Carlston

Once you've driven around the block they have settled into place. One guy waited 10 years for his springs to settle, but they never did. This Russia Skoda Rapid uses 15mm higher (off-road) suspension, as Russian roads are so bad. It looks like it is jacked up, as the gaps between the top of the tyres and the wheelarches are so big. https://www.skoda-avto.ru/ Gaps are good. It means that there is room for the wheels to go up and down.

The front KYB 3348039 shock absorber is sold to replace the following 29 OEM part numbers, which includes 5Q0413023GB. As you can see, it's a one size fits all approach when it comes to aftermarket shock absorbers. 5Q0413023CP 5Q0413023DA 5Q0413023DB 5Q0413023DQ 5Q0413023DR 5Q0413023EB 5Q0413023EP 5Q0413023EQ 5Q0413023ER 5Q0413023FH 5Q0413023FJ 5Q0413023FK 5Q0413023FL 5Q0413023FM 5Q0413023FN 5Q0413023FP 5Q0413023FQ 5Q0413023GB 5Q0413023GG 5Q0413023GH 5Q0413023GJ 5Q0413023GK 5Q0413023GN 5Q0413023GP 5Q0413023GQ 5Q0413023GR 5Q0413023GS 8V0413023C 8V0413023D https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/5q0413023gb?search=OEN+5Q0413023GB&supplier[0]=85 I suspect Bilstein 22-230522 could also be used to replace OEM part number 5Q0413023GB, although this OEM part number isn't specifically mentioned in the Bilstein listing on autodoc. However, there are 9 OEM part numbers that are mentioned in the Bilstein listing that are also mentioned in the KYB 3348039 listing. Plus the length of the KYB is listed at 550mm and the length of the Bilstein is listed at a very similar 548mm. They both have a 50mm strut diameter. https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/7503786

Build code G09 means that the front shock absorbers have OEM part number 5Q0413023GB (8) 5Q0413023GB gas shock absorber 49,6MM Model data: PR-G09 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2016/drive_standart/753/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411002/part_id/2561497/lang/e Build code L30 means that the front springs have OEM part number 5Q0411105HR (1) 5Q0411105HR coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey violet Model data: PR-L30 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2016/drive_standart/753/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411030/part_id/2543614/lang/e Spidan 87965 (OEM number 5Q0411105HR) Spring Design Coil spring with constant wire diameter Fitting Position Front Axle Thickness 12,75 mm Length 335 mm Outer diameter 152 mm Weight 1,95 kg Colour Coding Grey, Deep Pink https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/87965/detail?query=5Q0411105HR&numberType=1&oe=5Q0411105HR&groups=188#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%205Q0411105HR;mandator:gkn;query:5Q0411105HR;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:87965;brandId:1;articleNo:87965;mandator:gkn;query:5Q0411105HR;numberType:1;oe:5Q0411105HR;groups:188 One of the vehicles that the gknautomotive online catalogue shows the Spidan 87965 front springs as being suitable for is the Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDI 4x4 Scout 150HP with manual gearbox.

Fabia MK1 288mm front discs (silver) http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2005/drive_standart/453/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615025/part_id/2550123/lang/e These 288mm front brakes are the same as the Fabia MK1 RS front brakes, except they are silver. The calipers and carriers on the RS model are either green or red. However, get the silver because green and red are difficult/impossible to obtain new. The best prices I've seen on ebay for new genuine TRW parts comes to about £240. This is for calipers (£130), carriers (£50), and discs (£60). It doesn't include other parts such as brake pads or brake fluid. Fabia MK1 288mm front discs RS (green or red) http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2005/drive_standart/453/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615026/part_id/2550123/lang/e On the Fabia, these silver 288mm front brakes were used from 2000-2010, these green 288mm front brakes from 2000-2008, and these red 288mm front brakes from 2005-2008. On the Fabia, different calipers and carriers were used with the 288mm front discs from 2011 onwards, although the front brake discs were still the same.

