Replacing rear brake pads on a ŠKODA Octavia A5: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on ŠKODA Octavia A5 (including restyled versions from 2009 to 2013) require replacement approximately every year. 40–60 thousand km Depending on the style of driving and the quality of the spare parts. Ignoring wear leads not only to deterioration of braking, but also to damage to brake discs, which will turn into expensive repairs. In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with nuances, which are not written in standard manuals: from the selection of pads to the run-in after replacement.

Feature Octavia A5 - use rear-axle drum brakes in basic configurations (1.4 MPI, 1.6 MPI) and disk In versions with engines 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI and all-wheel drive 4x4. We will examine both options, and we will focus on the Common mistakes when working with hand brakes (it will have to be adjusted!) and we will tell you how to save on diagnosis without compromising safety.

1. How to determine that it’s time to change the pads: 5 obvious signs

Do not wait until the brakes start to “squeak” – this is already a critical wear. Nana Octavia A5 There are some early symptoms that many people miss:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking at low speed (especially noticeable when moving in reverse). On a disk system, this often signals wear and tear. plates up to 2-3 mm.
• 🛑 Increased brake pedal travel If you have to press harder than usual to stop, the pads could “cut” or lose frictional properties.
• 🔥 Foreign burning smell after intensive braking - a sign of overheating due to metal friction against metal (the pad was erased to the base).
• 🚗 The car pulls to the side when braking - perhaps the pads are worn unevenly or jammed caliper (relevant for disc brakes).
• ⚠️ ABS light is on on the dashboard, on Octavia A5 ABS sensors are located next to the pads, and they can be affected by the metal base of the worn lining.

For an accurate diagnosis, a visual examination is sufficient. On disc brakes The pads are visible through the spokes of the wheel (the thickness of the lining should be at least 5–6 mm). B drum-system You will have to remove the wheel and look through the viewing window in the brake shield - if the lining is thinner 1.5–2 mm, replacement is required.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A5 With drum brakes, not only the shoe is often worn out, but also slave cylinder. If after replacing the pad brake pedal remains "soft", check the cylinder for the drips of the brake fluid.

2. Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original pads from ŠKODA/VW (see table below for article numbers) guarantee compatibility, but their price is often inflated. Analogs from trusted brands (for example, TRW, ATE, Bosch, Ferodo) may not be worse if the correct series is chosen. For Octavia A5 critical consideration:

• 🔧 Brake system type: drum pads are not interchangeable with disc pads!
• 📏 Size and shape For example, the slates for the version c ESP They may be different from the baseline.
• 🔥 Friction material composition: suitable for aggressive driving Ferodo Premier (high temperature), for the city, ATE Ceramic (less dust)

When buying analogues, be sure to check with Vehicle VIN code - even within the same model Octavia A5 Different braking systems could be installed. For example, cars for the European market are often equipped with pads with wear sensors, and for Russia - without them.

3. Tools and preparation: what you will need for replacement

No specialised tools are needed, but there are a few. mandatory things, which you can’t do without:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift) - Octavia A5 weighs from 1.2 tons, so you can’t skimp on safety.
• 🔩 Socket wrenches at 13, 15 and 17 mm (for removing the caliper or drum).
• 🛠️ Pliers and screwdriver with Phillips bit — for working with drum shoe springs.
• 🧴 Guide lubricant (for example, TRW PFG110) and copper paste for the back of the pads.
• 🧤 Gloves and glasses — Brake dust contains asbestos and is harmful to health.

Before starting work:

1. Park your car on flat surface and tighten the handbrake (if you are changing the rear pads, you will have to loosen the handbrake later!).
2. Remove negative terminal from the battery — this will prevent accidental activation of the electric handbrake drive (on versions with EPB).
3. Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting the car - this makes it easier to avoid thread breakage.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A5 with electronic hand brake (EPB) before replacing the pads it is necessary put the system into service mode via a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS or OBDeleven). Without this, the caliper will not unclench!

Loosen the wheel bolts|Raise the car and install jack stands|Remove the wheel and clean the brake mechanism from dirt|Check the brake fluid level (it will rise when replacing the pads!)|When working with EPB, activate the service mode-->

4. Step-by-step replacement of rear pads: disc brakes

Disk system on Octavia A5 found on 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI engines and versions with all-wheel drive. The main difficulty is working with caliper, which often “sticks” to the guides. Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the caliper:

   Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 13 or 15 mm). If the caliper does not come off, gently tap it with a rubber hammer. Do not disconnect the brake hose! Hang the caliper on a wire to the shock absorber spring.

2. Remove old pads:

   Remove the fixing brackets (sometimes they stick - WD-40 will help). Please note spring clamps (on some versions they are disposable, you will have to buy new ones).

3. Install new pads:

   Apply copper paste on the back side of the pads (not on the friction layer!). Insert the pads into the caliper, making sure that they are seated in the guide grooves.

4. Press in the caliper piston:

   On Octavia A5 the piston is screwed in clockwise (use a special wrench or pliers). Do not press on the piston with a screwdriver - this will damage the boot!

