Replacing brake pads on a ŠKODA Octavia A5: instructions with photos and videos

Replacing brake pads with ŠKODA Octavia A5 - a procedure that many car owners prefer to do on their own. And for good reason: with the right approach, this saves up to 5,000 rubles at a service station, and the process itself takes no more than 2–3 hours. However, there are pitfalls here: from choosing original pads to correctly bleeding the brakes after installation.

In this article, we will walk you through the entire process step by step, from wear diagnosis to final inspection. Attention has been paid to typical mistakesmistakes that beginners make (for example, they forget to compress the caliper pistons or install anti-squeak plates incorrectly). You will also find a comparison table of original and analog pads, tool tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

When to change pads on Octavia A5: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 15,000–20,000 km, but actual service life depends on driving style and quality of materials. For example, with aggressive driving in the city, the front pads can wear out after 25–30 thousand km, and the rear ones after 50–60 thousand km.

The following symptoms will help determine the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking (most often caused by wear of the friction layer to the metal base).
• 📏 Pad thickness less than 3–4 mm (visually through the wheel spokes or after removal).
• 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel or its vibration.
• 💨 Dust on wheels with metallic inclusions (a sign of destruction of the friction material).

On Octavia A5 with engines 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI The front pads wear out faster than the rear ones due to the greater load. If you notice at least one of the listed signs, do not delay diagnosis: driving with worn pads leads to damage to the brake discs, and replacing them will cost 3–5 times more.

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original pads for Octavia A5 are produced under the brand TRW (front article: 1K0 698 151, rear: 1K0 698 451). Their average price is 3,500–4,500 rubles per set per axle. However, many car owners choose analogues, which are often not inferior in quality, but are cheaper.

The table below compares popular options:

Brand	Article (front)	Price, rub.	Features
TRW (original)	1K0 698 151	3 800–4 200	Soft braking, minimal dust, service life up to 40,000 km.
ATE	13.0460-7207.2	2 800–3 200	Stiffer than the original, but more durable (up to 50,000 km).
Brembo	P 24 060	3 000–3 500	Sports performance, high heat resistance.
Ferodo	FDB1656	2 500–2 900	Budget option, prone to squeaking at low temperatures.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and aggressive to disks.
• 🔹 Ceramic — quiet and generate little dust, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic - soft and silent, but wear out quickly.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the pads yourself Octavia A5 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and wheel chocks (required!)
• 🔨 Balloon wrench (size 17 mm for wheel nuts).
• 🔩 Socket heads on 13 mm and 17 mm (for caliper).
• 🛠️ Brake piston puller (or a clamp with a flat attachment).
• 🧴 Brake fluid DOT 4 (for topping up when pumping).
• 🧼 Brake cleaner (for example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger).
• 🔧 Hammer and screwdriver (for working with guides).

Also prepare wheel chocks (you can use bricks) and gloves — Brake dust contains asbestos and is harmful to the skin. If you plan to replace the rear pads, you will additionally need parking brake adjustment key (on some modifications).

What to do if the caliper piston does not compress?

If the piston is not recessed with a clamp, check:

1. Condition of the rubber boot (if torn, the caliper needs to be replaced).

2. The presence of corrosion on the piston (try gently tapping it with a hammer through a wooden spacer).

3. Brake fluid level in the reservoir (when the piston is compressed, the liquid rises - if the reservoir is full, it needs to be pumped out with a syringe).

Step-by-step instructions: replacing front pads

Let's start with the front axle, since the front pads wear out faster. Follow the algorithm:

1. Preparation: Place the car on a flat surface, engage first gear and place supports under the rear wheels. Loosen the wheel nuts, but do not remove them completely.

2. Removing the wheel: Raise the vehicle with a jack (the jacking point is indicated on the sill) and remove the wheel. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt brake cleaner.

3. Removing the caliper: Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (head 13 mm). Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope to avoid damaging the brake hose.

4. Replacing pads:

   • 🔧 Remove the old pads (you may need a screwdriver to pry them out).
   • 🧼 Clean the guides and seats from rust and old grease.
   • 🔄 Install new pads after applying copper grease on the back side (not on the friction layer!).

Piston compression: using a clamp or puller, push the caliper piston all the way down. If it does not compress, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir (if necessary, pump out some with a syringe).

Assembly: install the caliper in place, tighten the bolts (tightening torque 30 Nm) and install the wheel. Repeat the procedure for the second wheel.

