Vehicle operation Škoda Fabia 2 requires regular maintenance, and the braking system comes first here. Wear of friction linings is a natural process that directly affects traffic safety. If you hear grinding noises or notice increased pedal travel, it's time to take action.
Ignoring signals about the need for replacement can lead to destruction of the brake discs, which will significantly increase the cost of repairs. Owners Skoda Fabia are often faced with design features of the rear caliper that require a specific approach when installing new elements. Correct diagnostics and sequence of work will save you from unnecessary costs and ensure predictable behavior of the car on the road.
Symptoms of wear and diagnostics of the brake system
The condition of the brake elements can be determined not only by the dashboard, but also by characteristic signs in the behavior of the car. The most obvious signal is a metallic squealing or squealing sound when you press the brake pedal. The sound occurs when a worn pad begins to touch the metal base or wear indicator.
The second important factor is the length of the run. For Škoda Fabia 2 The service life of the front pads is usually from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers, while the rear ones can last up to 60-70 thousand kilometers. However, these figures are highly dependent on driving style and operating conditions. If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, wear will occur much faster.
Do not forget about the visual signs that can be found when inspecting the wheels. A thin layer of brake dust on the disc is normal, but if the dust is absent or is uneven, the guide finger may have jammed. Also carefully examine the thickness of the friction lining through the window in the caliper.
- 🚨 Screaming or screeching when braking, especially at the beginning of movement
- 🚨 Increased movement of the brake pedal or its “failure”
- 🚨 Vibration of the steering wheel or body during sudden braking
- 🚨 Lighted lamp "Service" or wear indicator on the dashboard
⚠️ Attention: Don’t expect to completely wipe the pads to metal! This is guaranteed to lead to a deep duct of the brake disc, which will have to be changed along with new pads, doubling the cost of repair.
Selection of suitable components and necessary tools
Before you start work, you need to prepare a high-quality set of spare parts and tools. The auto parts market offers a huge selection, from original parts to quality analogues. For Skoda Fabia Brand pads are often used TRW, ATE, Textar or Brembo. Original spare parts from Škoda They are usually labeled with the prefix of the VW Group.
It is important to pay attention to the presence of a wear sensor. On the front wheels. Škoda Fabia 2 The sensor is often embedded directly into the right shoe. When replacing, be sure to buy a new sensor, as the old one may be damaged when dismantled or already have a chain break. On the rear wheels, the sensor is usually absent or made in the form of a mechanical indicator on the lining itself.
From the tools you will need a standard set of heads, keys, jack and stops. Pay special attention to the key for diluting the piston caliper. For the rear calipers on this model, a special rattle tool or a universal key is often required to press the piston with a twist. A regular rod will not work here, since the piston is screwed inside.
- 🛠️ Set of end heads (13, 15, 17 mm)
- 🛠️ Dynamometer key for tightening wheel bolts and caliper
- 🛠️ Special tool for folding the piston of the rear caliper
- 🛠️ Brake cleaner and lubricant for guide calipers (high temperature)
- Original (VAG)
- ATE/TRW
- Ferodo/Simons
- Budget analogue
Step-by-step instructions for replacing front brake pads
The replacement process begins with the preparation of the vehicle. Install the car on a flat surface, turn on the hand brake and put the stops under the rear wheels. Relax the bolts of the front wheel mount, then lift the car with a jack and remove the wheel. Now you have access to the brake mechanism.
Caliper Škoda Fabia 2 It is mounted with two guide bolts at the bottom and top. Unscrew them with a hexagon or a key by 7 mm (depending on the year of release). Remove the caliper bracket, hang it on the wire so as not to damage the brake hose. Old pads can be removed manually or with a light hammer stroke if they are boiled.
Before installing new elements, the seats must be cleaned. Remove rust and dirt from the support shield and brackets. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature lubricant to the guiding fingers and the places of contact of the pad with the brace. It is important not to get lubrication on the working surface of the brake disc or friction linings!
☑️ Preparing to replace the front pads
Install new pads in the brace. If you have changed the wear sensor, connect its new connector to the wiring of the car. Slightly squeeze the piston caliper into the body so that it can freely rely on a new disc and pads. This can be done with a conventional strub or flat screwdriver, rotating the piston.
⚠️ Attention: Before pressing the piston, be sure to open the lid of the tank with brake fluid. When the piston is pressed, the liquid level will rise, and without control it can spill over the edge, which is dangerous for paint and rubber seals.
Before installing the caliper bracket, check the condition of the rubber covers of the guiding fingers. If they are torn, the lubricant inside will dry and the caliper will jam, which will lead to uneven wear of the pads and overheating of the disc.
