Replacing rear brake pads on a ŠKODA Octavia A5: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on ŠKODA Octavia A5 (2004–2013) - a consumable that requires replacement every 30–50 thousand km depending on driving style. Ignoring pad wear can result not only in reduced braking efficiency, but also in damage to the brake discs, which will result in costly repairs. In this article we will look at how to replace the rear pads with your own hands, without resorting to the services of a service station, while saving money 2–4 thousand rubles.

Feature Octavia A5 — the rear brake system can be like disk (on versions with engines 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI), and drum (on basic trim levels with 1.4 MPI, 1.6 MPI engines). In this tutorial we will focus on disk system, since it occurs more often and requires more attention during maintenance. If you have drum brakes, the principles are similar, but there are nuances with adjusting the handbrake, which we will discuss separately.

When do you need to change the rear pads on an Octavia A5: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the pads every 15 thousand km, but the actual service life depends on many factors: from the quality of the pads themselves to driving style. Here are the key symptoms that it's time to replace them:

• 🔊 Creaking or whistling when braking - a sign of thinning of the friction layer. On the blocks Octavia A5 Wear indicators are often installed, which begin to “beep” when critically erased.
• 🛑 Increased braking distance or a “wobbly” brake pedal - the pads no longer provide sufficient friction.
• 🔧 Vibration or beat in the pedal or steering wheel when braking - the pads may have worn unevenly or become deformed.
• 🚨 Metal scraping — critical wear, when the friction layer has worn down to the base and the metal rubs against the disc.

If you ignore these signs, the consequences will be serious: from damage to brake discs (they will have to be sharpened or replaced) until caliper jamming due to overheating. It is especially dangerous to drive with worn pads in rain or ice - the braking distance can increase by 1.5–2 times.

⚠️ Attention! On Octavia A5 with the system ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Worn pads can cause false activation of the anti-lock braking system. This is indicated by the indicator blinking ABS on the dashboard.

Which pads to choose for Octavia A5: original vs analogues

Original pads from ŠKODA/VW have an article number 1K0 698 451 G (for rear axle with discs). Their average price is 2,500–3,500 rub. per set per axle. However, many owners choose analogs that are cheaper but not inferior in quality. Here are the tested options:

Brand	Article	Price (per axle)	Features
TRW	GDB1446	1,800–2,200 rub.	Soft friction material, low dust, suitable for aggressive driving.
ATE	13.0460-7216.2	2,000–2,500 rub.	High quality, minimal disc wear, but may squeak for the first 200 km.
Brembo	P 68 010	RUB 2,300–2,800	Sports series, resistant to overheating, but wear out faster.
Bosch	0 986 494 219	1,600–2,000 rub.	Budget option, suitable for a quiet ride.

When choosing pads, pay attention to friction material composition:

• 🔹 Semi-metallic - durable, but noisy and aggressive to disks.
• 🔹 Ceramic - quiet, generates little dust, but more expensive and less effective at low temperatures.
• 🔹 Organic - soft, discs are gentle, but wear out quickly.

⚠️ Attention! On Octavia A5 with the system EDS (electronic differential lock) it is not recommended to install pads with a high coefficient of friction - this may cause false alarms of the system.

Tools and preparation for replacing pads

To replace the rear pads with Octavia A5 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
• 🔧 Balloon wrench for removing wheels.
• 🔧 Socket heads by 13 mm and 17 mm (for caliper).
• 🔧 7 mm hexagon (for guides).
• 🔧 Pliers for removing spring clips.
• 🔧 WD-40 or similar cleaner for processing rusty bolts.
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT 4 (topping up may be required).
• 🔧 Medical syringe or a bulb for pumping liquid out of the tank.

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

1. Park your car on flat surface and secure the front wheels with chocks.
2. Loosen the bolts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely.
3. Open the hood and pump out some of the brake fluid from the reservoir (when the caliper piston is compressed, the level will rise).
4. Jack up the rear of the car and remove the wheel.

If you are changing pads for the first time, take a photo of the location of all caliper parts before disassembly - this will help avoid errors during assembly. Also check the condition brake hoses: If they are cracked or leaking, they need to be replaced.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear pads

The process of replacing pads Octavia A5 with rear disc brakes involves several key steps. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Removing the Caliper

1. Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually 17 mm).

