Replacement of rear brake discs on ŠKODA Octavia A5: A complete guide from A to Z

Rear brake discs on ŠKODA Octavia A5 (2004–2013) – consumable that requires attention every 80–120,000. mileage. Their wear not only worsens the brake dynamics, but can also lead to deformation of the hub or damage to the caliper. Unlike front wheels, the rear wheels often suffer from corrosion due to less load and infrequent use of a handbrake (especially on automatic machines). In this article, we will analyze how to replace them with your own hands, without resorting to the help of the STO - taking into account all the nuances of the design Octavia A5.

The process of replacing the rear discs is more complicated than the front ones: there is a hand brake, a hub bearing and the risk of damage to the ABS sensor. We will describe in detail each stage - from the removal of the wheel to the reverse assembly, specify critical momentsWhere most mistakes are made, and give recommendations on the choice of spare parts. If you’ve never worked with a braking system, it’s best to start by watching video instructions or inviting an assistant – some operations require keeping parts together at the same time.

Signs of wear on the rear brake discs on an Octavia A5

The first signal is vibration on the steering wheel or brake pedal when slowing down. Nana Octavia A5 This often occurs after 100,000. km, especially if the car was operated in urban mode with frequent acceleration-braking. Other symptoms:

• 🔊 Creaking or grinding when braking - indicates critical wear of the disc or the entry of foreign particles between the pad and the surface.
• 📏 Reducing disc thickness below 10 mm (nominal for Octavia A5 12 mm for ventilated and 10 mm for solid discs.
• 🔄 Uneven wear One side of the disc is thinner than the other (often due to a jammed caliper or worn guides).
• 🚨 The ABS indicator caught fire - may indicate damage to the sensor located near the disk.

On Octavia A5 with engines 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI rear discs often "leads" due to overheating - this is noticeable in the blue shade of metal. If you ignore the problem, the disc may crack or deform, which will lead to a beat when braking. Check their status every 20,000. km with the pads.

⚠️ Attention: If the disc has deep furrows (more than 1 mm), it must be replaced even if it is thick enough. Such defects accelerate the wear of the pads and reduce the effectiveness of braking.

Which wheels to choose: original vs analogues

Original wheels from ŠKODA/VW have an article number 1K0 615 601 (solid) or 1K0 615 601 A (ventilated). Their plus – guaranteed compatibility and resource, but the price bites: from 8 to 15 thousand. A couple of rubles. Alternatives:

Brand	Article	Type	Price per piece, rubles	Features
ATE	24.0120-0117.2	Ventilated	4 500–5 200	High quality metal, suitable for aggressive driving
TRW	DF4530	Solid	3 800–4 300	Good corrosion resistance, quiet work
Brembo	09.9366.11	Ventilated	6 000–6 800	Sports series, increased resource
Bosch	0 986 479 720	Solid	3 500–4 000	Optimal price/quality ratio

When choosing, pay attention to diameter and attachment: on Octavia A5 disks were installed 256 mm (basic versions) and 288 mm (motors 2.0 TSI/RS). Ventilated discs are preferred for heavy operating conditions, but they are more expensive and require more frequent corrosion checks. Before buying, check the VIN code of the car or use catalogs. ETKA/Elcats.

Tools and consumables for replacement

You will need a specialized tool for the work. Without it, the risk of damage to parts or not to twist the mounts increases significantly. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Torque wrench (hub nut tightening torque - 120 Nm, the calipers bolts. 30 Nm).
• 🔨 End key at 17 mm The sleeve is a sleeve (preferably with a sleeve).
• 🔧 13 mm head And a rattle key for the caliper bolts.
• 🛠️ Brake disc detacher (if the disk is “stuck” to the hub).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder For bolts - so as not to lose them during dismantling.
• 🧴 Copper grease for threading the hub nut and the guide calipers.
• 🧹 Metal brush and brake cleaner (BRAKE CLEANER) to remove dirt.

Also prepare jack, foothold (Never work on a single jack!) DOT-4 brake fluid (The system may need to be upgraded) and new pads (if their thickness is less than 3 mm). Nana Octavia A5 With rear disc brakes, the pads are changed along with the discs - this is the rule, not the recommendation.

⚠️ Attention: If your car has drum brakes in the back (pre-2008 versions), the replacement process is radically different. In this case, you will need to remove the semi-axle and replace the drum assembled with the bearing.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear discs

Start with preparation: install the car on the handbrake, put the stops under the front wheels and loosen the bolts on the rear wheel (but do not remove it!). Then:

1. Removing the wheel and caliper. Lift the car with the jack, remove the wheel. Unscrew the two calipers (head 13 mm) and gently hang it on a wire to the spring - Do not let the caliper hang on the brake hose! Remove the pads (they can be useful as a template for new ones).

