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

Replacing front brake pads with ŠKODA Octavia A5 (body 1Z32004-2013: A procedure that many car owners prefer to do on their own. And for good reason: with the right approach, work takes 1-1.5 hours, saving up to 3-5 thousand rubles for service stations. However, there are pitfalls here – from choosing compatible pads to correctly installing the caliper to avoid. squeaking brakes or uneven wear.

In this article, we will take a step-by-step look at the whole process: what tools will be needed, how to remove old pads without damaging the guides, when to change brake discs along with the pads, and why after replacing them. The first 200 km should be braked carefully. (This is due to the new friction overlays). You will also know which brands are best suited for Octavia A5 with engines 1.4 TSI, 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDIHow to avoid common mistakes when reassembling.

When do you need to change the front brake pads on an Octavia A5?

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake pads every 15–20 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style, quality of spare parts and operating conditions. For example, in the urban cycle with frequent acceleration and braking, the pads wear out 2-3 times faster than on the highway.

The need for replacement can be determined by the following signs:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - a signal of critical wear of the friction material (often the pads are equipped with special wear indicators).
• 📏 The thickness of the friction lining is less 3–4 mm (the norm for new pads is 10–12 mm).
• 🚗 Enlarged brake-pedal Or its vibration when pressed.
• 🔥 Appearance metal shavings on the brake disc - a sign that the pad has worn down to the base.

Important: if the discs have already formed deep grooves or their thickness is less 20 mm (for Octavia A5 standard - 22-25 mm), the pads are changed together with the discs. Ignoring this rule leads to uneven braking and the risk of deformation of new pads.

⚠️ Attention: On models with 2.0 TDI (140 hp) and 1.8 TSI Brake calipers are larger than on the basic versions 1.4/1.6. Make sure that the selected pads are suitable for your modification - information can be specified by VIN code or in the catalog ETKA.

Which pads to choose for the ŠKODA Octavia A5: review of brands and articles

There are more than 50 brands of brake pads on the market, but for Octavia A5 Best options for manufacturers specializing in European cars. Main selection criteria:

• 🔧 Compatibility with caliper (single-piston or double-piston).
• 📝 Availability ECE R90 certificate (A guarantee of compliance with European standards).
• 🔥 Friction coefficient (Optimally, 0.35-0.45 for daily driving).

The table below shows proven options for different modifications Octavia A5:

Brand	Article	Pad type	Compatibility (engine)	Notes
TRW	GDB1446	Ceramic	1.4 TSI, 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI	Minimum dustiness, mild braking
ATE	13.0460-2820.2	Semi-metallic	2.0 TDI (140 hp)	High resource, but increased wear of disks
Brembo	P 24 037	Low metal	1.8 TSI, 2.0 TSI	Optimal for aggressive driving
Bosch	0 986 494 219	Organic	1.4 TSI, 1.6 MPI	Budget option, average resource

Advice: If you prefer foot-stool, pay attention to models with counter-script (for example, TRW GDB1446 or Ferodo FDB1446). They are equipped with special dampers that extinguish vibrations during braking.

Tools and materials for replacing pads

To work, you will need not only a standard set of keys, but also specialized devices. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Balloon wrench and a jack (or lift).
• 🔩 Head set: E12, E14, 13 mm, 17 mm.
• 🛠️ Brake piston puller (or clamp with adapter).
• 🧴 Copper grease for caliper guides (for example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste).
• 🧹 Metal brush and brake cleaner (Brembo Cleaner).
• 🔧 7 mm hexagon (for unscrewing the guides).

We also recommend preparing:

• 📦 New spring brackets (If the old ones have lost their strength)
• 🛑 Stubborn pads (for the staining of the stains on the stain).
• 🧤 Gloves (brake dust contains asbestos and is harmful to the skin).

⚠️ Attention: Never use WD-40 Or other universal lubricants for guide calipers! They burn out at high temperatures, which leads to a jamming of the piston. Only specialized high temperature lubricants based on copper or ceramics.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing front pads

Before starting work, make sure that the vehicle is parked flat surfaceand the handbrake. released (on Octavia A5 with a mechanical box, turn on the first gear. Follow the algorithm further:

Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Caliper

1. Relax the wheel bolts, lift the car with a jack and remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 17 mm and 13 mm).
3. Carefully hang the caliper on the wire or a special hook so as not to damage the brake hose.

Step 2: Removing old pads

1. Remove the spring braces (if any).
2. Take the pads out of the guides. If they are "stiffened", use the screwdriver as a lever, but do not make excessive efforts - you can damage the brake disc.
3. Clean the guides and seats of the pad with a brush on metal.

