The operation of a modern car requires regular monitoring of safety systems, and the braking system takes first place here. For owners Skoda Rapid 2021 model year, the issue of replacing brake elements becomes relevant after overcoming the first 30-40 thousand kilometers. Ignoring wear can lead to expensive caliper repairs or even accidents on the road.
The replacement procedure is not radically complicated if you are familiar with the basic structure of the car, but it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Unlike older models, modern versions Rapid equipped with more complex mechanisms, including electronic parking brakes on the rear axle, which changes the approach to dismantling.
In this article we will analyze not only the replacement technology itself, but also the subtleties of choosing consumables. You will learn which part numbers are suitable for your car, how to correctly reset an error on the dashboard, and why saving on brakes can result in serious financial losses in the future.
Signs of wear and diagnostics of the brake system
You can determine the need for replacement not only by mileage, but also by the characteristic signs that the car gives during operation. The first and most obvious signal is the appearance of a specific metallic grinding sound when you press the brake pedal. This means that the friction layer has completely depleted and the metal base of the pad has begun to come into contact with the brake disc.
The second alarm bell is a change in pedal behavior. If you feel vibration or pounding when braking, this may indicate not only worn pads, but also deformation of the disc itself. In the case of Skoda Rapid 2021, where ventilated discs are often used at the front, it is important to respond to any extraneous sounds in a timely manner.
It is also worth paying attention to the braking efficiency. If the car stops worse and the pedal sinks deeper than usual, the problem may lie in the quality of the linings or in the depressurization of the system. Regular visual inspection through the rims allows you to identify critical wear before it becomes fatal.
- π A whistling or grinding noise occurs when you lightly touch the brake pedal.
- π Increased braking distance on dry asphalt.
- π Vibration of the steering wheel or body during sudden braking.
β οΈ Caution: If you hear a dull metallic knock when braking, this may mean that the brake pad has completely worn out and the metal plate is destroying the brake rotor. In this case, replacement is necessary immediately, otherwise the cost of repairs will increase significantly.
Selection of original spare parts and analogues
Choosing the right brake pads is fundamental to your vehicle's safety. For model Skoda Rapid 2021, the manufacturer recommends using original components that guarantee compatibility with the ABS and ESP systems. However, the market offers many high-quality analogues that can be cheaper and still not inferior in performance.
When searching for spare parts, it is important to focus on specific article codes, since, depending on the configuration and engine, calipers from different manufacturers (for example, ATE, TRW or Brembo) can be installed on the car. An incorrectly selected size or shape of the fastener can result in the pads simply not fitting into the caliper or becoming jammed.
It is worth considering options from trusted brands such as Textar, TRW or ATE, who are often suppliers to the conveyor belt. These manufacturers offer excellent dust generation and wear resistance. Avoid the cheapest offers from unknown Chinese brands, as they may not withstand high temperatures and quickly lose their properties.
Below is a table with the current part numbers for the front and rear brake systems of your car.
| Brake type | Original article | Popular analogue | Average price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 5Q0 698 151 B | TRW GDB1357 | 2 500 - 3 200 |
| Front (set with sensor) | 1K0 698 451 B | ATE 13.0460-5806.2 | 3 800 - 4 500 |
| Rear | 5Q0 698 151 C | Textar 92200300 | 1 800 - 2 400 |
| Wear sensor (front) | 1K0 927 803 E | SWAG 10 92 7803 | 900 - 1 200 |
Please note that the wear sensor on the front wheels is a consumable item and must be replaced along with the pads if it has tripped or is visibly damaged. On the rear axle, some trim levels may not have a wear sensor, which simplifies maintenance, but requires a more careful visual inspection.
- β Always check the presence of protective film on new pads before installation.
- π Check the article number on the box with the catalog number in the service book.
- π‘οΈ Please purchase a wear indicator separately if it is not included in the package.