5Q0411105HS coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey blue Model data: PR-L31 Build code L31 is for OEM number 5Q0411105HS. On the gknautomotive website, Spidan 87966 is sold to replace OEM part number 5Q0411105HS. Spidan 87966 has the following specifications: Spring Design Coil spring with constant wire diameter Fitting Position Front Axle Thickness 13,00 mm Length 326 mm Outer diameter 152 mm Weight 2,05 kg Colour Coding Grey, Blue https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/87966/detail?query=5Q0411105HS&numberType=1&oe=5Q0411105HS&groups=188#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%205Q0411105HS;mandator:gkn;query:5Q0411105HS;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:87966;brandId:1;articleNo:87966;mandator:gkn;query:5Q0411105HS;numberType:1;oe:5Q0411105HS;groups:188 Many of the springs won't be suitable for the Scout model. Some are standard ride height springs. There is not necessarily any pattern as you go down the list of springs. For example, L32 isn't necessarily related to L31. You might not be able to find any matching aftermarket springs to many of the OEM part numbers given above.

KYB RH7021 is the correct standard rear spring for the Skoda Octavia MK2 estate. It matches OEM part number 1K0511115BT. The gap is correct for an unladen car. Try taking another photo with 2 fat mates (200kg) sitting in the back and 50kg of luggage. That's an extra quarter of a tonne pushing down on the rear springs. The car is set up so that it can cope with a full load and perhaps towing a caravan as well. The reason that it doesn't look right, is because you still have the lowered front springs on. The low profile tyres doesn't look right for the car. Being a VRS with 340mm front discs you will need at least 17" wheels to clear the front brake calipers. Try 205/50R17 tyres on 6.5J rims, or 225/45R17 tyres on 7J rims to better match the new look.

Some of the above could be wrong because wheel-size.com often make mistakes. For example, the smallest wheel size that wheel-size.com lists as fitting the Skoda Fabia MK2 1.4TSi 179PS is 16". However, the Fabia has never come with factory fitted discs bigger than 288mm, so 15" wheels will fit.

Monte Carlo is just a trim option. I suspect whether the Fabias got 256mm or 288mm brakes is down to the power rating of the engine, whether it's a heavyweight or lightweight engine, and to a small extent what MK the Fabia is. 90PS diesels and 91PS 1.6 petrols seem to get 288mm brakes but 90PS/95PS 1.0/1.2 petrols and 75PS 1.2 diesels seem to get 256mm brakes. Sometimes it's down to whether it's a Fabia MK2 or a Fabia MK3. The Fabia MK3 1.2 petrol 110HP has 288mm brakes but the Fabia MK2 1.2 petrol 105HP has 256mm brakes. wheel-size.com often makes mistakes, so it's best to measure the diameter of the front discs yourself or check the build code. 256mm Front Discs Skoda Fabia MK2 1.2TSI 105PS Skoda Fabia MK2 1.6MPI 105PS Skoda Fabia MK2 1.2TDI 75PS Skoda Fabia MK2 1.4TDI 80PS Skoda Fabia MK2 1.6TDI 105PS Skoda Fabia MK2 1.9TDI 105PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.0TSI 95PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.2TSI 90PS 288mm Front Discs Skoda Fabia MK2 1.4TSI 179PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.0TSI 110PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.2TSI 110PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.6MPI 91PS Skoda Fabia MK3 1.4TDI 90PS

Take a look at the 2003 Audi A3 with ATE brakes in the 288mm size. http://www.oemepc.com/audi/part_single/catalog/au/markt/RDW/modell/A3/year/2003/drive_standart/209/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615025/part_id/261393/lang/e

If you have build code 1LB or 1LM you will have 239mm diameter front discs. http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2010/drive_standart/608/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615015/part_id/2550123/lang/e However, it would appear that from year 2011 the 239mm diameter front discs were no longer an option on the Fabia with 256mm becoming the minimum size. What option code do you have for your front brakes?

