Replacing rear brake pads on a ŠKODA Kodiaq with electronic handbrake: a complete guide 2026

Replacing rear brake pads with ŠKODA Kodiaq with electronic parking brake (EPB) - a task that requires not only mechanical skills, but also an understanding of how electronics work. Unlike traditional crossovers with a manual handbrake, you cannot simply remove the wheel and change the pads: the EPB system locks the caliper pistons in a compressed state, and incorrect actions can lead to errors in the on-board computer or even failure of the drive motor.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from A to Z: how reset EPB correctly Before replacing, what tools will be needed (including diagnostic scanner or alternative methods), how to avoid typical mistakes during reassembly and which pads to choose for Kodiaq 2017–2026. We will pay special attention to nuances that are not described in standard manuals - for example, how to reset brake adaptation without dealer equipment and what to do if the EPB fault indicator lights up after replacement.

Why are rear pads on a Kodiaq with EPB more difficult to change?

Electronic parking brake (EPB) on ŠKODA Kodiaq integrated with the system ABS/ESC and is controlled by the block J540 (parking brake controller). When you press the handbrake button, the motors in the rear wheel calipers press the pads against the disc mechanically - without cables. This provides the benefits of automatic activation when parking or emergency braking, but makes maintenance more difficult.

Main problems when replacing:

• 🔧 Piston blocking: Without resetting the EPB, the caliper will not open and the new pads will not fit into place.
• ⚡ Electronic adaptation: after installing the pads, the system needs to be “taught” the new position of the pistons, otherwise the handbrake will not work correctly.
• ⚠️ Errors in the on-board computer: If you do not follow the procedure, the indicator will light up EPB or ABS.
• 🔄 Different caliper designs: on Kodiaq before 2020 and after - different types of motors (one- and two-wire).

In addition, rear pad wear on crossovers with EPB often occurs unevenly due to the way the system operates. For example, if a car sits on a slope for a long time with the handbrake activated, one of the pads may wear out faster. This is important to consider when diagnosing.

What tools and spare parts will be needed

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

Category	Tool/spare part	Notes
Basic Tools	Jack, wheel wrench, sockets (13, 15, 17 mm), ratchet handle	Be sure to use body stands — do not work on one jack!
Specialized devices	Caliper pistons puller (or sliding pliers), guide wrench	For Kodiaq puller type suitable HAZET 2169-2
Diagnostics	Scanner with support VW/ŠKODA (for example, VCDS, OBDeleven, Launch X431)	You can do without a scanner only on models before 2020 (see the section on resetting EPB)
Consumables	Brake pads (rear set), grease for guides (TRW PFG110), brake cleaner	Do not use copper grease - only specialized for brake systems!

For spare parts: original pads for Kodiaq go under the article 1K0 698 451 G (until 2020) or 5Q0 698 451 (after 2020). Alternatives from TRW (GDB1846), Brembo (P 68 030) or ATE (13.0460-7819.2) is no worse in quality, but 30–40% cheaper. The main thing is to check compatibility with your modification Kodiaq (engine, year of manufacture).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy non-original pads, be sure to check the catalog for the VIN code. For example, for Kodiaq with engine 2.0 TDI (150 hp) and 2.0 TSI (190 hp) Different part numbers may be required due to varying vehicle weights and brake loads.

Preparing the Vehicle: How to Reset EPB Properly

The most critical stage is deactivating the electronic handbrake before replacing pads. If this is not done, the caliper pistons will remain in the working position, and you will physically not be able to install new pads. There are three ways to reset EPB:

1. Via diagnostic scanner (recommended method):

   Connect the scanner (for example, VCDS) to the connector OBD-II, select block 53 — Parking Brake and run the command Deactivate EPB or Release Parking Brake. After replacing the pads, do not forget to do Basic Setting for adaptation.

2. Through the on-board computer menu (for models up to 2020):

   Stop the engine, turn on the ignition (position ON), press and hold the button EPB for 10-15 seconds until you hear a click. The message appears on the display Service Mode.

   Algorithm for Kodiaq 2017–2019:
   1. Ignition ON (engine off).
   2. Press and hold the EPB button.
   3. Turn on the low beam (turn the switch 1 position).
   4. Release the EPB button after it clicks.

3. Mechanical reset (extreme case):

   If there is no scanner and the menu does not activate, you can try removing the battery terminal for 10 minutes. Once connected, the EPB will automatically unlock, but this may reset other settings (such as seat memory or radio).