2. Carefully pry the caliper with a screwdriver and remove it by hanging it on a wire or hook so as not to damage the brake hose.

3. Remove the old pads from the guides. If they get stuck, treat them WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Recessing the caliper piston

On Octavia A5 the rear caliper has built-in handbrake mechanism, so the piston must not only be compressed, but screw it back in. To do this:

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the grooves of the piston.
2. Turn the piston clockwisewhile pressing it.
3. If the piston does not budge, use a special pressing tool (for example, Lisle 25800).

Step 3: Install New Pads

1. Clean the guides and pad seats from rust and dirt.

2. Apply copper grease on the back of the new pads (where they contact the caliper).

3. Reinstall the pads in reverse order, making sure the spring clips are in place.

Step 4: Assembly and Testing

1. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to torque. 30–35 Nm.

2. Press the brake pedal several times until the piston comes close to the pads.

3. Check the brake fluid level and add if necessary.

What should I do if the brake pedal becomes soft after replacing the pads?

This may be caused by air getting into the system. Bleed the brakes, starting with the rear right wheel. If the problem persists, check the tightness of the hoses and caliper.

Adjusting the handbrake after replacing the pads

On Octavia A5 The handbrake is adjusted automatically when the caliper piston moves, but sometimes it is necessary manual adjustment. Here's how to do it:

1. Raise the rear of the car so that the wheels are hanging in the air.
2. Loosen the handbrake cable adjustment nut (located under the plastic tunnel protection).
3. Tighten the cable until the wheels begin to slow down slightly as they rotate (2-3 ratchet clicks).
4. Check the travel of the handbrake lever - it should rise by 5–7 clicks.

If after adjustment the handbrake is too tight or weak, the problem may be worn cables or soured caliper guides. In this case, cable replacement or caliper repair will be required.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing pads. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🚫 Incorrect piston screw-in - if you simply press it in and not screw it in, the caliper will not work normally with the handbrake. Use a special tool or a flathead screwdriver with force.
• 🚫 Forgetting to lubricate the guides - this leads to jamming of the caliper and uneven wear of the pads. Use high temperature grease (for example, Slipkote 220-R DBC).
• 🚫 Installing pads without cleaning the seats - rust and dirt prevent a tight fit, causing the pads to “squeal.”
• 🚫 Unchecked brake fluid level - when the piston is compressed, liquid can overflow through the tank, damaging the paintwork.

Another typical problem is new pads squeak. It may occur due to:

• 🔊 Low-quality friction material (especially for budget analogues).
• 🔊 Lack of anti-squeak plates (they need to be transferred from old pads or purchased additionally).
• 🔊 Incorrect running-in (in the first days, avoid sudden braking).

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the pads the indicator on the dashboard comes on ABS or ESP, check whether you have damaged the wheel speed sensor. It is located next to the caliper and can be affected by careless operation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads on Octavia A5

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

No, the pads are always changed pair on one axis. If you replace only one side, the braking force will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to skidding when braking.

How long does it take to replace pads?

If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours on both sides. If you are doing this for the first time, allow 3-4 hours, as there may be difficulties with tightening the piston or soured bolts.

Do I need to grind brake discs when replacing pads?

You need to sharpen the discs if:

• They have deep grooves or undulations.
• The disk thickness is less than permissible (for Octavia A5 minimum rear disc thickness - 8.4 mm).

If the discs are smooth and their thickness is normal, it is enough to clean them of rust and plaque.

What to do if after replacing the pads the car brakes jerkily?

The reasons may be as follows:

• Uneven running-in of the pads (you need to drive 100–200 km in a gentle mode).
• If grease gets on the working surface of the pads or discs (need to be cleaned White spirit).
• The caliper is stuck (check the guides and piston).

Can I use pads from other VW models?

Yes, Octavia A5 compatible with pads from:

• VW Golf MK5 (2003–2009)
• VW Jetta MK5 (2005–2010)
• Audi A3 8P (2003–2012)

But make sure the part number matches 1K0 698 451 G or its analogues from the table above.