To find out what springs were factory fitted, check the build codes or the coloured dots on the springs (if they are original). For example, if you had build code PR-L30 or 1 grey dot and 1 violet dot, that would mean that the front springs have OEM number 5Q0411105HR. For the front springs, you are looking for a number between L02 and L35. For the rear springs, you are looking for a number between 1JB+0YB and 1JB+0YE. Some of the build codes are on a white label attached to the car somewhere in the boot area. You can use this "VW Group Option Codes Decoder" to make sense of what the build codes mean. http://igorweb.org/equidec.aspx For example, in the above link the build code 1JB = Rear shock absorption for rough-road design front axle, steering | Skoda Octavia 2016, coil spring 1 5Q0411105GF coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue orange (1) 5Q0411105GG coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue red Model data: PR-L02 (1) 5Q0411105GH coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue violet Model data: PR-L03 (1) 5Q0411105GJ coil spring 2 paint marks blue Model data: PR-L04 (1) 5Q0411105GK coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue green Model data: PR-L05 (1) 5Q0411105GL coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue brown Model data: PR-L06 (1) 5Q0411105GM coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue grey Model data: PR-L07 (1) 5Q0411105GN coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green white Model data: PR-L08 (1) 5Q0411105GP coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green yellow Model data: PR-L09 (1) 5Q0411105GQ coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green orange Model data: PR-L10 (1) 5Q0411105GS coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green violet Model data: PR-L12 (1) 5Q0411105GT coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green blue Model data: PR-L13 (1) 5Q0411105HA coil spring 2 paint marks green Model data: PR-L14 (1) 5Q0411105HB coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green brown Model data: PR-L15 (1) 5Q0411105HC coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark green grey Model data: PR-L16 (1) 5Q0411105HD coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark brown white Model data: PR-L17 (1) 5Q0411105HE coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark brown yellow Model data: PR-L18 (1) 5Q0411105HF coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark brown orange Model data: PR-L19 (1) 5Q0411105HG coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark Model data: PR-L20 (1) 5Q0411105HJ coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark blue brown Model data: PR-L23 (1) 5Q0411105HK coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark brown green Model data: PR-L24 (1) 5Q0411105HL coil spring 2 paint marks brown Model data: PR-L25 (1) 5Q0411105HM coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark brown grey Model data: PR-L26 (1) 5Q0411105HN coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey yellow Model data: PR-L27 (1) 5Q0411105HP coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey orange Model data: PR-L28 (1) 5Q0411105HQ coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey red Model data: PR-L29 (1) 5Q0411105HR coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey violet Model data: PR-L30 (1) 5Q0411105HS coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey blue Model data: PR-L31 (1) 5Q0411105HT coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark grey green Model data: PR-L32 (1) 5Q0411105KM coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark 1 paint mark white orange green Model data: PR-L33 (1) 5Q0411105KN coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark 1 paint mark white orange brown Model data: PR-L34 (1) 5Q0411105KP coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark 1 paint mark white orange grey Model data: PR-L35 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2016/drive_standart/753/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411030/part_id/2543614/lang/e rear axle | Skoda Octavia 2016, suspension impact padding SCOUT 4wd PR-0N4,1JB (1) 5Q0511115L coil spring Model data: PR-1JB+0YB 1 5Q0511115AL coil spring Model data: PR-1JB+0YC (1) 5Q0511115AM coil spring Model data: PR-1JB,0YD (1) 5Q0511115AN coil spring Model data: PR-1JB+0YE http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2016/drive_standart/753/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511010/part_id/2563429/lang/e

