Replacing rear brake pads on a ŠKODA Kodiaq: instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on ŠKODA Kodiaq — a consumable that requires attention every 30–50 thousand km, and even more often with aggressive driving or frequent trips around the city. Unlike the front ones, the rear pads are equipped with electromechanical parking brake (EPB), which complicates the replacement process. Without proper training and knowledge of the nuances of working with the system EPB You may encounter errors on the dashboard or even locked wheels.

In this article we will go through the entire process from A to Z: how to determine pad wear, what tools will be needed (including diagnostic scanner to reset the EPB), how to properly remove the caliper and install new parts without damaging the brake rotor. We will also reveal the secrets of choosing original and analog spare parts, so as not to run into a fake. If you have never worked with an electronic handbrake, our step-by-step photos and video tips will help you avoid mistakes.

When to change rear pads on Kodiaq: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear brake pads Kodiaq every 15,000 km, but actual service life depends on driving style and operating conditions. For example, with frequent trips along serpentine roads or towing a trailer, the pads may wear out by 20,000 km. Here are the key symptoms that it's time to replace them:

• 🔊 Creaking or squealing when braking - appears when the friction layer has worn down to the metal base. On Kodiaq at the rear it is often not so much the pads that creak, but wear indicator, which begins to rub against the disk.
• 🚗 Increased braking distance - if the car brakes worse than usual, even after checking the brake fluid.
• 🔧 Steering wheel beating during sharp braking - may indicate disc deformation due to uneven wear of the pads.
• ⚠️ Message on the dashboard: "Check brake pads" or "Service brake system"—triggered when the thickness of the friction layer is less than 2 mm.

On Kodiaq from 2017 to 2023 (including restyled versions) rear pad wear sensor built into the left block only. This means that an error will appear on the panel even if the right block is still normal. You can check the thickness visually through the caliper inspection window or with a caliper (minimum permissible thickness is 2.5 mm).

⚠️ Attention: If the icon on the dashboard is lit EPB (yellow or red), this may mean not only worn pads, but also a malfunction of the parking brake motor. In this case, replacing the pads without diagnostics with a scanner will lead to the system being blocked!

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original rear pads for ŠKODA Kodiaq (article 5Q0698151 or 5Q0698151A for versions from 2020) cost from 4,500 to 6,000 rubles per set. They are ideal in geometry and material, but many owners save money by choosing analogues. The main thing is that there are spare parts ECE R90 certified and suitable for working with EPB.

Brand	Article	Price (set), rubles	Features
TRW (OEM)	GDB4446	3 800–4 200	Supplier for VW Group conveyor, minimal noise
Brembo	P68060	4 100–4 500	Reinforced friction compound, suitable for harsh conditions
ATE	13.0460-7207.2	3 500–3 900	Soft braking, but wears out faster
Bosch	0986494793	3 200–3 600	Budget option, may creak for the first 200 km

When choosing analogues, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Presence of wear sensor — the kit should include a wire with a connector (for the left block).
• 📏 Friction layer thickness — optimally 10–12 mm (cheap pads are often thinner).
• 🔊 Material composition — ceramic pads (Brembo, Ferodo) less dusty, but more expensive.

⚠️ Attention: Pads without certificate ECE R90 can lead to overheating of the brake discs and deformation. On Kodiaq with 2.0 TSI engines this is especially critical due to the high load on the brakes.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the rear pads with Kodiaq You will need not only a standard set of keys, but also specialized tools. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Socket heads by 13, 15 and 17 mm (for caliper bolts and guides).
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden block - to gently press in the caliper piston.
• 🔧 Special key for pressing in the piston (for example, Hazet 2169-1) - regular pliers will not work!
• 💻 Diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS, OBDeleven or Launch X431) - to reset EPB.
• 🧴 Copper grease (for example, LIQUI MOLY Kupfer-Paste) - for caliper guides.
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers - so as not to lose the spring clips during disassembly.

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Park the car flat surface and engage first gear (or P for automatic transmission).
2. Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting on the jack.
3. Disable negative battery terminal - this will prevent accidental operation EPB.
4. Raise the rear of the car and place chocks under the front wheels.

Remove the negative terminal of the battery |

Loosen the wheel bolts|

Raise the car on a jack and install safety stands|

Prepare scanner for EPB reset|

Clean the caliper from dirt with a wire brush -->

If you have Kodiaq with air suspension, before jacking it up, set it to "" mode.Jack Mode" (via menu CAR → Suspension). Otherwise, you risk damaging the air cylinders.

Step-by-step instructions: removing old pads

We start with the left rear wheel (the wear sensor is installed there). The main difficulty is to properly release the caliper without damaging it. EPB. Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper from dirt. Use WD-40 for soured bolts, but do not get it on the rubber boots.
2. Disconnect the wear sensor connector (white plastic plug on the caliper). Gently pull the latch, do not pull the wires!
3. Remove the two caliper bolts (15 mm head). The top bolt often sticks - if it doesn't, use penetrating lubricant and an impact wrench.
4. Remove the caliper and hang it on a wire from the spring - do not allow it to hang on the brake hose!

