The parking brake system is a critical safety element of any vehicle, and Skoda Octavia A7 It's no exception. Over time, the handbrake cables stretch, jam or rust, which leads to uneven braking or complete failure of the mechanism. If you notice that the parking brake lever is walking too freely or the car is not held on a slope, it is time to think about it. hand-holder.
Many owners Skoda Octavia They prefer to trust this work to official dealers, fearing difficulties with adjusting the rear brake mechanisms. However, the replacement procedure does not require the highest mathematical accuracy or unique equipment, as long as the right toolkit and a clear understanding of the suspension design are at hand. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of dismantling, selecting new parts and final configuration of the system.
Diagnosis of faults and selection of spare parts
Before you go to the store for new details, you need to make sure that the problem is in the cables, and not in jammed calipers or worn-out pads. Often owners Octavia A7 face a situation where the mechanism is in order, but the cable just rubbed against the body or jammed in the shell due to moisture and dirt.
When choosing components, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer. Original parts from the Skoda Auto They always have the appropriate markings, but their cost can be overstated. The alternative is quality brands like SKF, TRW or LukThey offer similar quality at a more affordable price. Do not skimp on cheap Chinese counterparts, as they can quickly stretch or break.
- π Visual inspection: Check the integrity of the cable braiding under the bottom of the car.
- π οΈ Check the course: try to twitch the cables with your hand, they should move smoothly without jamming.
- βοΈ Compatibility: Make sure the cables you choose are suitable for your year of release and suspension type.
Particular attention should be paid to the configuration of your car. If you have a system installed hand-wheelThe classic replacement of cables will not work, since the mechanism is driven by an electric motor. This instruction is relevant only for cars with a mechanical parking brake lever.
β οΈ Warning: If the cables are jammed so hard that they cannot be moved, do not try to break them by force. This can damage the brake calipers or the drive lever.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To carry out the work, you will need a standard set of locksmith tools, which is available to most motorists. However, given the specifics of the design Skoda Octavia A7Some specific tools can significantly speed up the process and simplify the dismantling of sour compounds.
Work is better to carry out on the lift or observation pit, as access to the mechanisms from the bottom is limited. If there is no hole, you can use reliable supports and a jack, but this will require more caution. Donβt forget to prepare a container to collect old lubricant and rags to clean contaminated surfaces.
- π§ Set of rattles and heads (including dimensions of 8, 10, 13, 16 mm).
- π¨ A hammer and a puncher to knock out acidic fingers.
- π² WD-40 spray or similar penetrating lubricant for processing threaded joints.
Before starting work, it is necessary to remove the rear wheels for convenient access to the brake mechanisms. You will also need to remove heat shields, which often prevent you from unscrewing the cable attachments. Use it. head for 10 for removing plastic fixtures and screen bolts.
- Complete set
- Basic set
- Only keys
- No tool.
Dismantling of old parking brake cables
The removal process begins with the interior of the cabin, where the handlebar lever is located. It is necessary to remove the decorative lining and unscrew the lever mounts to access the cables that go under the floor. In some modifications Octavia A7 This will require removing the center console, which will take extra time.
Then we move on to working under the car. Disconnect the cables from the lever on the rear caliper or brake mechanism. Pay attention to the design of the mount: special brackets or clamps are often used, which require careful tweaking with a screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking down plastic elements.
Now you need to unscrew the brackets of the cables attachment to the body. There are usually three or four on each side. If the bolts do not unscrew, pour them abundantly with penetrating lubricant and let them stand for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes it helps to lightly heat the mounting site with a building hair dryer, but be careful with fuel lines.
- π© Unscrew the rope nuts to the brake lever.
- π Remove the cables from the guide brackets along the entire length of the body.
- π Remove the cables from the cabin through the technological holes in the floor.
If the cables are rusty and boiled, they will have to be cut so as not to damage the body when pulling out. In this case, be prepared for the fact that when installing new parts, additional cleaning of seats may be required.
βοΈ Dismantling old cables
Installation of new cables and assembly
Installation of new cables is done in reverse order, but there are several nuances that will help to avoid errors. First, stretch the cables under the body, making sure that they do not twist and touch the moving parts of the suspension. It is important to properly lay the cables in the regular channels and fasten them in the brackets before the click.