The Fabia has come with 239mm, 256mm, or 288mm diameter front brake discs over the years. If you go out on a fast A road with lots of bends on a hot summer's day (perhaps a heat-wave) with a fully loaded Fabia with the smallest 239mm diameter front brake discs and standard front brake pads (ie. not fast road use brake pads or track brake pads...which can get hotter before they fade), then you might experience brake fade. Diameter and thickness and weight of front brake discs that have been fitted to the Fabia over the years 239mm x 18mm 3.6kg https://www.autodoc.co.uk/brembo/8713550 http://www.oemepc.com/tvn_result/search/tvn/6Q0615301 256mm x 22mm 5.1kg https://www.autodoc.co.uk/brembo/1657152 http://www.oemepc.com/tvn_result/search/tvn/6R0615301 288mm x 25mm 7.2kg https://www.autodoc.co.uk/brembo/7015044 http://www.oemepc.com/tvn_result/search/tvn/6R0615301A Notice that as you go up from the 239mm diameter front brake discs to 288mm diameter front brake discs, the weight doubles. That's a lot of extra metal to first of all heat up, and secondly to help with heat dissipation. Here's the weight of the 312mm x 25mm front discs from cars such as the Octavia MK1 312mm x 25mm 7.9kg https://www.autodoc.co.uk/brembo/1657272 http://www.oemepc.com/tvn_result/search/tvn/8N0615301A As you can see, there's a big difference in weight between the 239mm and 256mm front discs and the 256mm and 288mm front discs, but not much difference in weight between the 288mm front discs and the 312mm front discs. In percentage terms, the 256mm front discs are about 40% heavier than the 239mm front discs and the 288mm front discs are about 40% heavier than the 256mm front discs. However, the 312mm front discs are only about 10% heavier than the 288mm front discs. From the Brembo technical diagrams on autodoc, it looks like the 239mm, 256mm, and 288mm front discs have 36 cooling fins, whereas the 312mm front discs have 45 cooling fins.

Small brakes with very powerful calipers will overheat, so size does matter.

Below 10 degrees Centigrade summer tyres start to lose grip rapidly. By the time you get down to 5 or 6 degrees Centigrade summer tyres can really start to struggle. It's best to change them for good all-season tyre with the 3PMSF symbol or winter tyres at this time of year. The reason being that they have sips built into the tread, and that helps grip a lot when the road is slippery. Good all-season tyre brands include Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Vredestein. Make sure you go for the latest models as all-season tyres have been rapidly improving in recent years. It can take 500 miles for the tread on a new tyre to roughen up and perform at its best.

RS suspension is the same as the factory sports suspension option, ie. 15mm lower suspension. I suspect the factory sports shock absorbers are also 15mm shorter and have 15mm less suspension travel. If you want aftermarket springs and shock absorbers, I suggest you fit standard suspension, ie. standard springs and standard shock absorbers. This will improve the ride quality and make it easier to find suitable aftermarket parts. Finding well matched aftermarket sports shock absorbers isn't easy. For example, Bilstein B4 rear shock absorbers for the Octavia MK2 are only available for the standard rear springs, although Bilstein claim that they are also suitable for the 15mm shorter sports springs. I wouldn't want to fit 15mm shorter sports springs with standard shock absorbers as you are going to have an extra 15mm of sag in your suspension. Hit a pothole, and your wheel will shoot into the pothole with quarter-of-a-tonne of force due to your shock absorbers having 15mm too much travel. One moment your wheel is pushing against the road with quarter-of-a-tonne of force (supporting the weight of the car) and the next moment your wheel is being shot into the pothole (thin air) with the same quarter-of-a-tonne of force. Fitting standard shock absorbers with sports springs is not a good idea. There are two different front shock absorber diameters for the Octavia MK2. 50mm diameter and 55mm diameter. Make sure you measure which one will fit your car. 50mm Bilstein B4 front shock absorbers for standard springs https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/633355 https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/bilstein-b4--gas-damper-22131607_p31023852.htm 55mm Bilstein B4 front shock absorbers for standard springs https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/633356 https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/bilstein-b4--gas-damper-22131614_p31023853.htm Bilstein B4 rear shock absorbers for standard springs https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/638608 https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/bilstein-b4--gas-damper-19127439_p31024670.htm