- Original Skoda
- ATE
- TRW
- Textar
- Other
Preparing for DIY replacement
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. The vehicle must be parked on a level and solid surface. If you are working in a garage, make sure there is enough room to maneuver and store removed parts. To lift the car, use a reliable jack and be sure to secure it with safety stands (goats).
You will need a standard set of wrenches and sockets, including 13mm, 15mm and 17mm socket wrenches. Also don't forget about hex sockets (usually 5mm), which are often used to attach caliper brackets. Be sure to have a can of brake cleaner and graphite guide lube ready.
Remove the wheel caps (if any) and loosen the wheel mount nuts even before the machine is lifted. This is important because holding the wheel on weight and exerting force to unscrew the nut will be difficult and unsafe. After lifting the car, fully unscrew the nuts and remove the wheel, putting it under the threshold for insurance.
- π§ Prepare a jack, safety stands and a set of tools in advance.
- π§Ή Clean the caliper from dirt and dust before disassembly.
- π’οΈ Have a container on hand to drain old brake fluid (if necessary).
β οΈ Warning: Never leave your car only on a jack without installing safety stands under it. The hydraulic system of the jack can fail, which will lead to a fall of the car and serious injuries.
βοΈ Replacement Tools
Step-by-step replacement of front brake pads
We begin the process by dismantling the caliper. On Skoda Rapid In 2021, the caliper is usually fastened by two guide bolts at the bottom and top. Use a 13 or 15 mm head (depending on the year of manufacture and the caliper manufacturer) to unscrew them. After unscrewing the bolts carefully take the caliper to the side, preventing it from hanging on the brake hose - tie it with a wire to the suspension spring.
Remove the old brake pads from the bracket. Examine the brace for burrs or corrosion that may interfere with the free passage of new parts. If the brace is heavily contaminated, clean it with a brush and brake cleaner. Remove old spring-loaded fixers and install new ones that often come bundled with pads.
Before installing new shoes, it is necessary to drown the caliper piston back into the body. This can be done with a special tool or mounting blade, but be sure to monitor the level of brake fluid in the tank so that it does not flow over the edge. If the level is close to maximum, pump out some of the liquid with a syringe.
Insert new pads into the brace, making sure that they sit tightly in the grooves and have no backlashes. Install the brace back in place, tighten the guide bolts with the recommended tightening moment (usually 25-30 Nm). Donβt forget to put caps on the guide bolts so that dirt and moisture do not get inside.
Nuances of piston work
If the caliper piston is not sinkable, it may be oxide. Do not use excessive force, as it can damage the rubber anther. It is better to gently sway, press it, having previously unscrewed the lid of the tank with brake fluid.
Repeat the procedure for the second wheel. After assembly, be sure to press the brake pedal several times until it becomes solid. This is necessary in order for the pistons to occupy the working position and the pads pressed against the disk. If you do not, the first push on the pedal can be empty, which is dangerous when driving.
- π« Do not let the brake fluid out of the system unless you plan to change it.
- π οΈ Use a dynamometer key to tighten the guide bolts.
- π Reset the wear sensor through the diagnostic scanner (if it worked).
Before installing new shoes, slightly lubricate the back side of the linings and the contact point with the caliper with high-temperature lubrication. This will prevent the appearance of creaks and vibrations.
Proper insulation of the piston and cleaning the brackets is the guarantee that the new pads will work smoothly and will not wear out prematurely.
Features of replacing rear pads with electronic handbrake
Rear axle Skoda Rapid In 2021, it is often equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB). This drastically changes the replacement procedure compared to mechanical handhelds. The piston of the rear caliper has a special thread and mechanism that must not just be pressed in, but screwed back in with the help of diagnostic equipment or a special adapter.
If you try to push the piston mechanically without putting the system into service mode, you will break the mechanism of the electric motor. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to connect a diagnostic scanner and activate the brake pad replacement mode through the menu. Settings β Brake system β Resetting brakes. This will take the piston back to its original position.