Connecting to the brake lever requires accuracy. Make sure that the finger of the mount is fully entered into the hole, and fixed with a locking puck or clip. If you install cables with a connector connection, check the condition of the seals and lubricate them with a special silicone lubricant.
Once the cables are fixed, move to connecting them to the handle lever in the cabin. The tension should be medium - do not pull it right away, as the adjustment will be made later. Install decorative pads and assemble the center console in reverse order.
β οΈ Before the final adjustment, be sure to check that the cables are not twisted and pass freely through all the guides without tension.
Common installation errors
If the cables are twisted, they will wear out quickly and jam. Improper stacking can lead to touching the suspension elements when turning the wheels.
Adjusting tension and checking operation
The most important step is the regulation of the tension of the cables. Too weak tension will lead to the fact that the car will not stand still, and too strong β to constant braking and overheating of the pads. For Skoda Octavia A7 The optimal tension is considered, at which the lever rises by 3-5 clicks to complete fixation.
The adjustment nut is under the decorative lining of the handgun lever. Using head for 13 and key to 10, loosen the counternut and rotate the adjustment nut until the desired tension is reached. After setting up, be sure to tighten the counternut and check the result.
The check should be carried out on a flat surface and on a slope. Raise the lever by a few clicks and check if the wheels are locked. Then lower the lever and try to scroll the wheels manually - they should rotate freely without jamming.
- π― Check the number of clicks of the lever when fixing.
- π Make sure there is no brake pads.
- π Listen to the sounds when the vehicle is moving.
For precise adjustment, ask the assistant to raise the lever while you watch the wheels from behind. This will help determine the time of the blockage.
After successful adjustment, do not forget to check the brake system in motion. For the first few hundred kilometers, monitor the temperature of the discs and pads to make sure there is no overheating.
A properly adjusted handbrake should keep the car on a slope of up to 30 degrees without slipping and not cause overheating of the brakes when driving.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Number of lever clicks | 3-5 | Optimal range of fixation |
| Time of tightening of the nut attachment | 15-20 Nm | To attach the cable to the caliper |
| Moment of bracket tightening | 25-30 NΒ·m | Fixing to the body of the car |
| Lubrication of cables | Silicone | Do not use lithole or graphite |
| Temperature range | -40Β°C to +80Β°C | Working range for rubber braids |
Typical problems and their solutions
Sometimes, after the replacement of cables, new problems arise that can confuse the inexperienced master. For example, one of the brake mechanisms can work before the other, which leads to the car being pulled aside during manual braking. This is often due to uneven tension or jamming of the calipers guides.
Another common problem is corrosion of fasteners. In winter, reagents can quickly cause bolts to become unusable. Regular treatment of the suspension with anticorrosion compounds and timely replacement of cables will help to avoid this trouble. It is critical to change the cables in pairs, even if only one has worn out to ensure uniform tension and system operation.
If after replacement the handbrake continues to work poorly, check the condition of the rear brake pads. Sometimes the wear of the pads is so great that even new cables can not provide the necessary traction. In this case, you will need to replace the pads and possible leakage of brake discs.
Why isn't the handbrake holding?
Possible causes: wear of the pads, stretched cables, corrosion of the caliper mechanism, improper adjustment.
Do not forget to periodically inspect the parking brake system. Check the condition of the cables and their tension once a year, especially after the winter season. This will help to avoid sudden breakdowns on the road.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace the handlebar cables with the Octavia A7?
The average process takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the experience of the master and the condition of the fasteners. If the bolts are too boiling, time may increase.
Is it possible to replace only one cable?
It is theoretically possible, but strongly recommended, to change both cables at the same time. The resource is the same, and the old cable can quickly fail, creating an imbalance in the work of the braking system.
Do I need to adjust the handbrake after replacing it?
Yes, adjustment is mandatory. Without proper tuning, the cables can be either too weak or too tight, causing the brakes to overheat.
Is this instruction suitable for the Skoda Octavia with electric handgun?
No, for electric-handled cars, the procedure is completely different. It uses electric motors, not cables, and requires a scanner.
How often should the handbrake cables be changed?
The resource of the cables is about 100-150 thousand kilometers, but the actual service life depends on the operating conditions. If symptoms of malfunction occur, replacement should be carried out immediately.