Step 3. Recessing the caliper piston

This is the most critical stage. On Octavia A5 The piston can be drowned in two ways:

• 🔧 Using a puller (Smoothly screwing the piston back in).
• 🔩 Clamp (Clutching the piston between the new pad and the caliper).

Important: on models with ESP pre-piston Be sure to open the lid of the brake fluid tankOtherwise, there is a risk of damage to the main brake cylinder!

Step 4. Installing new pads

1. Apply a thin layer copper grease The sleeves (but not the sleeves!)
2. Set the pads in reverse order, making sure that wear indicators (if any) are located disk-side.
3. Secure the caliper and tighten the bolts with the moment 30–35 Nm.

Step 5. Verification and running-in

After assembly:

• 🔄 Pump the brakes (press the pedal 3-5 times before resistance appears).
• 🚗 Drive 5-10 km at a speed of 40-60 km / h, periodically slowing down so that the pads are worn.

What to do if the piston does not recess?

If the piston is stuck, try the following:

1. Check if the brake fluid tank cover is open.

2. Use special tool for turning the piston (on some calipers it is screwed clockwise).

3. If the piston corroded - replace the caliper or repair it with a remplekt.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to brake-creakUneven wear or even failure of the brake system. Here are the most frequent of them:

• 🔧 Unlubricated guides - leads to caliper wedging and accelerated pad wear.
• 🔩 Overtightened caliper bolts - could deform the brake disc.
• 🧴 Grease getting on friction linings - reduces braking efficiency.
• 🚗 Unbleeded brakes after replacement, the pedal will be “soft”.

Pay special attention anti-squeak plates. On Octavia A5 they are often lost during disassembly, but without them the pads begin to vibrate after 1–2 thousand km. If the plates are not included in the kit, they can be purchased separately (item number for TRW — PFG110).

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the pads on models with ESP The system fault indicator may come on. This is normal - the error will reset automatically after 2-3 braking cycles. If the light does not go out, check the brake fluid level or reset the error using a diagnostic scanner.

Do I need to change brake discs and pads?

Brake discs on Octavia A5 designed for 2–3 pad changes, but their condition must be assessed individually. Critical signs for replacement:

• 📏 Disc thickness less 20 mm (nominal value for new ones is 22–25 mm).
• 🔍 Visible cracks or deep grooves (more than 1 mm).
• 🔄 Disc runout (feels like vibration on the steering wheel when braking).

If the discs are in good condition, but have minor grooves, they can be turned on a lathe. However, after grooving, the thickness of the disc must remain at least 20.5 mm.

For Octavia A5 Wheels from the following brands are suitable:

• ATE (24.0120-0117.2) - optimal price/quality ratio.
• Brembo (09.9662.11) - premium segment, high resource.
• TRW (DF4546) - original quality, but more expensive than analogues.

When replacing disks, be sure to use new mounting bolts (they are disposable and lose strength after unscrewing). Article number of original bolts for Octavia A5 — N 908 132 02.

Running in new pads: why is it important?

First 200–300 km after replacing the pads is a critical period. At this time it happens running-in of friction material to the disc, and how long the new parts will last depends on the driving style.

Follow these guidelines:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden braking in the first 100 km.
• 🔥 Do not overload the brakes (for example, by prolonged braking on a descent).
• 📉 Gradually increase the load: the first 50 km - light braking, then you can load harder.

If you ignore break-in, the pads may:

• 🔊 start creak within 1–2 weeks.
• 📉 wear out unevenly (for example, only from one edge).
• 🔥 Overheat, which leads to brake disc deformation.

Advice: if after running in the pads still squeak, try applying it to the back side of them. anti-squeak paste (for example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste). This eliminates vibration and extends the life of the pads.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on Octavia A5

Can the pads be placed on only one side?

No! Pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (i.e. on both front wheels at the same time). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling to the side when braking.

How much do original pads cost for an Octavia A5?

Original pads ŠKODA (article 1ZB 698 151) cost about 3,500–4,000 rubles per set for both sides. Analogs (for example, TRW or ATE) will cost 1,500–2,500 rubles.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing the pads?

Pumping is only needed if you opened the brake system (for example, disconnected the hoses or changed the caliper). If you just removed the caliper and recessed the piston, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times for the piston to take the working position.

Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the pads?

This may be caused by:

1. Insufficient brake fluid level (add to maximum).
2. Air entering the system (needs bleeding).
3. Incorrect installation of the caliper (check the tightness of the bolts).

How often should you check the brake pads on an Octavia A5?

Recommended interval - every 15,000 km or once a year (whichever comes first). If you often drive in the city or on mountain roads, check the pads every 10,000 km.