The braking system of the car Skoda Rapid is one of the most critical components responsible for traffic safety. At the rear of the suspension of this car, VW Group engineers often use a drum mechanism, which many owners mistakenly consider to be โeternal.โ In fact, even the most reliable drum brakes require regular maintenance and timely replacement of consumables.
Ignoring signs of wear leads to reduced braking efficiency, the appearance of extraneous noise and even wheel jamming. Owners Skoda Rapid It is necessary to understand the specifics of the operation of the rear unit in order to carry out diagnostics and repairs in a timely manner. In this article we will analyze in detail the replacement process, the nuances of choosing parts and typical mistakes that beginners make.
Signs of wear and diagnostics of the drum assembly
Determine the wear of the rear pads Skoda Rapid more difficult than with disc brakes, since access to the mechanism is blocked by a metal drum. However, there are clear symptoms that indicate the need for intervention. If you hear a metallic grinding or whistling sound when you press the brake pedal, this is the first sign of alarm.
The second important indicator is an increase in pedal travel or the need to make more effort to stop the car. Also pay attention to the behavior of the car during emergency braking: if Rapid begins to pull to the side, perhaps one of the mechanisms is worn unevenly or is jammed.
- ๐ The appearance of a specific creaking or hum when reversing
- ๐ Increased braking distance and โsoftnessโ of the brake pedal
- ๐ก Steering wheel or body vibration when pressing the brakes
For an accurate diagnosis, it is not necessary to immediately disassemble the unit. In most cases, a visual inspection through the technological holes in the drum or its removal is sufficient. Friction lining thickness should not be less than 1.5 mm. If the trim is worn down to metal, operating the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you notice that the brake fluid in the reservoir has stopped decreasing or the level remains stable during the mileage, this may indicate that the rear pistons are not returning to their original position due to jamming.
Selection of quality replacement parts
There is a huge range of brake pads on the auto parts market, but not all of them are suitable for drum mechanisms Skoda Rapid. Original marked as 5Q0609451 or similar by catalog numbers will always be the best choice, but it is quite expensive. Many owners are looking for worthy analogues that are not inferior in quality, but cheaper.
When choosing, pay attention to the composition of the friction mixture. For drum brakes, resistance to high temperatures and the absence of the โboilingโ effect are important. Cheap Chinese fakes often have an uneven distribution of abrasive, which leads to rapid wear of the drum itself. Quality pads must have a flat surface and clear geometry.
- ๐ Original (VAG) - perfect balance of price and quality, long service life
- ๐ก๏ธ Top Tier brands (TRW, ATE, Brembo, Pagid) are an excellent alternative to the original
- โ๏ธ Mid-segment (Bosch, Febi, Mapco) - acceptable quality at a reasonable price
It is important to check the contents of the kit. The pads should include springs, clamps and, preferably, lubricant for the guides. Buying only pads often leads to the fact that old, tired springs do not provide the required return force, and the mechanism begins to work incorrectly. Replacing the spring mechanism along with the pads is the key to stable operation of the brakes for hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Never use pads that have a friction lining glued to a metal base unless you are confident in the quality of the adhesive. Under high loads, the pad may peel off, resulting in complete loss of braking.
- Original (VAG)
- Brembo/ATE
- TRW/Pagid
- Budget analogues
Tools and preparation for work
Before you begin the replacement, you need to prepare a workplace and a set of tools. Drum mechanism Skoda Rapid has its own specifics, and without the right tool you can damage parts or get injured. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and securely secured.
You will need: a jack, stands ("goats"), a balloon key, a set of heads and keys, pliers, a screwdriver (preferably flat and cross), a hammer and penetrating lubricant WD-40. Don't forget about it, too. brake fluid and rags. Clean working area is critical as dust from old pads is toxic.
- ๐ง Set of end heads for 10, 13, 17 mm
- ๐จ Hammer and chisel (to unscrew sour drum)
- ๐งด Special lubrication for the brake system (not the usual lubricant!)
Before starting work, remove the wheel and clean the surface of the hub from dirt and rust. If the drum is not removed, do not try to hit it with a hammer with all your strength - this can damage the bearing of the hub. Use penetrating lubricant in the attachment areas and gently tap on the end of the drum through a wooden paddle.
โ๏ธ Preparing to replace pads
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and replacement
Removing the drum is the first and most difficult stage. Often it sits on the hub dead due to corrosion or wear. If the drum has technological holes, try screwing bolts into them and evenly pressing them to squeeze the part. If there are no holes, carefully pull it with a screwdriver in a circle.
After removing the drum, you will see the mechanism: two pads, upper and lower springs, a eccentric squeezing mechanism and a handbrake lever. Take a picture of the location of the springs and levers before disassembly โ this will help to avoid errors during assembly. Extension mechanism Often has a threaded adjustment that will need to be unscrewed to remove the pads.
Remove the springs with a special tool or pliers, hooking them. Be careful, the springs can fly off with great force. Then disconnect the handbrake cable from the lever on the pad. This is usually done by simply snapping the fixture.