It sounds like it's the rubber brake hose. These deteriorate with age, especially where they flex resulting in the rubber hose acting like a one-way valve. The brake fluid will pass the restriction when under great pressure, ie. when you apply the brake pedal...but the brake fluid doesn't return easily so the brakes stay partially on resulting in difficulty turning by hand and extremely hot brakes. You can check the brake hose once removed. Simply blow down it and if air doesn't pass through easily, you know that it has a blockage, eg. the rubber has swollen inside. When you remove the brake hose, make sure you cover any vent hole at the master cylinder end to prevent losing all the brake fluid. You might be able to use a plastic bag to form the air lock at the master cylinder end by unscrewing the filler cap and then screwing the cap back with the plastic bag covering the threads. This looks like the part you need. OEM part number 6U0611701A http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FEL/year/2001/drive_standart/101/hg_ug/611/subcategory/611000/part_id/2543858/lang/e Left and right front brake hoses are the same for the Felicia as shown in the link above. Here's a TRW one on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-TRW-Front-Brake-Hose-PHB376/352654347992?epid=2218277865&hash=item521bd64ed8%3Ag%3ADAUAAOSw68Zcycyx&LH_ItemCondition=3 autodoc list a huge range of brands for this OEM part number. https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/6u0611701a?search=OEN 6U0611701A

It depends what the aspect ratio is. For 215/50 to 215/65 tyres, ETRTO recommends a rim width between 6" and 7.5". However, for a 215/55 tyre the suggested starting point is a 7" rim width as you can see from this link. 215/55R17 Approved Rim Width Range (inch) 6.0-7.0-7.5 https://www.toyo.co.uk/tirefinder/index/width/215/aspect/55/rim/17 And for a 215/60 tyre the suggested starting point is a 6.5" rim width as you can see from these two links. 215/60R16 Approved Rim Width Range (inch) 6.0-6.5-7.5 https://www.toyo.co.uk/tirefinder/index/width/215/aspect/60/rim/16 215/60R17 Approved Rim Width Range (inch) 6.0-6.5-7.5 https://www.toyo.co.uk/tirefinder/index/width/215/aspect/60/rim/17 Notice that car manufacturers don't always go along with the suggested starting point. The Skoda Karoq uses a 6J rim for it's 215/60R16 tyre size, whereas the Skoda Yeti uses a 7J rim for it's 215/60R16 tyre size. Also notice, that when selecting a rim width, there's no need to consider the rim diameter. For example, 215/60R16 and 215/60R17 have the same range of rim widths. Although these links are to Toyo's website, Toyo don't make these rules/guidelines for approved rim widths. Toyo is simply following ETRTO which is the European tyre industry body. Even big name brands such Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone follow ETRTO's guidelines. I can't post a link to ETRTO's guidelines directly, because ETRTO doesn't make their information freely available. You have to pay to get information from ETRTO. Fortunately, Toyo does make ETRTO's guidelines freely available indirectly through their website but only relating to tyre sizes that they make. Here's some more examples, this time relating to 185/55R15 and 185/6R15 tyre sizes. 185/55R15 Approved Rim Width Range (inch) 5.0-6.0-6.5 https://www.toyo.co.uk/tirefinder/index/width/185/aspect/55/rim/15 On the Citigo, Skoda uses 5.5J rims for it's 185/55R15 tyre size, not the suggested 6J rim width. 185/60R15 Approved Rim Width Range (inch) 5.0-5.5-6.5 https://www.toyo.co.uk/tirefinder/index/width/185/aspect/60/rim/15 On the Fabia, Skoda uses 6J rims for it's 185/60R15 tyre size, not the suggested 5.5J rim width. So it sounds like with the 185/55R15 tyre, Skoda were trying to get the comfort of a 185/60R15 tyre by using a narrower rim...and with the 185/60R15 tyre Skoda were trying to get the handling of a 185/55R15 tyre by using a wider rim.