Features of replacing rear brake pads
Rear brake system Škoda Fabia 2 It has its own design features. The piston of the rear caliper is not just compressed, it is screwed inside the body. If you try to push it by force without turning, you will break the piston mechanism or damage the spindle. Therefore, the use of a special tool or adapter for a rattle is a prerequisite.
First, remove the caliper just like the front one. Remove the old pads. If they have spring clamps (clips), carefully remove them and install them on new pads if they don't come complete with new details. Often new pads already have pre-installed metal plates that reduce noise.
Insert the tool into the piston hole, combining the slits. Rotate the piston clockwise, simultaneously pressing it until it rests in the bottom of the body. It could take a few turns. Make sure the piston is up straight and not skewed.
- 🛑 Use only a specialized tool to rotate the piston.
- 🛑 Control the level of brake fluid in the tank (it will rise)
- 🛑 Check the condition of the piston anther before assembly
What to do if the piston does not screw in?
If the piston is jammed due to corrosion, do not use excessive force. Try to shake it slightly, while screwing it up. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to remove the entire caliper and disassemble it with a piston replacement, as corrosion could damage the spindle.
The main feature of the rear pads of the Škoda Fabia 2 is the need to rotate the piston when it is pressed, which requires a special tool.
Checking the wear sensor and working with the wiring
On many versions Škoda Fabia 2 An electronic wear sensor is installed. It is a plastic case with a metal contact that cuts into a friction lining. When the pad is erased, the contact is closed to the disk, and the signal is sent to the onboard computer. After replacement, it is necessary to check the integrity of the wiring.
If you see that the sensor wiring is rubbed or the connector is melted, you need to replace not only the sensor itself, but also a piece of wire. It often happens that the sensor is triggered, but when replacing the pads, the wire breaks. In this case, the system can give an error even with new pads. Use a multimeter to check the chain for a cliff.
Properly install the new sensor in the pad slot. He should sit tight and have a little backlash, but not hang out. The connector shall be directed so as not to cling to the wheel disc or suspension elements when the wheel is rotating.
If the dashboard has a lamp for replacing the pads even after installing new parts, an error reset may be required through a diagnostic scanner or OBD adapter.
Final assembly and testing of brakes
After installing all the elements, collect the caliper, tighten the guide bolts to the moment specified in the instructions (usually 25-30 Nm). Set the wheel and lower the car. Don't rush right away. Press the brake pedal several times with effort so that the pistons press against the new pads and the gaps are restored.
Check the level of brake fluid in the expansion tank. It's got to be between the marks. MIN and MAX. If the level is too high, pump out some of the liquid, otherwise it may spill out when heated. Make sure the pedal is solid and doesn’t fall to the floor.
For the first 100-200 kilometers after replacement, avoid heavy braking. The pads must be run-in so that the friction material is evenly attached to the disk. Sharp braking on cold or newly installed pads can lead to overheating and deformation of the disc.
| Parameter | Front pads | Rear pads |
|---|---|---|
| Piston type | Direct pressing | Rotating indentation |
| Availability of sensor | Usually there (right) | Rarely (mechanical) |
| Average resource | 30-50 thousand km | 50-70 thousand km |
| Guide tightening torque | 25-30 N·m | 25-30 N·m |
⚠️ Attention: If the brake pedal remains soft or pulses after replacement, there may be air in the system. The brake pumping procedure will be required.
The running of new pads is critical for their durability and braking efficiency. Avoid extreme loads in the first 200 km.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Do I need to change brake discs and pads?
It depends on the state of the discs. If they have deep furrows, production of more than 2 mm or thermal cracks - replacement is required. If the disc is within tolerances and has a smooth surface, you can limit yourself to pads only, but be sure to wipe them when running.
Can I use pads from other VAG models?
Many details are unified. Boots from Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Rapid or Seat Ibiza They are often suitable for fasteners, but always check the articles before buying. Make sure that the size of the friction lining and the shape of the metal base are identical.
Why do new pads squeak after replacement?
Scream can be caused by several reasons: lack of lubrication in the places of contact with the metal bracket, the presence of air in the system or the lack of running-in. Also, some cheap brands have a hard friction mixture that takes time to work.
How often should the brake system be checked?
It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection at each passage of the planned maintenance (once every 15 000 km or year). If there are creaks or changes in the behavior of the pedal, the check should be carried out immediately, without waiting for the deadlines.
Do I need to change the lubrication of the guides with each replacement of the pads?
Yeah, that's good practice. Old lubricant can become contaminated and lose its properties, which will lead to a jamming of the caliper. Clean the guides from the old lubricant and apply a fresh layer of high-temperature paste before installation.