Replacement of front brake pads on ŠKODA Octavia A5: instructions with photos and tips

Replacing front brake pads with Škoda Octavia A5 (body 1Z3 or 1Z52004-2013: A procedure that many owners prefer to do on their own. And for good reason: with the right approach, the work will take 1-2 hours, save 3-4-5 thousand rubles for the service station and give confidence in the quality of the work performed. However, there are nuances here: from the choice of pads (original vs analogues) to the correct installation of the caliper and pumping the brakes.

In this article - step by step instructions with photosAnalysis of typical errors (for example, why the steering wheel creaks or “beats” after replacement), recommendations on tools and spare parts, as well as answers to frequent questions. The material is relevant for gasoline and diesel versions Octavia A5 with disc brakes in the front, including complete sets Ambition, Elegance and RS.

When to change the shoes: signs of wear and regulations

Manufacturer Škoda Recommends that the thickness of the front pads be checked every time 15,000 km, and replacement should be carried out when worn out until 2–3 mm (excluding metallic base). However, the real life depends on the style of driving, the quality of spare parts and operating conditions. For example, in a city with frequent braking, the pads “live” 20–30 thousand. km, and on the road - up to 50 thousand. km.

The need for replacement is indicated by:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking (the wear indicator touches the disc).
• 📏 Reducing the thickness of the pad up to 3-4 mm (visually through the spokes of the wheel).
• 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel Or "soft" braking.
• 🔥 Extraneous vibrations on the steering wheel (may indicate deformation of the disk).

⚠️ Attention: If the pads appeared deep grooves or chips, and the disc has a "burtic" on the edge - a replacement is required. and pads and discs.. Savings on disks will lead to uneven wear of new pads.

To check the thickness without removing the wheel, use slot gauge Or a ruler through a hole in the caliper. Norm for Octavia A5: the initial thickness of the pad is 12–14 mm, the minimum permissible is 7 mm (taking into account the friction layer).

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original pads for Škoda Octavia A5 supplies TRW (article 1K0 698 151 A for most versions). Their advantages: guaranteed compatibility, minimal wear of the discs and the absence of creaks. However, the price for the set (4 units) - from 3,500 rubles. Alternatives:

Brand	Article	Price (set)	Features
TRW (original)	GDB1546	3 500–4 200 ₽	No creaking, soft braking.
ATE	13.0460-7206.2	2 800–3 300 ₽	Moderate disc wear, suitable for aggressive driving
Brembo	P 24 056	3 000–3 800 ₽	High efficiency, but creaking in cold weather is possible
Ferodo	FDB1546	2 500–3 000 ₽	Budget option, quick wear

For Octavia A5 RS (motor 2.0 TFSI) and versions with 1.8 TSI Recommended shoes with increased friction coefficient (for example, ATE Ceramic or Brembo Xtra). They can withstand high temperatures with intense braking.

⚠️ Attention: Do not install the pads with asbestos composition (banned in the EU) – they are harmful to health and quickly destroy discs. Look for the markings. ECE R90 on the packaging.

When purchasing, check:

• 📦 Availability of certificate (Fakes are often sold without documents).
• 🔍 Condition of the friction layer There should be no cracks or stratifications.
• 🔧 Completeness: pads (4 pcs), guiding plates, lubricant for calipers.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and stand (or an observation pit).
• 🔩 Balloon wrench (size 17 or 19 depending on the disc).
• 🔧 Socket heads on 13, 15 and 17 (for calipers and guides).
• 🛠️ Hammer and flat blade screwdriver (to press the piston).
• 🧴 Caliper Lubricant (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 🧤 Brake fluid DOT 4 (to be added if required).
• 🧲 Magnet or wire (to hang the caliper)

Before starting work:

1. Park your car on flat surfaceTurn on the gear and put it on the hand.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting on the jack (but don't remove it completely!).
3. Open the hood and remove the brake fluid tank cover (when the piston is pressed in, the level will rise).
4. Clean the caliper and disc from dirt wire brush.

Reduce wheel bolts |Open brake fluid tank |Elevate car on jack and install stand |Remove wheel and clean caliper of dirt-->

If the brake discs have collar more than 1 mm high or deep grooves, they should be welded or replaced. For Octavia A5 Original discs come with an article 1K0 615 301 AB (front, diameter) 288 mm).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads

The process is the same for the left and right wheels. Let's start with right side (in the direction of travel):

1. Removing the caliper:

   • Unscrew two caliper mounting bolts (head on 13 or 15).
   • Take off the caliper carefully and Hang him on the wire. (Don't let it hang on the hose!)