5. Reassemble everything in reverse order:

   Install the caliper in place, tighten the bolts to a torque 30–35 Nm. After assembly, press the brake pedal several times until the piston is in working position.

If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacement, bleed the brake system. On Octavia A5 you can do this yourself using check valve (sold in auto stores).

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Before installing new pads, clean the caliper guides of old grease and apply new one. This will prevent binding and uneven wear.

5. Replacing drum pads: nuances and adjustment of the handbrake

Drum brakes on Octavia A5 simpler in design, but have their own specifics - gap adjustment and working with springs. Patience and accuracy will be required:

1. Remove the drum:

   Unscrew the guide pins (sometimes they get stuck - penetrating lubricant will help). If the drum does not come off, gently tap it through the wooden spacer.

2. Loosen the handbrake cables:

   Under the car, find the adjusting nut on the cable (next to the handbrake lever) and loosen it 3-4 turns. This will make it easier to install new pads.

3. Remove old pads:

   Disconnect the springs (it is convenient to use special pliers). Remember the location of the spacer bar and clamps - they often break during dismantling.

4. Install new pads:

   Lubricate the contact points between the pads and the support plate high temperature grease. Make sure the pads are installed mirrored (front and back are different!).

5. Adjust the gap:

   After assembling the drum, twist it by hand - it should rotate freely, without jamming. If you hear a grinding noise, loosen the handbrake cables another 1–2 turns.

After replacing drum pads Be sure to adjust the handbrake:

1. Raise the handbrake lever 2–3 clicks.
2. Tighten the adjusting nut under the vehicle until the rear wheels lock.
3. Lower the lever and check that the wheels rotate freely.

⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A5 with drum brakes wears out frequently slave cylinder. If, after replacing the pads, the brake pedal “falls in”, check the cylinder for leaks - its rubber cuffs may have lost their elasticity.

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck to the hub, try the following methods:

1. Apply liberally to the contact area with penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Gently tap the drum with a rubber or wooden hammer, alternating blows on different sides.

3. If the drum still cannot be removed, unscrew the guide pins and use a puller (for example, Lisle 18500).

4. As a last resort, you can try to heat the drum with a hair dryer (but do not overheat - this will damage the hub bearing!).

6. Running in and checking after replacement

New pads need running-in — for the first 200–300 km, avoid sudden braking. Adhere to the following rules:

• 🚗 First 50 km: Brake smoothly, without jerking, so that the pads “get used” to the disc or drum.
• 🔥 Avoid overheating: Do not brake for long periods on descents (use engine braking).
• 🛑 Check the effectiveness: after break-in, perform test braking from a speed of 60 km/h - the car should stop without vibration or pulling to the side.

If after replacement there are extraneous sounds (creaking, knocking), possible causes:

• Insufficient lubrication of caliper guides.
• Dirt gets between the pad and the disc.
• Incorrect installation of anti-squeak plates (important for disc brakes).

On Octavia A5 with ESP after replacing the pads the light may come on ABS. This is normal - the error will reset after 2-3 ignition cycles. If the light does not go off, check the ABS sensors for damage.

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After replacing the pads, be sure to check the brake fluid level - worn pads “push out” the caliper piston, and after installing new ones, the fluid may overflow through the reservoir.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Octavia A5. Here are the most common:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Service mode is not reset EPB	The caliper will not open, the pads will not be installed	Use a diagnostic scanner (VCDS, OBDeleven)
Caliper guides overtightened	Pads wear unevenly, squeaking when braking	Tighten the bolts with torque 30–35 Nm
Handbrake not adjusted after replacing drum pads	The pads rub against the drum, overheating and accelerated wear	Check the free movement of the drum after assembly
Used regular lubricant instead of high temperature lubricant	The lubricant burns out, the caliper guides jam	Use TRW PFG110 or ATE Plastilube

Another common problem is incorrect spring installation on drum pads. If the springs are weakened or twisted, the pads will “walk” and press unevenly against the drum. Check the spring tension after assembly!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to replace only the rear pads without touching the front ones?

Yes, rear and front pads wear out at different rates. However, if you notice that the front pads are also close to wear (lining thickness less than 5 mm), it is better to replace them at the same time - this will ensure even braking.

How long does it take to replace rear pads on an Octavia A5?

For the first time the process may take 2–3 hours (especially if the pads are stuck). If you have experience - approx. 1 hour. Drum brakes take longer to change due to handbrake adjustments.

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

Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hoses or noticed a fluid leak. In other cases, it is enough to press the brake pedal several times so that the caliper piston takes the working position.

Which pads are better - ceramic or metal?

Ceramic (ATE Ceramic, Bosch QuietCast) generate less dust and last longer, but work worse at low temperatures. Metal (Ferodo Premier, TRW Coated) are cheaper and more efficient in cold weather, but the discs wear out faster. Ceramic ones are optimal for the city, and metal ones for the highway.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

The reasons may be different:

• Uneven installation of pads (check clearances).
• Grease gets on the friction layer (wipe the pads with alcohol).
• Warped brake disc (check runout with indicator).

Start with a visual inspection and, if necessary, contact a service station to sharpen the discs.