front axle, steering | Skoda Octavia 2012, suspension shock absorber (spring cyl.) for vehicles with sports suspension anti-roll bar *RS* sedan: fr.wheel drv PR-A8F+2UC (8) 1T0413031HP gas shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L55,L58 (8) 1T0413031HK gas shock absorber for sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L59,L62 (8) 1T0413031HP gas shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UA+ L58 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2012/drive_standart/663/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411030/part_id/2562471/lang/e front axle, steering | Skoda Octavia 2012, suspension shock absorber (spring cyl.) for vehicles with sports suspension anti-roll bar *RS* estate car: fr.wheel drv PR-A8F+2UC 8 1T0413031HP gas shock absorber for vehicles with sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L55,L58 (8) 1T0413031HK gas shock absorber for sports suspension Model data: PR-G07+2UC+ L59,L62 http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2012/drive_standart/663/hg_ug/411/subcategory/411031/part_id/2562471/lang/e rear axle | Skoda Octavia 2012, suspension shock absorber (spring cyl.) for vehicles with lowered running gear rear sedan: fr.wheel drv PR-1JC,1JS 7 1K0513029EP gas shock absorber rear (7) 1K0513029GP gas shock absorber for sports suspension rear Model data: PR-1JS http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2012/drive_standart/663/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511020/part_id/2561497/lang/e rear axle | Skoda Octavia 2012, suspension shock absorber (spring cyl.) for vehicles with lowered running gear rear estate car: fr.wheel drv PR-1JC 7 1K0513029GB gas shock absorber rear Model data: PR-1JC http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2012/drive_standart/663/hg_ug/511/subcategory/511021/part_id/2561497/lang/e

EBC claims the size of the pads for the 340mm diameter front discs are 174.9mm x 69.4mm x 20mm. https://ebcbrakesdirect.com/automotive/skoda/octavia-5e/2.0-Turbo-vRS-2017-2020/16340 ECE R90 or Regulation 90 – What’s it all about? European legislation came into effect September 1999 titled ECE R90 that stipulates that all brake pads sold for use on vehicles manufactured after this date must be tested and comply to R90 standards. This test which involves taking each homologated vehicle used on the public roads within Europe and comparing the front and rear brake performance with the original parts to those of aftermarket offerings has closed the door to cheap and nasty imported brake pads throughout Europe. The test includes cold and hot brake friction analysis and if a part has been approved to R90, it can be safely assumed that the product is equal to or better than original equipment product. The brake pads are then marked with an R90 code number and a country code in a circle such as E1 for Germany or E11 for UK which signifies where the testing has been done. EBC Brakes does all of its testing at the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) test facilities at MIRA in Nuneaton, UK. MIRA stands for the Motor Industries Research Association who have a high speed test track for conducting these tests which EBC Brakes uses on a regular basis. Compare this to some of the blanket approvals that have been obtained (or supposedly obtained) from some (shall we say) less scrupulous industry participants and it is clear to anyone with an engineering knowledge that the EBC Brakes method of testing is 100% reliable. Factory Approval is part of the R90 process which involves engineers inspecting and accrediting the factory manufacturing the product before approval is given. EBC has tested its entire range of direct replacement and aftermarket upgrade discs, its a perfect PASS and is at the time of writing undergoing paperwork details with the VCA ( vehicle Certification agency) to guarantee its customers Europe wide of its compliance on both brake pads and brake disc. What are the benefits? If you are selling brake pads for European vehicles and the material you are offering is not very close to the original equipment material in terms of friction level, you could be placing your customers safety at risk. Considering that in 90% of cases the front brake pads on a vehicle wear out before the rear, it is normal to see replacement of front brake pads with an aftermarket offering whilst the rear pad is still left in the vehicle. Simple physics tells you that a vehicle with higher friction in the rear than in the front is a danger area. Such an imbalance of braking can cause rear wheel lock up as pedal pressure is increased by the driver in an attempt to bring the vehicle to rest, and the simple result is ….. front wheel lock up and the car brakes IN A STRAIGHT LINE …. rear wheel lock up and the car goes into a tailspin. In what ways are European pads different and why does this affect me? Most European vehicles are built with single piston caliper systems with “deep” profile pads where the band width (height of the pad from top to bottom) is much larger than in brake systems used on Asian cars or American built cars. This basic design difference has lead to European car manufacturers using HIGHER FRICTION pads than most of their counterparts who build vehicles in Asia and USA. To use the lower friction level pads common in the American and Asian markets inter-mixed with a higher friction European spec pad is a recipe for disaster. Another major advantage Of the EBC product is its far reduced disc (rotor) wear rates compared to many original parts. Internal tests have show significant reduction in rotor wear when using the EBC Ultimax material. https://ebcbrakes.com/ece-r90/

It doesn't sound like they were a quality brand, such as Bosch or EBC.

