Replacing brake pads on a ŠKODA Rapid 2020: instructions with photos and videos

The braking system is one of the key safety components ŠKODA Rapid 2020, and timely replacement of pads guarantees not only effective braking, but also prevents wear of the brake discs. Owners of this model are often faced with the question: when to change the pads, which ones to choose, and can you do it yourself? In this article we will analyze everything from A to Z - from diagnosing wear to the nuances of installing new parts.

Average life of front pads Rapid amounts to 30–50 thousand km, rear - up to 80–100 thousand km, but these figures depend on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions. For example, frequent city driving with traffic jams or aggressive braking reduces the service life by 1.5–2 times. We won't convince you to go to a service center - instead, we'll show you how to save up to 5,000–8,000 rubles on replacement, doing it yourself.

Signs of brake pad wear on a ŠKODA Rapid

The first signal for replacement is creaking or squealing when braking. This operates as a wear indicator (metal plate) that contacts the disc when the friction layer is critically worn. However, not all pads are equipped with such a sensor, so pay attention to other symptoms:

• 🔴 Increased braking distance — the car takes longer to stop even when you press the pedal as usual.
• 🔴 Steering wheel beating when braking - a sign of uneven wear of the pads or deformation of the discs.
• 🔴 Pedal vibration - may indicate caliper misalignment or critical wear of the friction material.
• 🔴 Reduced brake fluid level - an indirect sign, since worn pads require a longer stroke of the caliper piston.

On ŠKODA Rapid 2020 (body NH3) minimum permissible thickness of the friction layer of the pads - 2 mm. You can check it through the caliper inspection window or by removing the wheel. If the layer is thinner, replacement cannot be delayed: the metal base of the pad will begin to scratch the disc, and it will also have to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pads the brake pedal becomes “soft” or falls down, immediately check the tightness of the brake system! This may be a sign of air leaks or fluid leaks.

Which brake pads to choose for ŠKODA Rapid 2020

Original pads from ŠKODA/VW have articles:

• 📌 Front: 1ZB 698 151 A (TRW) or 6R0 698 151 (ATE).
• 📌 Rear: 6R0 698 451 A (models with drum brakes use different part numbers).

The cost of the original is from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles per set per axle. However, there are worthy analogues:

Brand	Article (front)	Article (rear)	Price per axle, rub.	Features
TRW	GDB1646	GDB1650	2 800–3 200	High quality friction material, low noise
ATE	13.0460-7108.2	13.0460-7153.2	3 000–3 500	Optimal price/quality balance, original supplier for VW Group
Brembo	P 24 064	P 24 065	3 800–4 200	Sporty performance, but may squeak for the first 200–300 km
Bosch	0 986 494 720	0 986 494 758	2 500–2 900	Budget option, suitable for a relaxed driving style

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and aggressive to disks.
• 🔹 Ceramic - quiet and gentle on disks, but more expensive and less efficient at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic - soft, make little noise, but wear out quickly.

For Rapid 2020 optimal choice - ATE or TRW with a semi-metallic composition.

Tools and materials for replacement

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
• 🔧 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔧 Socket heads at 13, 15 and 17 mm (for caliper and guides).
• 🔧 7 mm hexagon (for some caliper models).
• 🔧 Hammer and screwdriver (for removing old pads).
• 🔧 Guide lubricant (for example, TRW PFG110 or Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT 4 (for topping up if necessary).
• 🔧 Metal brush and brake cleaner (for example, LIQUI MOLY Bremsen-Reiniger).

⚠️ Attention: Never use WD-40 or other all-purpose lubricants on the caliper guides! They cannot withstand high temperatures and can cause the mechanism to jam.

Also prepare:

• 🧤 Gloves (brake dust is toxic!).
• 📸 Smartphone for photographing the disassembly stages (useful during assembly).
• 🔋 Flashlight — lighting under the car is often insufficient.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing front pads

Let's start with the front axle, since it wears out faster. The process is the same for left and right wheels:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt with a brush. Do not use water - it may get on the friction surfaces.

2. Unscrew the lower caliper bolt (usually 15 or 17 mm). There is no need to touch the top bolt - the caliper will rotate on it like on a hinge.

3. Lift the caliper up and secure it with wire or a tie so that it does not hang on the brake hose.

4. Remove old pads. If they are stuck, carefully pry them off with a screwdriver. Clean the seats from rust and dust.

5. Sink the caliper piston. To do this, use a special tool or an adjustable wrench. Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed! The piston may fly out and brake fluid may leak.

