The braking system of a car is the foundation of safety, and the condition of the rear brakes is Skoda Octavia Tour often becomes a stumbling block for owners. Unlike modern versions with disc brakes, the classic Octavia Tour equipped with drum mechanisms at the rear, which require periodic attention and maintenance.
Many car owners believe that drum brakes are โindestructibleโ and last forever, but this is a dangerous misconception. Wear of the friction linings, the presence of oil or brake fluid in the mechanism, as well as corrosion of the springs can lead to complete failure of the brakes at high speed. Regular replacing rear pads - this is not just a planned procedure, but a necessity that extends the life of the entire brake system.
Signs of wear and diagnosis of the drum mechanism
You can determine that it is time to change the brake elements by a number of indirect and obvious signs. Unlike disc systems, where a metallic grinding sound is often heard, drum pads wear out more quietly and unnoticed by the driver's hearing.
The first alarm bell will be a change in the behavior of the brake pedal or the appearance of specific sounds when pressed sharply. If you feel that the pedal has become softer and the car is stopping worse, you should immediately check the brake system.
- ๐ The appearance of a metallic creaking or knocking sound when driving over uneven surfaces.
- ๐ Increased braking distance and the need to press harder on the pedal.
- ๐ก๏ธ Uneven wear of the rear wheels or overheating of the drums after a trip.
- ๐ Spontaneous braking or โcuttingโ of the car when braking.
Sometimes the problem lies not only in the pads, but also in the gap adjustment mechanism, which jams over time. In this case, the shoes may not press against the drum even when you press the pedal.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you notice traces of brake fluid on the inside of the wheel rim or inside the drum, this indicates a leak in the cylinder. In such a situation, replacing the pads alone will not solve the problem - repair or replacement of the working cylinder is required.
Selection of quality spare parts and tools
Before you begin dismantling, you need to arm yourself with the right tools and spare parts. Quality brake pads directly affects the safety and durability of the unit. There are many brands on the auto parts market, but not all of them are suitable for Skoda Octavia Tour taking into account the specifics of their drum mechanism.
To work, you will need a standard set of plumbing tools, but with some nuances. Pay special attention to the circlip remover and the device for compressing the working cylinder pistons if they are not included in the standard set.
- ๐ง Set of ratchets with 8, 10, 13, 17 and 30 mm heads.
- ๐จ A hammer (preferably plastic or rubber) to carefully knock down the drum.
- ๐งด Liquid WD-40 or equivalent for treating rusty fasteners.
- ๐งฝ Brake fluid and rags for cleaning the mechanism.
When choosing pads, focus on proven brands, such as TRW, ATE or original parts VAG. Cheap analogues often have an unstable friction composition, which can overheat and lose efficiency during intense braking.
It is also worth checking the condition of the guide pins and springs. If the springs are stretched or have signs of corrosion, they must be replaced along with the pads.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not try to save money by purchasing a turnkey kit from an unknown manufacturer. Saving 500 rubles can lead to a wheel getting stuck in a traffic jam, which will cost you tens of times more.
- Original VAG
- TRW
- ATE
- Budget analogue
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and replacement
The process of replacing rear pads Skoda Octavia Tour requires accuracy and consistency. It is better to carry out work on a flat surface, preferably on a pit or a lift, to ensure free access to the brake mechanism.
First you need to remove the wheel and unscrew the brake drum mount. In some cases, the drum may become stuck to the hub due to corrosion, so do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the threads.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace pads
After removing the drum you will see the internal structure. Pay attention to the condition of the working cylinder and springs. Dismantling old pads begins with removing the upper and lower springs, as well as the expansion bar.
Carefully remove the guide pins and remove the brake lever from the parking brake lever. It is important to remember or photograph the location of all the springs so as not to confuse them during assembly.
- ๐ธ Take a photo of the installation diagram of the springs and levers before disassembling.
- ๐งผ Clean the seats on the rear beam from dust and rust.
- ๐ ๏ธ Lubricate the guide pins with special high-temperature grease.
- ๐ฉ Install new pads, following the installation sequence.
