How to replace rear brake pads on a ŠKODA Fabia 1: instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on ŠKODA Fabia 1 (1999–2007) - a consumable that requires attention every 30–50 thousand km depending on driving style. Their wear is often manifested by squeaking, vibration when braking, or increased pedal travel. Unlike front discs, rear drum brakes (on most modifications) Fabia 1) seem more complicated, but with the right approach you can do the replacement yourself in 1–1.5 hours.

This article will help you understand the nuances of the process: from selecting pads to adjusting the handbrake after installation. We took into account the specifics Fabia 1 with engines 1.4 MPI, 1.9 TDI and others, as well as typical mistakes that beginners make. If you have version with rear disc brakes (less common on Fabia 1), the principles are similar, but there are certain points - we will also touch on them.

Which pads to choose: original vs analogues

Original rear pads for ŠKODA Fabia 1 have an article number 6Q0 698 451 A (for drum brakes) and cost from 2,500 rub. per set. However, the market offers worthy analogues from TRW, ATE, Ferodo and Bosch, which are 30–50% cheaper and often have the same service life. Important: pads are for sale set on both sides — you can’t change with just one.

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Friction material composition: semi-metallic pads last longer, but wear out the drum more; ceramic ones are quieter, but more expensive.
• 📏 Lining thickness: the new pad must be at least 4–5 mm (measured excluding base).
• 🔄 Presence of wear sensor: on Fabia 1 it is rare, but if your car is equipped with it, look for pads with a connector for the sensor.
• 🚗 Handbrake compatible: some cheap analogues do not hold the car well on a slope.

Critical moment: pads for Fabia 1 with and without ABS may differ in shape! Please specify this parameter when purchasing, otherwise you risk receiving an incompatible set.

Brand	Article	Price (set), rub.	Features
TRW	GDB1446	1 800–2 200	Soft composition, low noise
ATE	03.0137-0408.2	2 000–2 400	Increased resource, suitable for aggressive driving
Ferodo	FDB1636	1 600–1 900	Optimal price/quality ratio
Bosch	0 986 494 638	2 300–2 700	Ceramic composition, minimal dust

Tools and preparation for work

To replace the rear pads with Fabia 1 you will need:

• 🔧 Keys and sockets: on 13, 15, 17 (to remove the drum), socket wrench on 7 (to adjust the handbrake).
• 🔨 Hammer (rubber or through a wooden spacer) to remove a stuck drum.
• ⚙️ Pliers and flat blade screwdriver for working with springs and clamps.
• 🧴 WD-40 or an analogue for treating rusty joints.
• 📏 Vernier caliper (optional) to measure drum wear.

Before starting work:

1. Park your car on flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the rear wheel nuts (do not remove completely!).
3. Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Important: Use only a working jack and safety stand!
4. Clean the brake mechanism from dirt with a wire brush.

⚠️ Attention: If the drum cannot be removed after loosening the fasteners, do not hit it with a hammer directly - you risk deforming the edge. Use a wooden block or a special puller. The reason is usually a wear on the inner surface of the drum (shoulder), which clings to the pads.

Step-by-step replacement of rear pads on drum brakes

Replacement process Fabia 1 with drum brakes involves several key steps. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Removing the Brake Drum

1. Unscrew the guide pins (2 pcs.) with a key 13 or 15 (depending on the year of manufacture).
2. If the drum cannot be removed, screw the pins into the threaded holes on the drum - they will push it out.
3. Clean the drum seat from rust and dirt.

Step 2: Removing old pads

1. Remove the upper and lower tension springs with pliers (careful, they are under tension!).
2. Disconnect the handbrake cable from the shoe lever.
3. Remove the pad retainers (often cotter pins or circlips).
4. Remove the pads, remembering their location (the outer and inner ones differ in shape).

Clean the brake shield from dirt and rust|

Check the condition of the springs and clamps (replace if worn) |

Lubricate the pad guides with high-temperature grease (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC>)|

Make sure that the handbrake cable moves freely in the sheath-->

Step 3: Install New Pads

1. Apply copper grease to the places where the pads contact the brake shield (but not to the friction surface!).
2. Install the pads in reverse order, starting with the inner ones. Make sure that the handbrake lever is in place.
3. Secure the tension springs. Important: The upper spring should be tighter than the lower one.
4. Connect the handbrake cable and adjust its tension (more on this below).

Step 4: Reassembly

1. Reinstall the drum and tighten the guide pins. Tightening torque - 20–25 Nm.
2. Put the wheel on and lower the car.
3. Press the brake pedal several times until the pads are in working position.

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If the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads, bleed the brake system. On Fabia 1 this is done according to the scheme: right rear → left rear → right front → left front wheel.

Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads

On ŠKODA Fabia 1 The handbrake is adjusted through a cable tension nut located under the vehicle, next to the parking brake lever. After replacing the pads, adjustment required, otherwise the brake will either hold weakly or jam.

Procedure:

1. Raise the handbrake lever to 2–3 clicks.
2. Under the car, find the adjusting nut (it is covered with a rubber boot).
3. Weaken the counternut with the key on 13.
4. Tighten the adjusting nut (clockwise) until the rear wheels lock.
5. Lower the handbrake lever and check whether the wheels rotate freely.
6. Raise the lever to 5–7 clicks — the wheels must be blocked.
7. Tighten the locknut and place the boot in place.

⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the handbrake locks the wheels by 1-2 clicks, the cable will be tightened. This will lead to accelerated pad wear and overheating of the drums. Loosen the nut 0.5–1 turn and repeat the test.

What to do if the handbrake is not adjustable?

If the nut is tightened all the way, but the handbrake still does not hold, the problem may be:

- stretched cable (needs replacement),

- rusty cable guides (the sheath needs to be lubricated or replaced),

- worn pads (even new ones can be defective).

In this case, diagnostics on the lift will be required.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing rear pads with Fabia 1. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect spring installation: If the upper spring is loose, the pads will “walk” and brake ineffectively. Solution: Use special pliers to tighten the springs.
• 🛠️ Ignoring drum status: if the inner diameter of the drum exceeds 201.5 mm (for Fabia 1), it needs to be sharpened or replaced. Measure with a caliper!
• 🔥 Lack of lubrication on the guides: This results in squeaking and uneven wear. Solution: use high temperature copper grease (not the usual Litol-24!).
• 🚗 Untested handbrake after replacement: if not adjust the cable, the pads will jam. Solution: test the handbrake on a slope of 20–25%.

Another common problem is pads jamming after replacement. Reasons:

• Dirt gets between the pad and the brake shield.
• Deformation or corrosion of guides.
• Incorrect installation of spacer bar.

Critical error: using pads from other VW Group models (for example, from Polo or Ibiza). Although similar in appearance, they may differ in thickness, shape or material, which will lead to uneven braking.

Replacing pads on versions with rear disc brakes

Some modifications ŠKODA Fabia 1 (for example, Fabia 1.9 TDI or version with package Sport) were equipped with rear disc brakes. The process of replacing pads is simpler here, but there are some nuances:

Differences from the drum system:

• 🔧 The pads can be changed without removing the disc (just unscrew the caliper).
• ⚙️ Required pressing in the caliper piston before installing new pads (use a special tool or sliding pliers).
• 📏 The thickness of the new pads should be at least 7–8 mm (vs. 4–5 mm for drums).

Step by step instructions:

1. Remove the wheel and clean the caliper of dirt.
2. Unscrew the lower and upper caliper bolts (usually 13 or 15).
3. Hang the caliper on a wire to the spring (do not leave it hanging on the brake hose!).
4. Remove the old pads and clean the guides.
5. Press in the caliper piston by rotating it clockwise (at Fabia 1 a threaded mechanism is often used).
6. Install new pads and reassemble everything in reverse order.

⚠️ Attention: Disc brakes Fabia 1 after replacing the pads it may be necessary bleeding the brakesif the caliper piston is sunk too deep. A sign of the need for bleeding is a “soft” pedal.

When to contact a service station: signs of serious problems

Some symptoms indicate that DIY brake pad replacement may be dangerous or ineffective. In such cases, it is better to turn to professionals:

• 🔥 Drum or disc overheating (determined by the blueness of the metal or a specific smell).
• 💧 Brake fluid leaks on the caliper or shield - a sign of damage to the cylinder.
• 🔊 Metal scraping when braking, even after replacing the pads (the friction layer may have worn down to the base).
• 🚗 Uneven braking (the car pulls to the side) - may indicate a jammed caliper or a deformed drum.

The cost of replacing rear pads at a service station for Fabia 1 amounts to 1,500–2,500 rub. (excluding spare parts). If you experience any of these symptoms, saving money on DIY repairs may result in a more expensive brake system restoration.

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Check the condition of the brakes regularly Fabia 1 - especially after overcoming deep puddles or winter driving. Moisture and salt accelerate corrosion of the drums and guides, which can cause the pads to seize.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to replace the pads on only one wheel?

No, the pads are always changed set on both sides. Otherwise, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to the car pulling away when braking and accelerated wear of the new pads.

How often should you check the rear pads on your Fabia 1?

It is recommended to inspect the pads every 15–20 thousand km or when changing tires seasonally. A mandatory check is required if squeaking, vibration occurs or the braking distance increases. Drum brakes wear out more slowly than disc brakes, but their condition is more difficult to assess visually.

What to do if the brakes squeak after replacing the pads?

Creak for the first time 100–200 km — a normal phenomenon (grinding in of new pads). If the sound does not go away:

• Check to see if any lubricant has come into contact with the friction surface.
• Make sure the pads are installed with the correct side up (on some models the left and right are different).
• Use anti-squeak plates (if they are included in the kit).

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

Bleeding is required only in two cases:

1. If you have disconnected brake hoses or cylinders.
2. If the brake pedal becomes “soft” after replacement (a sign of air getting into the system).

On Fabia 1 With drum brakes, bleeding is usually not necessary unless there has been depressurization.

Which pads are better - original or analogues?

Original pads are guaranteed to be suitable in size and composition, but often it makes no sense to overpay for them. Analogues from TRW, ATE or Ferodo are not inferior in quality, and sometimes even superior to the original (for example, Ferodo Premier have an improved friction composition). The main thing is to avoid no-name brands and check certificates of conformity.