6. Install new pads. Pay attention to the position of the anti-squeak plates (if they are included).

7. Lubricate the caliper guides special lubricant and reassemble everything in reverse order.

After replacement press the brake pedal several timesso that the piston is straightened and the pads take their working position. For the first 100–200 km, avoid sharp braking - the pads need to get used to.

Features of replacing rear pads

Rear pads on ŠKODA Rapid 2020 (if it is not a drum system) change similarly to the front ones, but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Handbrake. Before replacement fully lower the parking brake lever. If the pads are “grabbed” by a cable, they will be difficult to remove.
• 🔹 Piston adjustment. On the rear calipers, the piston is screwed in clockwise. To do this, use a special key or pliers.
• 🔹 Electronic handbrake. If your Rapid equipped EPB (electromechanical parking brake), before replacing the pads, you must put the system into maintenance mode via a diagnostic scanner or a combination of buttons (instructions below).

For models with EPB:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the handbrake up button for 10–15 secondsuntil you hear a beep.
3. Release the button - the indicator on the dashboard will light up EPB in maintenance mode.

After replacing the pads, return the system to operating mode using the same method.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the rear pads the indicator EPB flashes or lights up continuously, errors must be reset via diagnostic equipment (for example, VCDS or OBDeleven).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• ❌ Unlubricated guides - leads to caliper jamming and uneven pad wear.
• ❌ Mixed up pads (left/right, internal/external) - degrades braking performance.
• ❌ Non-recessed piston — the caliper will not fit into place, and when installed forcefully, the pads will jam.
• ❌ Ignoring the squeak after replacement - often caused by the absence of anti-squeak plates or improper installation.

To avoid problems:

• ✅ Check before assembly caliper mobility - it should move easily along the guides.
• ✅ Make sure piston and guide boots not damaged.
• ✅ After replacement, check brake fluid level — when the piston is retracted, it may rise.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car pulls to the side?

If after replacing the pads ŠKODA Rapid leads to the left or right, the reasons may be the following:

1. **Uneven caliper tightening** - check the bolt tightening torques (usually 30–35 Nm).

2. **Dirty or corroded guides** - clean and re-lubricate them.

3. **Different quality of pads on wheels of the same axle** - use pads of the same brand and batch.

4. **Brake disc deformation** - check the disc runout with an indicator (tolerance no more than 0.05 mm).

If the problem persists, suspension diagnostics are required (wheel alignment, condition of silent blocks).

Running in new pads and maintaining the brake system

First 200–300 km after replacing the pads they require careful operation:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden braking — the friction material should rub in evenly.
• 🚗 Do not use handbrake the first day (if the rear pads were changed).
• 🚗 Control heating the wheels after a trip - if one wheel is hotter than the others, check the caliper.

To extend pad life:

• 🔧 Regularly clean the calipers from dirt (once every 10,000 km).
• 🔧 Check disc thickness - minimum acceptable for Rapid 2020: 19 mm (before) and 10 mm (back).
• 🔧 Use high quality brake fluid and change it every 2 years.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on the ŠKODA Rapid

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

No! Pads are always changed in pairs on the same axis (front or rear). Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling to the side when braking.

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

Cost of work in the official service ŠKODA - from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles for the axle. In unofficial car services the price is lower: 1,500–2,500 rubles. Self-replacement allows you to save up to 70% of this amount.

How often should the pad thickness be checked?

It is recommended to inspect the pads every 10,000 km or before a long trip. If you drive aggressively or frequently around town, reduce the interval to 5,000 km.

What should I do if the squeaking does not go away after replacing the pads?

Causes of squeaking after replacement:

• 🔹 The pads are not worn in (wait 200–300 km).
• 🔹 Anti-squeak plates are missing (install them).
• 🔹 Low quality friction material (replace with pads of another brand).
• 🔹 Caliper misalignment (check guides).

If the squeak does not disappear after 500 km, contact a service center for diagnostics.

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

Brake bleeding is only required if:

• 🔹 You opened the hydraulic system (for example, disconnected the brake hose).
• 🔹 The brake fluid level has dropped below the minimum level.
• 🔹 The brake pedal has become “soft” or falls down.

If you only changed the pads and did not violate the tightness of the system, bleeding is not necessary.