Pay special attention to installing the expansion bar. It should move freely, but not dangle. If the adjustment mechanism jams, it must be cleaned and lubricated.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
Often the drum sticks to the hub due to oxidation. Try gently tapping the end of the drum in a circle with a hammer. If this does not help, use a puller or carefully heat the contact area, avoiding heating the drum metal itself red-hot.
After installing new pads, it is necessary to adjust the gap between the friction linings and the drum. On Octavia Tour this is done through a special technological hole in the back of the drum or after its installation.
Proper installation of the expansion bar and adjustment of the gap is the key to effective brake operation and the absence of extraneous sounds.
Technical nuances and gap adjustment
Many owners Skoda Octavia Tour are faced with the problem of incorrect adjustment of the gap after replacing the pads. If the gap is too large, the brake pedal will travel very far, and if it is too small, the pads will constantly rub against the drum, causing overheating.
The adjustment is made using a mechanism located in the center of the expansion bar. By rotating the eccentric, you can change the distance between the pads. The optimal clearance should ensure free rotation of the wheel when the brake is fully released.
The check is carried out as follows: after installing the drum and wheel, press the brake pedal until it stops several times. This will allow the self-adjustment mechanism to set the desired gap.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drum diameter | 200 mm | Maximum wear |
| Overlay thickness | 2.5 mm | Minimum allowable |
| Tire pressure | 2.2 atm | Before checking |
| Wheel play | Missing | With the nut tightened |
If after adjustment the wheel still slows down, check whether the expansion bar is twisted or whether the piston of the working cylinder is jammed. Sometimes the problem lies in the handbrake cable, which may be too tight.
Frequent maintenance errors
When replacing pads on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. One of the most common is the use of unsuitable lubricants.
Never use regular motor oil or Litol to lubricate the working surfaces of pads and pistons. This will lead to rapid destruction of the rubber seals and jamming of the mechanism.
- โ Lubricating the friction linings is a serious mistake that reduces braking efficiency.
- โ Ignoring the condition of the springs - old springs will not provide the required return of the pads.
- โ Neglect of cleaning - dust from old pads can clog the adjustment mechanism.
It is also important not to pull the fastening bolts of the drum, as this can lead to its deformation and beating when rotating.
โ ๏ธ Note: Use only specialized high-temperature lubricants for brake systems. Conventional lubricants burn out when heated and can cause pistons to jam.
Before assembly, apply a thin layer of copper lubricant to the drum seats on the hub so that next time it can be easily removed effortlessly.
Final check and run-in
After all the work on replacing the shoes is completed, a thorough check should be carried out. Make sure all springs are installed correctly and the squeezing bar has no backlashes.
Before leaving for the road, be sure to press the brake pedal several times to make sure that it is rigid and there are no failures. Only then can the car be brought down to the ground.
The first 200-300 kilometers after replacing the pads should be observed mode of gentle running. Avoid sharp braking and extreme loads so that the friction linings rubbed against the drum.
If you hear foreign sounds or feel vibrations during the run-in, stop immediately and check the installation is correct. Ignoring these signals can lead to overheating and deformation of the drum.
Questions and answers on replacing pads
How often should I change the back drum pads on the ล KODA Octavia Tour?
The service life of the rear pads depends on the driving style and operating conditions. On average, they serve from 60 to 100 thousand kilometers, which is much more than the front disc pads.
Can you change the pads on one side only?
Never change the pads on one side only. This will lead to uneven braking and skidding of the car with a sharp press on the pedal. Replace the pads with a pair on one axis.
What if the drum is not removed after spinning the screws?
Often the screws are boiled or the drum is deformed. Try to treat the thread with penetrating liquid and gently tap on the end of the drum. In extreme cases, use a removable.
Should I change the cylinder with the shoes?
If the cylinder has no traces of leakage of liquid and its pistons walk freely, it is not necessary to change it. However, at each removal of the pads, it is recommended to inspect the cylinder for wear.
How to check the effectiveness of the hand brake after replacing the pads?
After installing new pads, lift the car on the jack and check how easily the wheel rotates with the hand brake lowered and whether it is fixed when the lever is raised.