Make sure the pads are facing the correct way (on some models the left and right are different)|

Check the integrity of the guide boots |

Apply grease to the contact points of the pads and caliper|

Bleed the brakes after replacement (if the pedal becomes soft) -->

A critical nuance: on the Octavia A5 with 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines, the calipers can have a different design (single or double piston). Before purchasing pads, check the modification!

Features of replacing rear pads

Rear pads on Octavia A5 changed less frequently, but the process is more complicated due to integration with the parking brake system. Main differences:

• 🔧 Handbrake adjustment: after replacing the pads, it is necessary to adjust the cable tension (otherwise the handbrake will be weak or overtightened).
• 🔩 Special tool: To press in the rear caliper piston, you need a key to turn the piston (it is screwed in clockwise).
• 🚗 Drum mechanisms: on basic versions (e.g. with engine 1.4 MPI) there may be drum brakes - replacing them requires a different approach.

Algorithm for replacing rear pads:

1. Remove the wheel and unscrew the caliper (similar to the front axle).

2. Turn the piston clockwise, pushing it down. Use a special wrench or pliers.

3. Install new pads, lubricating the contact points. Please note spring clips - they must fit into the grooves on the caliper.

4. After assembly, adjust the handbrake: lift the lever 2-3 clicks and check that the wheels are locked.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing pads. Here are the most common:

⚠️ Attention: Never press the brake pedal with the caliper removed! The piston may fly out of the cylinder and brake fluid may leak out of the system.

Other common mistakes:

• 🔧 Unlubricated guides - lead to souring of the caliper and uneven wear of the pads.
• 🔩 Overtightened caliper bolts - may burst under load (tightening torque no more than 30 Nm).
• 🚗 Ignoring brake disc checks - if their thickness is less 22 mm (for the front) or 10 mm (for the rear), replacement is required.
• 💨 Work without cleaning the seats — Dirt and rust shorten the service life of new pads.

Another common problem is squeak after replacement. It may occur due to:

• 🔊 Lack of anti-squeak plates (included with some pads).
• 🧴 Insufficient lubrication of the back side of the pads.
• 🔧 Incorrect running-in (avoid sudden braking in the first 200 km).

Running in the pads and checking the brakes

After replacing the pads, they must be earn some money - this will increase service life and braking efficiency. Follow this algorithm:

1. First 100–200 km Avoid sudden braking. Brake smoothly from low speed.

2. Then do 5–6 intense braking from speed 60–80 km/h up to 20 km/h (at 1-2 minute intervals for cooling).

3. Check for squeaking or vibration. If yes, the pads may be installed incorrectly or require additional lubrication.

Also required:

• 🔧 Check the brake fluid level (it rises when the pistons compress).
• 🚗 Test the brakes at different speeds (the car should not pull to the side).
• 🔊 Make sure there is no extraneous noise (creaking, knocking).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacement the brake pedal becomes soft or falls down, it is necessary bleed the brake system. This is a sign of air getting into the circuit.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Octavia A5

Is it possible to change pads on only one axle?

No, the pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axle (front or rear). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How much does replacement work cost at a service station?

Average cost of replacing brake pads Octavia A5 in the service:

• 🔧 Front: 1,500–2,500 rubles.
• 🔩 Rear: 2,000–3,000 rubles (due to difficulty with the handbrake).

How often should brake discs be checked?

The discs are checked every time the pads are replaced. Critical wear:

• 🔧 Front: thickness less 22 mm (new - 25 mm).
• 🔩 Rear: thickness less 10 mm (new - 12 mm).

The disc must also be replaced if there are deep grooves or cracks.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

Causes of jerking when braking:

• 🔧 Uneven wear of the discs (re-grooving or replacement required).
• 🔩 Contamination or corrosion of pad seats.
• 🚗 Poor quality pads (especially cheap analogues).

Solution: Inspect the discs, clean the caliper and rebreak in the pads.

Can I use pads from other VW models?

Yes, Octavia A5 built on a platform VW Group PQ35, so pads from:

• 🔧 VW Golf V (2003–2009).
• 🔩 Audi A3 8P (2003–2012).
• 🚗 SEAT Leon 1P (2005–2012).

But check the article numbers by VIN code, as the calipers may differ (for example, on versions with 2.0 TDI they are larger).