Important: after replacing the pads, the system must be train new position of the pistons. To do this:

1. Connect your scanner and select Basic Setting → Parking Brake.
2. Run the command Adaptation of Brake Pads.
3. Click the button EPB 2-3 times for calibration.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads

Once the EPB is reset, you can proceed with the replacement. It is more convenient to carry out the work on a lift or inspection hole, but if these are not available, a jack with stops will do. Important: change the pads on both rear wheels at once, even if one side is worn less, this will ensure uniform braking.

Reset the EPB (see previous section)|Remove the wheel and clean the caliper of dirt|Unscrew the caliper guides (don't lose the bolts!)|Remove the old pads and inspect the disc|Install new pads and lubricate the guides|Assemble the caliper and put the wheel back in place|Perform an EPB adaptation-->

Let's look at the process in detail:

1. Removing the Wheel and Caliper:

   Loosen the wheel bolts, lift the car and remove the wheel. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually T45 or 15 mm) and carefully hang the caliper on the wire so as not to damage the brake hose. Do not disconnect the hose!

2. Removing old pads:

   Remove the spring clips (if equipped) and pull out the pads. Please note friction material thickness: if it is less than 2 mm, replacement is justified. Also inspect the brake disc - if there are deep grooves (more than 1 mm) or uneven wear, it needs to be sharpened or replaced.

3. Installing new pads:

   Before installation, clean the seats on the caliper with a wire brush and apply a thin layer special lubricant on the guides. The pads should go in without effort - if they are tight, check to see if the EPB has reset completely.

   What should I do if the new pads do not fit into the caliper?

   This means that the pistons have not retracted completely. Try:

   1. Repeat the EPB reset via the scanner.

   2. Manually recess the pistons with a puller (rotate them clockwise, as they are threaded).

   3. Check whether the guides are acidified - they need to be cleaned and lubricated.

4. Reassembly:

   Install the caliper in place, tighten the bolts to a torque 30 Nm and return the wheel. Repeat the procedure on the second wheel. After assembly, press the brake pedal several times so that the pads get used to the disc.

⚠️ Attention: Never press the brake pedal with the caliper removed - the pistons may fly out of the cylinders, and you will have to disassemble the system for reinstallation!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing brake pads. Kodiaq with EPB. Here are the most common:

• 🔌 Unreset EPB: An attempt to open the caliper without deactivating the handbrake leads to motor failure. The system blocks the pistons with a force of up to 200 kgf!
• 🛠️ Using the wrong lubricant: Copper or graphite grease on the caliper guides leads to souring. Use only TRW PFG110 or analogues.
• 🔄 Unfulfilled adaptation: if you don't Basic Setting after replacement, the handbrake will not work fully or will activate spontaneously while driving.
• 🚗 Uneven replacement: Installing new pads on only one wheel causes the car to pull when braking.
• ⚡ Ignoring errors: if the indicator lights up after replacement EPB or ABS, you urgently need to connect the scanner and reset the errors. Driving with the light on may result in brake failure.

Another typical problem is squeaking noise after replacing pads. This happens due to:

• Low-quality pads (especially cheap analogues without anti-squeak plates).
• Lack of lubrication on the back side of the pads (applied in a thin layer).
• Dirt gets between the pad and the caliper.

If a squeak appears, try driving 200–300 km - sometimes the pads wear in. If the sound does not disappear, check the installation and, if necessary, replace the pads with original ones.

How to choose pads: original vs analogues

There are more than 20 brands of brake pads on the market for ŠKODA Kodiaq, and their quality may vary significantly. Here are the selection criteria:

Pad type	Pros	Cons	Recommendations
Original (ŠKODA/VW)	Guaranteed compatibility, optimal composition of friction material, minimal disc wear.	High price (from 4,500 rubles per set).	The best choice for new cars or under high loads (towing, mountain roads).
Premium analogues (Brembo, TRW, ATE)	The quality is not inferior to the original, often better in braking performance.	The price is 20–30% lower than the original.	The best option for most owners.
Budget analogues (Ferodo, Bosch, Textar)	Low price (from RUB 1,500), wide range.	They can creak, wear out faster, and sometimes don’t fit properly.	Only for a quiet ride and on a limited budget.
Low quality (no name brands)	Very cheap (from 800 rubles).	High risk of caliper failure, poor braking, rapid wear of discs.	Not recommended.

