Rear brake cylinder ล KODA Fabia 2 (2007โ2014) is a critical element of the braking system, on which not only braking efficiency, but also safety depends. Over time, the cylinder seals wear out, resulting in brake fluid leaks, decreased system pressure, and uneven pad engagement. If you notice wet spots on the inside of the rear wheel or the brake pedal feels soft, the cylinder most likely needs replacing.
In this article we will look at the entire process in detail - from diagnosing a fault to installing a new cylinder. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly bleed the brakes after replacement, and what to look for when choosing a spare part. The instructions are suitable for all modifications Fabia 2 (including Combi and Sedan) with drum brakes at the rear. If your car is equipped with disc brakes on the rear axle, the procedure will be different - check the repair manual for details.
Signs of a bad rear brake cylinder
The first symptoms of a problem often go unnoticed until the situation becomes critical. Here are the key signals that the cylinder needs to be checked or replaced:
- ๐ง Brake fluid leaks on the inside of the rear wheel or near the brake shield. The liquid has a characteristic yellow or brown color and an oily consistency.
- ๐ Pulling the car to the side when braking - one of the cylinders may jam or not create enough pressure.
- ๐ฆต "Soft" brake pedal, which fails when pressed or requires more force to operate.
- ๐ฅ Rear wheel overheating after a trip - a sign that the pads are constantly rubbing against the drum due to a faulty cylinder.
- ๐ Uneven pad wear - one of them wears out much faster than the other.
If you find at least one of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. On ล KODA Fabia 2 The rear brake cylinder often fails after 100โ120 thousand km, especially when driving aggressively or using low-quality brake fluid. Check the fluid level in the reservoir - if it drops without any visible leaks in the front brakes, the problem is almost certainly at the rear.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If brake fluid gets on the paintwork of a wheel or body, remove it immediately with a damp cloth. The liquid will attack the paint and may cause corrosion.
Preparing for replacement: tools and spare parts
Before starting work, make sure you have everything you need. To replace the rear brake cylinder with Fabia 2 you will need:
| Category | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | 10mm wrench (socket or open-end) | To unscrew the cylinder fastening to the shield |
| Tools | 13 mm wrench | To remove the brake pipe |
| Tools | Pliers or a special wrench for brake pipes | To avoid tearing off the edges on the fitting |
| Consumables | Brake fluid DOT 4 |
At least 0.5 l for pumping |
| Spare parts | Rear brake cylinder (left/right) | Original article: 6Q0 615 119 (left) / 6Q0 615 120 (right) |
When choosing spare parts, give preference to original parts VW Group or proven analogues from TRW, ATE or Brembo. Cheap cylinders from unknown brands often leak after 20โ30 thousand km. Also prepare:
- ๐งด WD-40 or equivalent - for unscrewing stuck nuts.
- ๐งฝ Rags and container for draining liquid โ brake fluid is toxic and aggressive to paintwork.
- ๐ง Hammer and wooden block - may be needed to carefully remove the drum.
- ๐ ๏ธ Brake pumping kit โ hose and container (or assistant for pressing the pedal).
- Original (VW Group)
- TRW
- ATE
- Brembo
- Other
If you plan to replace the cylinder yourself, be patient - the procedure may take 2-3 hours, especially if the nuts are stuck. Work on a level surface, use wheel chocks and remember to follow safety precautions.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the cylinder
We start by preparing the car. Install Fabia 2 apply the handbrake, place chocks under the front wheels and remove the rear wheel from the replacement side. Next, follow the algorithm:
- Remove the brake drum. Unscrew the guide pins (if any) and carefully knock the drum with a hammer through the wooden spacer. If the drum cannot be removed, check whether the parking brake is stuck - loosen the cable.
- Disconnect the brake pipe. Using a 13 mm wrench, unscrew the nut securing the tube to the cylinder. Be prepared for brake fluid to pour out - place a container.
- Remove the cylinder. Unscrew the two bolts securing the cylinder to the brake shield (10 mm wrench) and carefully remove it by pulling it towards you.
- Install a new cylinder. Before installation, apply a thin layer
copper greaseon the fastener threads - this will make future replacement easier. Connect the brake pipe and tighten the nut.
Check the integrity of the boot on the new cylinder|
Make sure cylinder pistons move freely (before installation)|Apply lubricant to guides|
Connect the parking brake cable (if removed) -->
After installing the cylinder, replace the brake pads and drum. Don't forget to adjust the gap between the pads and the drum - to do this, press the brake pedal several times until the pistons take their working position.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you replaced the cylinder on only one side, be sure to check the condition of the second. As a rule, the cylinders wear out simultaneously, and after a short time the paired element may need to be replaced.
Bleeding the brakes after replacing the cylinder
Replacing a brake cylinder inevitably leads to air entering the system, so bleeding is a mandatory step. On ล KODA Fabia 2 It is more convenient to perform pumping with an assistant, but you can do it yourself using a special valve or syringe.
Procedure:
- Place a transparent hose onto the bleeder fitting (on the brake cylinder), and lower the other end into a container with brake fluid.
- Have an assistant press the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold it down.
- Unscrew the fitting ยฝ turn - liquid with air bubbles will come out of the hose. Tighten the fitting when the liquid stops flowing out.
- Repeat the process until no more bubbles appear in the container.
Bleed the brakes in strict sequence: right rear โ left rear โ right front โ left front. After pumping, add fluid to the tank to the level MAX and check the tightness of all connections.
If the brake pedal remains soft after bleeding, check for leaks. awn of brake pipes and hoses. Air may have entered the system through another weak point.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing a brake cylinder. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
- ๐ง Tightening the brake pipe nuts. This leads to deformation of the copper tube and subsequent leakage. Tighten the nut no more than
15โ18 Nm. - ๐งด Using unsuitable lubricant. Do not use regular lithium grease on cylinder pistons or pad guides - it will not withstand high temperatures. Use specialized formulations, e.g. ATE Plastilube.
- ๐ซ Ignoring checking the brake pads. If the pads are worn more than 70%, replace them along with the cylinder. New pistons may not work correctly with old, deformed pads.
- ๐ Incorrect pumping sequence. Violation of order leads to incomplete removal of air from the system. Always start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder.
Another common mistake is failure to check the parking brake after replacement. If the handbrake cable has been disconnected, make sure that it is properly tensioned and secures the wheels when the lever is raised 3-4 clicks.
What should I do if the brakes squeak after replacing the cylinder?
Scream can occur due to improper installation of pads or dirt on working surfaces. Remove the drum, clean the guides and apply a thin layer on them. copper grease. Also check if the brake shield is not affected by the pad - this often happens when the gap is not adjusted correctly.
Cost of service replacement vs self-repair
Replacement price of the rear brake cylinder by ล KODA Fabia 2 The service varies depending on the region and level of the service. The average prices are:
| Service | Cost (RUB) |
|---|