Skoda Octavia MK3 RS models have 340mm diameter front brake discs. The OEM part number for the front brake pads is 8V0698151C as you can see on the below link to the Skoda online parts catalogue http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2016/drive_standart/753/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615040/part_id/0/lang/e The OEM part number for the front brake pads is 8V0698151C so be careful not to use similar numbers ending in ******151, ******151A, or ******151B for example, as these are completely different sizes and won't fit the 340mm diameter front discs. Avoid overpriced Skoda brake pads and also avoid low quality cheap Chinese parts. These Bosch ones are about £93 from the german version of ebay https://www.ebay.de/itm/BOSCH-Bremsbelage-Bremsbelagsatz-Bremsklotze-Vorne-0-986-424-285/203168503339?hash=item2f4dc9562b:g:2rwAAOSw-WdfzPum These EBC ones are about £62 from the uk version of ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EBC-ULTIMAX-FRONT-PADS-DPX2127-FOR-SEAT-ALHAMBRA-1-4-TURBO-2010/111504082590?hash=item19f629469e:g:sNsAAOSw1XdUVssk

What OEM numbers do your front brake calipers have (with 288mm front brake discs)? Are you on the LUCAS system or the TEVES system? If you are on the LUCAS system, you will need new calipers and carriers. If you are on the TEVES system, you just need new carriers. With the LUCAS system, the carriers are handed, ie. the left carrier is different from the right carrier. With the TEVES system, the carriers are not handed, ie. the left carrier is the same as the right carrier. front brake disc (vented) LUCAS 288X25MM http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2008/drive_standart/453/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615026/part_id/0/lang/e front brake disc (vented) TEVES 288X25MM http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2001/drive_standart/252/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615025/part_id/2550123/lang/e front brake disc (vented) TEVES 312X25MM http://www.oemepc.com/audi/part_single/catalog/au/markt/RDW/modell/ATT/year/2003/drive_standart/278/hg_ug/615/subcategory/615025/part_id/0/lang/e OEM numbers 8L0615125 8N0615125 4B0615125A are also compatible with OEM number 1J0615125A. These carriers have been fitted to many VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda group cars. See the 14 pages of cars on the below ebay.de link to get an idea of just how common this carrier is. https://www.ebay.de/itm/ATE-Bremssattelhalter-Halter-Bremssattel-fur-SEAT-VW-AUDI-3240424/392817821614?hash=item5b75c447ae:g:vnoAAOSweDNe0OJk

The standard 256mm ventilated front discs work well. The rear drum brakes don't do much work because most of the braking is done by the front brakes as the weight of the car moves to the front under braking. By moving to 288mm front discs you will no longer be able to use 14" wheels such as standard 185/60R14 or non-standard 175/65R14, 175/70R14, 185/65R14. These are generally cheap tyre sizes and having plenty of sidewall are comfortable tyre sizes. If you move up to 195/55R15 the ride will be quite hard, although the non-standard 185/60R15 isn't too bad. It's a bad idea to keep braking because that just wastes lots of fuel. Allow plenty of space between you and the car in front, look well ahead and come off the gas early to avoid harsh braking. If your current brake discs are past their best, simply change them for new ones together with new pads. And while you're at it check your rear drums and brake shoes and change if worn. However, the fronts tend to wear out quicker because they are doing more work. Rears tend to last for ages unless you carry a lot of weight in the back, such as a working van.

Try this link to get the Skoda build codes from the VIN https://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/skoda

There is a box to search by the VIN number on this website. I don't know if it works. http://www.oemepc.com/skoda The following front and rear Bilstein B6 shock absorbers appear to fit any Skoda Superb MK2 with standard or sports suspension. It's a one size fits all approach. Bilstein B6 Front Shock Absorbers 35-122074 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/1044402 Bilstein B6 Rear Shock Absorbers 24-172936 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/633671