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 📌 Certification: pads must meet the standard ECE R90.
• 🔍 Composition: for aggressive driving, pads with a high metal content are suitable (semi-metallic), for the city - ceramic (ceramic).
• 📏 Friction layer thickness: optimally 12–14 mm (cheap pads are often thinner).

For Kodiaq with engines 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI (gasoline) pads with a softer composition are suitable, since the brake discs are less loaded here. For diesel versions (2.0 TDI) it is better to take pads with increased wear resistance, for example, Brembo P 68 030 or TRW GDB1846.

What to do if the EPB lamp is on after replacement

If the indicator on the instrument panel lights up EPB or ABS, this means the system has detected a fault. The reasons may be different:

• 🔧 Adaptation failed: after replacing the pads you need to do Basic Setting through a scanner.
• ⚡ Error in the control unit: for example, C10AC00 (caliper motor malfunction).
• 📶 Broken wire: check the integrity of the harness going to the caliper (it often rubs against the body).
• 🔄 Faulty sensor: on some versions Kodiaq pad wear sensors are installed (G266/G267).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Connect the scanner and read the error codes. Common:
   • C10AC00 — EPB motor malfunction.
   • C10A800 — open circuit of the sensor.
   • C10A600 - adaptation has not been completed.

If the error is related to adaptation, follow the procedure Basic Setting (See the section on resetting EPB).

If the wire breaks or the motor malfunctions, the caliper will need to be repaired or the motor replaced (part number 1K0 907 451 for models up to 2020).

If the problem is with the wear sensor, you can temporarily disconnect it (disconnect the connector), but it is better to replace it.

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the errors the lamp EPB lights up again, don't ignore the problem! This can lead to the wheels locking while driving or the handbrake failure. In this case, contact your authorized dealer. ŠKODA for in-depth diagnostics.

On models Kodiaq After 2020, the EPB system is more sensitive to malfunctions. For example, if you replaced the pads but forgot to connect the wear sensor, the control unit may block the handbrake until the problem is resolved.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing pads on a Kodiaq with EPB

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

Yes, but only on models up to 2020. To do this:

1. Reset EPB via the menu (hold the handbrake button + turn on the low beam).
2. After replacing the pads, press the brake pedal several times to force the pistons into place.
3. Drive 10–15 km and check the operation of the handbrake.

On cars after 2020, you cannot do without a scanner - adaptation is required through Basic Setting.

How much do original pads cost and how long do they last?

Original pads for Kodiaq cost about 4,500–6,000 rubles. per set (item 5Q0 698 451). Service life depends on driving style:

• Urban mode: 40–50 thousand km.
• Aggressive driving/mountains: 25–30 thousand km.
• Quiet driving on the highway: up to 60 thousand km.

Analogues (TRW, Brembo) last about 10–15% less, but also cost less (RUB 2,500–3,500).

What happens if you don't adapt the EPB after replacing the pads?

If not completed Basic Setting, the following problems are possible:

• The handbrake will not completely block the wheels (the car may roll down the slope).
• Spontaneous activation of the EPB while driving (very dangerous!).
• Accelerated wear of new pads due to incorrect position of the pistons.
• Constantly burning lamp EPB on the instrument panel.

On some versions Kodiaq The system can automatically activate emergency braking if it detects a mismatch.

Is it possible to sharpen brake discs when replacing pads?

Yes, but with reservations:

• The thickness of the disc after grooving must be at least 20 mm (minimum for Kodiaq).
• Grooving is justified if the disc has runout or deep grooves (more than 1 mm).
• If the disk is thinner than 20 mm, it needs to be replaced - the groove will weaken the structure.

The cost of turning one disc is about 1,000–1,500 rubles. Replacement will cost 3,000–5,000 rubles. per disc (original).

How often should you check the condition of the rear pads on your Kodiaq?

Recommended inspection interval:

• Every 15,000 km — visual inspection (thickness of the friction layer, presence of cracks).
• Every 30,000 km — full diagnostics (including measurement of disc thickness).
• When symptoms appear: creaking, vibration when braking ignition, increased pedal travel.

On Kodiaq With EPB, pad wear can be monitored via the on-board computer: in the menu Service there is a point Brake Pads, where the remaining resource is displayed as a percentage.