After the piston is removed, the dismantling procedure is similar to the front axle: unscrew the brace, remove the old pads, clean the guides. However, rear calipers often require replacement of the guide bushings, as they are subject to wear and can cause jamming.
Installation of new shoes is done in reverse order. It is important to make sure that the fixation springs sit tightly and do not interfere with the operation of the mechanism. After assembly, the maintenance mode must be deactivated through the scanner so that the electric motor can control the handbrake again. Check the handbrake: it must fix the wheel and release it when you press a button.
What do you do if you don't have a scanner?
There are special mechanical adapters for screwing pistons, but they work only if the mechanism is not blocked by electronics. In 90% of cases, without diagnostic equipment or access to service mode through the OBD2 port (via the application on the phone), it is extremely difficult to replace the rear pads on a machine with an EPB.
If you donβt have the ability to connect the scanner, you can use the method of βdraggingβ the wire onto the position sensor, but this is a risky way that can lead to errors in the system. It is better to entrust this part of the work to professionals if you are not confident in your abilities.
- π Be sure to activate the service mode through the diagnostic interface.
- π© Use a screw-mounted removable to screw the piston if the scanner is not available.
- π§Ό Check the condition of the guide bushings, they often jam.
β οΈ Warning: Never try to screw a piston manually without unlocking the electric motor! This will lead to a breakdown of the drive mechanism, the repair of which will cost several sets of pads.
Checking and running in after replacement
After installing all the pads and assembling the wheels, the car is ready for a test ride. However, it is impossible to accelerate to high speeds immediately. Walk 100-200 meters in calm mode, several times smoothly brake to rub new pads to the discs. This will ensure maximum contact spot and braking efficiency.
During the first 500 kilometers, try to avoid sharp braking and extreme loads on the brake system. New pads should βcome into shapeβ, and the surface of the disk β become perfectly flat under the new friction material. Sharp braking on cold new pads can lead to their overheating and deformation.
It is also important to check the ABS and ESP system. If an error caught fire on the dashboard, it is possible that the wear sensor was damaged or not connected correctly. In this case, re-diagnosis and error reset through the scanner are required. Make sure the brake pedal is running smoothly and does not fail.
Check the brake discs for new bullies or uneven wear. If you notice that the pads are washed unevenly (for example, only on one side), this indicates a jamming of the guides or piston, which requires redisassembly and elimination of the cause.
- π For the first 200 km, avoid heavy braking and slipping.
- π Keep track of the temperature of the wheels after the trip (should not be too hot).
- π¦ If you hear any noise, check the brake system immediately.
Proper running-in of new brake pads prolongs their service life and ensures maximum braking efficiency from the first kilometers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to change brake pads on a Skoda Rapid?
The recommended replacement interval is 30-40 thousand kilometers, but this depends on the driving style and operating conditions. In the city with frequent traffic jams wear occurs faster than on the highway. Always focus on visual control of the thickness of the friction layer.
Is it possible to change only the front pads?
It is recommended to change the pads on one axis at the same time. If you replace only the front ones, and the rear ones will be worn out, this will upset the balance of braking forces, which can lead to a skid of the car during emergency braking.
Do I need to change brake discs and pads?
If the thickness of the disk is within the permissible minimum (indicated on the disk itself) and there are no deep burrs on it, it is not necessary to change it. However, if the disc is worn to a critical level, the new pads will not provide adequate braking and will quickly wear out.
What to do if the brake wear light comes on after replacement?
You probably haven't replaced the wear sensor or cleared the error via the diagnostic scanner. The sensor is a consumable item that is destroyed when triggered. If you installed new pads without a new sensor, the light may remain on constantly.
Which brake fluid is best for Skoda Rapid 2021?
Officially, the manufacturer recommends DOT-4 standard fluid. It is better to use original Skoda fluid or proven analogues (ATE, Castrol, Motul) that meet this standard. It is recommended to change it every 2 years.