2. Removing the brake disc. Unscrew the hub nut (key 17 mm, the moment of tightening during the reverse assembly - 120 Nm). If the disc is not removed, use the receiver or gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden shed. Nana Octavia A5 The WD-40 landing site is often treated due to corrosion.

3. Installing a new disk. Clean the hub of rust with a brush on the metal, apply a thin layer of copper lubricant to the landfill plane. Set the disk and fix it with a hub nut (do not tighten completely!).

4. Caliper assembly. Install new pads, lubricate the caliper guides with special lubricant (not ordinary lithol!). Tighten the caliper bolts to a torque 30 Nm.

After assembly it is necessary bleed the brake system, if the fittings were opened or the hoses were removed. On Octavia A5 with ABS, bleeding must be done using a scanner (for example, VCDS), otherwise air will remain in the ABS module.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear discs with Octavia A5. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect wheel nut tightening torque. Weak tightening will lead to wheel play, excessive tightening will damage the bearing. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🧴 Using unsuitable lubricant. Litol or graphite on the caliper guides causes them to jam. Take only specialized formulations (ATE Plastilube, TRW PFG110).
• 🔄 They forget to adjust the handbrake. After replacing the discs and pads, the handbrake requires adjustment - otherwise it will be either weak or jamming.
• 🚨 Damage to the ABS sensor. When removing the disk, it is easy to touch the sensor wiring. Before work, disconnect the connector and secure the cable.

Another common problem is disc and caliper mismatch. For example, if you install a ventilated disc instead of a solid one, the pads will not completely adhere to the surface. Always check the spare parts catalogs by VIN code!

What should I do if a runout appears after replacing the disks?

If vibration is felt when braking, the reasons may be as follows:

1. **Uneven tightening of the hub nut** - check the torque with a wrench.

2. **Deformed new disk** - this happens with cheap analogues. Check the disk with a dial indicator.

3. **Dirt between the hub and the disk** - remove the disk, clean the seat and reinstall.

4. **Wheel bearing wear** - requires replacement of the bearing assembly.

Adjusting the hand brake after replacing discs

On Octavia A5 The handbrake is adjusted through a nut on a cable located under the car, next to the parking brake lever. Procedure:

1. Raise the rear of the car and place it on supports. The handbrake lever must be lowered.

2. Loosen the locknut on the adjusting rod (13 mm wrench).

3. Tighten the adjusting nut until the wheels lock with 3-4 clicks of the handbrake lever.

4. Check the lever travel: it should move up 5-7 clicks until it locks completely. Tighten the locknut.

If after adjustment the handbrake is still weak, check the condition of the cables - they could have stretched or rusted. On Octavia A5 handbrake cables often “stick” to the sheath, especially if the car was operated without using the parking brake.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear discs

Is it possible to change only one disk if the second one is still in good condition?

No, discs are always replaced in pairs! Even if the second disc looks normal visually, different thickness or condition of the surface will lead to uneven braking and the car pulling to the side. An exception is if the disk is mechanically damaged (for example, after an accident), but in this case it is recommended to replace the pair.

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing rear discs?

Bleeding is only required if you have disconnected the brake hoses or opened the caliper fittings. If you just removed the caliper assembly, bleeding is not necessary. However, after replacing the discs and pads, the brakes may “grind in” during the first 100–200 km - this is normal.

What is the service life of the rear brake discs on the Octavia A5?

The average mileage before replacement is 80–120 thousand km, but much depends on driving style and operating conditions. In the city, discs wear out faster due to frequent braking; on the highway, they wear out more slowly. Ventilated discs last longer than solid ones, but are more susceptible to corrosion.

Is it possible to install perforated wheels instead of standard ones?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances: perforated discs dissipate heat better, but they wear out faster and require more frequent pad replacement. In addition, on Octavia A5 With such discs, noise during braking may increase. If you are not involved in sports driving, standard wheels will be the best choice.

What to do if a squeaking noise appears after replacing the disks?

Creaking can occur due to several reasons:

• The new pads have not yet gotten used to the disc (they should disappear after 200–300 km).
• If dirt or grease gets on the working surface of the disc/pad (need to be cleaned BRAKE CLEANER).
• Poor quality pads or discs (often happens with cheap analogues).
• Lack of anti-squeak plates on the pads (install them if they were included).

If the squeak does not disappear after a week, check the condition of the caliper and guides.