 mm |
| Minimum thickness | 2.5–3 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Average mileage before replacement | 30,000 to 45,000 km | 50,000 - 70,000 km |
| Recommended replacement of disks | Every 2-3 replacements of pads | Every 2-3 replacements of pads |
| Caliper type | Floating, 1 piston | Electrically powered handbrake |
Remember that when the minimum thickness of the friction layer is reached, the replacement should be made immediately. Operation with worn pads leads to the fact that the metal base begins to rub against the disk, leaving deep furrows. In this case, you will need not only a replacement of the pads, but also an expensive leakage or a complete replacement. brake discs.
How to check the thickness of a rim without removing the wheel?
Many wheels Škoda Kodiaq have holes in the discs through which you can visually assess the state of the brake disc. Check it for deep furrows and traces of overheating (blue). If the disk has visible damage, it must be replaced.
Common mistakes and maintenance tips
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the state of the guide calipers. If the guides are acidified, the shoe will not press evenly, which will lead to rapid wear on one side and overheating. Regular cleaning and replacement of rubber covers of guides prolong the life of the entire braking system.
Another mistake is to use a universal lubricant instead of a specialized high-temperature lubricant. Ordinary lubricant (for example, litol or graphite) when heated to high temperatures turns into a liquid and flows out, or vice versa, freezes. This leads to jamming of the mechanisms. Use only the lubricants recommended for brake systems (blue or copper pastes).
After replacing the pads, the "grazing" procedure must be performed. This means that in the first 200-300 km of run should avoid sharp emergency braking and long descents. This will allow the frictional material to evenly press against the surface of the disc, ensuring maximum braking efficiency.
⚠️ Warning: Never use brake fluid from a previously open container. It is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, which reduces the boiling point and can lead to brake failure during intensive operation.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of guide calipers is as important as timely replacement of pads. Clogged guides are the main cause of uneven wear and creaking.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to change the shoes on all four wheels?
It is advisable to change the pads on one axis at once (both front or both rear). If you replace only one, it will lead to uneven braking and skidding of the car. On the other axis, you can change as needed, but it is desirable to use the same brands on the same axis.
Can I drive with a wear sensor if the lamp is on fire?
No, if the wear lamp is lit, it means that the friction layer is almost completely exhausted. Driving in this mode will lead to the destruction of the brake disc and possible damage to the caliper. Replacement should be carried out as soon as possible.
Why do new pads squeak after replacement?
Scream can occur due to the lack of laundry, the use of poor-quality lubrication on the back of the pads or dirt between the pad and the bracket. It can also be a sign of poor quality of the friction material. If the creak does not pass after 500 km of run, it is recommended to check the correct installation.
How long does it take to replace the Kodiaq?
For an experienced craftsman, replacing the front pads takes about 30-40 minutes, the rear ones - 45-60 minutes due to the need to work with an electric drive. At home without specialized equipment, the entire procedure will take 1.5-2 hours.
Do I need to discharge the battery before working with the electric drive of the handbrake?
No, you don't need to drain the battery. On the contrary, a stable voltage is required for the scanner and electric drive to work. It is recommended to connect the charger or make sure the battery is fully charged to avoid electronics failures during the procedure.