- ๐ธ Take a photo of the location of all springs and levers
- ๐ฉ Unscrew the cleavage mechanism and remove it from the pads
- ๐งค Clean the guide pads from dust and rust with a file
Install new shoes, lubricating the contact areas with a special heat-resistant lubricant. Do not put lubrication on friction linings under any circumstances! Set the cleavage mechanism, springs and fasten the handbrake cable. Make sure the pads move freely and do not touch other elements.
What to do if the drum cannot be removed?
If the drum is boiling, pour the WD-40 hub profusely and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then try spinning the wheel bolts to the point, but without removing the wheel, and sharply hit the disk through the wood. In extreme cases, use a removable or heating, but carefully so as not to damage the bearing.
Before installing a new drum, be sure to clean its inner surface of dust and traces of rust with fine sandpaper or an abrasive sponge. This will ensure a uniform pressing of the pads and improve braking from the first meters.
Setting the hand brake and adjusting the gaps
After installing the new pads and drum, the gap between the linings and the drum must be adjusted, as well as the tension of the hand brake cable. Nana Skoda Rapid This is done through a regulation mechanism inside the drum. Rotate the eccentric until the pads start to touch the drum, and then return it back by 2-3 clicks.
Check the hand brake: it should fix the car on a slope when raising the lever by 3-5 clicks. If the lever rises higher, you need to pull the cable, twisting the adjusting nut under the car. If the lever is raised too low, the gap is too small and the pads can rub against the drum.
It is important to check the brake pedal. After replacing the pads, it can become softer as the cylinder pistons have moved further. Press the pedal several times to โpushโ the pads into the working position and exclude a failure. Adjusting the hand brake The critical stage on which parking safety depends.
โ ๏ธ Warning: After the work is completed, be sure to conduct a test braking on a safe section of the road. Do not press the pedal sharply at the first stop, as the pads have not yet worked.
Common mistakes when servicing drums
Many owners Skoda Rapid They make the same mistakes that lead to a re-repair in a short time. The most common mistake is using the wrong lubricant. Conventional lithium or graphite lubricant burns out at high temperatures and can cause the mechanism to jam.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the handbrake cable. If the cable is squirrel or rubbed, the new pads will not work correctly. It is also not recommended to leave the old springs, as they lose elasticity and do not return the pads to their original position, causing constant heating of the drum.
- โ Using Graphite Lubricant Instead of Heat Resistant Silicone
- โ Ignoring cleaning of guide sites from rust
- โ Installation of new shoes without replacing worn springs
It is also worth noting that not all masters correctly adjust the gap. Too large a gap will lead to an increase in the pedal, and too small - to constant braking and overheating. Use a dynamometer key to tighten the wheel bolts to avoid skewing the drum.
Properly adjusting the gaps and using specialized lubricants is 90% of the success in the long and reliable operation of the rear drum brakes of the Skoda Rapid.
Cost of work and service life
Replacing rear pads with Skoda Rapid The procedure is not the most expensive, but time-consuming. On average, the service life of drum pads is from 60 to 100 thousand kilometers, which is much more than that of the front disc pads. However, the real resource depends on the driving style, quality of spare parts and operating conditions.
In the service, the cost of work can vary depending on the region and level of the workshop. Usually the price includes the removal of wheels, dismantling of drums, replacement of pads, lubrication of mechanisms and adjustment of the hand brake. Self-replacement will save about 50-70% of the cost of work, since the main amount is the work of a mechanic.
| Component | Average resource (km) | Average price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| The rear brake pads (original) | 60 000 - 100 000 | 2500 - 4000 |
| Rear pads (analogue) | 40 000 - 70 000 | 1200 - 2000 |
| Brake drum | 150 000 - 200 000 | 3500 - 6000 |
| Set of springs and fixers | 60 000 - 80 000 | 800 - 1500 |
Regular diagnostics of the brake system once every 15-20 thousand kilometers will allow to identify wear at an early stage and avoid expensive repairs. Remember that road safety depends on the serviceability of each node of the car, and the rear brakes here play no less important role than the front.
How often should I change the rear brake pads to the Skoda Rapid?
It is recommended to check the condition of the rear pads every 15,000 km when passing the maintenance. The average service life is 60,000 to 100,000 km, but with aggressive driving or frequent trips in the urban cycle, the resource can be reduced to 40,000 km.
Can I drive if I can hear the back brakes?
Short-term movement is possible, but not recommended. Screeching often indicates critical wear of the pads or the presence of foreign objects between the pad and the drum. Operating with worn pads can damage the drum itself, the replacement of which costs more.
Do I need to change the drum along with the pads?
No, changing the drum along with the pads is not necessary. The drum lasts much longer. However, if there are deep grooves, cracks on the inner surface of the drum or its diameter exceeds the maximum permissible (indicated on the body), it must be replaced or weeded.
Why did the brake pedal become soft after replacing the pads?
This is normal immediately after replacement, as the working cylinder pistons have moved to a new position. A few pedal taps should get her back to normal. If the pedal remains soft, it is possible that air has entered the system, and pumping of the brakes is required.
What lubricant is suitable for guide rear brake pads?
Use only special heat-resistant lubricant for brake systems (for example, silicone-based). Conventional lubricants (Litol, Solidol) can break rubber seals and burn out at high temperatures, which will lead to jamming of the mechanism.