2. Removing old pads:

   • Take out guide plates (If they are, WD-40 will help.)
   • Remove outer and inner pads (The inside can stick to the piston – don’t pull sharply!)

3. Piston pressing:

   • Use sliding pliers Or a special tool to sink the piston into the cylinder.
   • On models with ESP The piston is screwed (turn over). clockwise).

   ⚠️ Attention: If the piston is not pressed in - check condition in the caliper. When the cylinder is broken, repair or replacement will be required.

4. Installing new pads:

   • Apply grease-layer The back and the back of the pads (not the friction layer!).
   • Install anti-squeak plates (if included).
   • Put the pads in the caliper: external (from the disk side) and internal (from the piston side).

5. Assembly:

   • Set the caliper in place and tighten the bolts moment 30 Nm.
   • Put on the wheel, lower the car and bleed the brakes (Put the pedal 5-6 times to the point).

Repeat the procedure for left-wheel. After replacement, check:

• 🔄 Brake pedal travel It must not "fail" to fail.
• 🚗 Lack of withdrawal The cars are sideways when braking.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (Screaking in the first 100 km is the norm, if then disappears).

What to do if the caliper piston does not press in?

If the piston is stuck, try the following steps:

1. Check the level of brake fluid - if the tank is full, drain a little.

2. Use special tool for screwing in the piston (for models with ESP).

3. If the piston corroded, treat it with WD-40 and gently scroll through the passages.

4. In extreme cases, you will need a replacement caliper or repair kit (cuffs + anther).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

1. Incorrect installation of pads:

   Confused left-handed or internal/external sides. On the pads there are usually labels (for example, the arrow of the direction of rotation of the disk).

2. Lack of lubrication on guides:

   Leads to caliper jamming and uneven wear. Use high temperature grease (not Litol!).

3. Unpumped brakes after replacement:

   If you do not press the pedal several times, the pads will not press against the disc, and the braking distance will increase.

4. Ignoring the state of the discs:

   Installation of new pads on erased or deformed disks reduce their service life by 2-3 times.

Another common problem is squeak after replacement. Reasons:

• 🔊 No anti-squeak plates (Buy separately if they are not included).
• 🧴 Poor quality lubricant on the back of the pads.
• 🔧 Caliper jamming because of the dirt on the guides.

New scaling: rules and recommendations

First 200–300 km After replacement, the shoes require careful running. Follow the rules:

• 🚦 Avoid hard braking in the first 100 km - the friction layer should "glue" to the disk.
• 🔥 Don't overheat your brakes (For example, a long period of time on the road).
• 🚿 Do not wash your wheels with cold water. After intensive braking - this deforms the discs.

To accelerate the scoring, perform 3-4 control braking from speed 60–80 km/h up to 20 km/h at intervals of 1-2 km. This will remove micro-nervities on the surface of pads and discs.

Screaming in the early days is a normal phenomenon (especially for pads with a high metal content). If the sound is not lost after 500 km, check:

• The quality of the installation (are there any distortions).
• Disk state (possibly required to leak).
• Availability of lubricant on the caliper guides.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No! Pads are always changed pair on one axis (front or rear). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, and the car will be taken aside.

How much does it cost to replace brake pads at a service station?

The average price in services -- 1,500–2,500 rubles Replacement of the front pads (excluding spare parts). At dealerships. Škoda The cost can reach 3000-4000 rubles.

How often do you need to change brake fluid when replacing pads?

It is recommended to replace the brake fluid every time. 2 years or 40,000 km (by regulation) Škoda). If you pressed the piston of the caliper and the liquid in the tank darkened - this is a sign that it is time to update it.

Is it possible to drive if only one pad wears out?

Nope! If one of the shoes is worn out more than the other, this indicates that caliperation or guide-break. Operation in this state is dangerous - braking force is distributed unevenly.

Which pads are best for winter use?

For cold climates, pads with ceramic composition (for example, ATE Ceramic or Textar). They creak less in the cold and warm up faster. Avoid high metal pads – they “blown” at sub-zero temperatures.