Now you need press in the caliper piston. There is a nuance here: on Kodiaq The piston rotates along a thread (like a handbrake), so you can’t just push it back. Use a special key:

5. Place the key on the piston and turn clockwise, while pressing. If the piston does not move, check whether it is turned on EPB (must be disabled via scanner!).
6. Remove spring clips (they hold the pads) and pull out the old pads. Please note the condition guides - if they are rusty, replace them (article number 5Q0615125).

Critical! Since 2020, Kodiaq has a plastic damper installed in the caliper (part number 5Q0615465), which often breaks during disassembly. If it is cracked, replace it, otherwise there will be vibrations when braking.

What to do if the piston does not press in?

If the piston does not rotate even with the key, the reason may be thread corrosion. In this case:

1. Remove the piston boot (carefully, do not damage it!).

2. Treat the threads with a penetrating lubricant (e.g. PB Blaster).

3. Try to rotate the piston again, applying force to the wrench through the extension.

If this does not help, the caliper must be replaced (part number 5Q0615101 for the left, 5Q0615102 for the right one).

Installation of new pads and assembly

Before installing new pads, be sure to:

• 🧹 Clean the seats on the caliper with a wire brush. Dust from old pads can cause new pads to fit unevenly.
• 🛠️ Lubricate the guides calipers copper paste (do not use graphite or lithol!).
• 🔧 Check the condition of the brake disc — if there are deep grooves (more than 0.5 mm) or cracks on it, the disc needs to be sharpened or replaced.

Installation of pads:

1. Paste new pads into the caliper, starting from the inner one (the one closest to the piston). On the left side, don't forget to connect the wear sensor!
2. Install spring clips - they should fit tightly, without distortion.
3. Place the caliper on the disc and tighten the bolts to a torque 25 Nm (you can’t over-tighten!).
4. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.

After assembly do not press the brake pedaluntil you complete the reset procedure EPB! Otherwise, the caliper pistons will not be in the correct position and the pads will jam.

Resetting the electronic handbrake (EPB) after replacement

System EPB on Kodiaq requires a mandatory reset after replacing the pads. Without this, an error will appear on the device, and the brakes may not work correctly. You will need a diagnostic scanner (eg VCDS or OBDeleven). Procedure:

1. Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel on the left).
2. Select block "53 – Parking Brake".
3. Go to "Basic Settings" (basic settings) and select "Replace brake pads".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen - the scanner will ask you one by one turn on and off the parking brake.
5. After completing the procedure, check if the lamp goes out EPB on the dashboard.

If the error remains, there are two possible reasons:

• 🔧 Incorrect installation of wear sensor — check the connector connection.
• 💻 Control unit failure - try clearing errors via "Clear DTC" in the scanner menu.

⚠️ Attention: If after reset EPB If the brakes are “wobbly” or the pedal is falling down, check the brake fluid level immediately! When the caliper pistons are pressed in, the fluid rises in the reservoir, and if it was at the maximum, a leak may occur through the valve.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Kodiaq. Here are the most common:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Didn't reset EPB after replacement	Error on the tidy, jammed pads	Always use a scanner to reset!
Retightened the caliper bolts	Caliper deformation, uneven pad wear	Tighten to 25 Nm
The guides were not lubricated	Caliper souring, squeaking when braking	Use copper paste, not lithol
Installed pads without wear sensor	No wear warning, risk of driving "on metal"	Check the contents before installation

Another typical problem is uneven pad wear (one wears off faster than the other). Reasons:

• 🔧 Guide jamming Calipers - clean and lubricate them every time you replace them.
• 💧 Moisture getting into the caliper — check the integrity of the anthers.
• 🚗 Aggressive driving with frequent hard braking - especially relevant for Kodiaq RS with a 2.0 TSI engine (245 hp).

If after replacement the pads get hot or there is a burning smell, check the caliper immediately! The piston may not be in place due to corrosion or improper reset. EPB.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to replace the rear pads on a Kodiaq without a scan tool?

Technically yes, but only if you disconnect the battery for 10+ minutes before starting work. This will reset the error EPB, but does not guarantee correct system calibration. Risks: jamming of the brakes or incorrect operation of the handbrake. To be completely sure, it is better to use a scanner.

How much do original pads cost and how long does it take to replace?

Original set (5Q0698151A) costs about 5,000–6,000 rubles. The service will charge 2,500–4,000 rubles for the work (depending on the region). Self-replacement takes 1.5–2 hours if you have tools and a scanner.

Do I need to change brake discs and pads?

Not necessary if the disc is in good condition. Check its thickness with a caliper: the minimum allowable is 18 mm (for Kodiaq with disks 288x12 mm). If the disc is thinner or has deep grooves, replace it. Also, discs are changed when uneven wear (thickness difference more than 0.01 mm).

Why did the brakes become “wobbly” after replacing the pads?

This is normal after replacement - the new pads have not yet gotten used to the discs. If the problem does not disappear after 200–300 km, check:

• Brake fluid level (may need bleeding).
• The integrity of the brake hoses (are there any leaks).
• Correctness of reset EPB (repeat the procedure with the scanner).

Can I use pads from other VW Group models?

Yes, but only if the articles match. For example, pads from VW Tiguan Allspace (5Q0698151) or Audi Q5 (8K0698151) suitable for Kodiaq until 2020. For versions from 2021 (facelift) you need pads with the article number 5Q0698151A - they are a little thinner.