Time for some new rear brake discs and pads. Should I just stick with stock Skoda/VW stuff? Or is there a cheaper, but as effective option out there?

 

Cheers!

As the rear brakes do very little work I would think just about anything would do. Plenty of choice at ECP/Parts4less and GSF. Make sure to check the latest discount codes which will fetch price down a further 30%-45‰ off (usually at weekends). All I would add is to avoid the cheapest own brands (vetech/eicher)

As the rear brakes do very little work I would think just about anything would do. Plenty of choice at ECP/Parts4less and GSF. Make sure to check the latest discount codes which will fetch price down a further 30%-45‰ off (usually at weekends). All I would add is to avoid the cheapest own brands (vetech/eicher)

 

i've been offered the Skoda Economy stuff fitted for £160 total.

i've been offered the Skoda Economy stuff fitted for £160 total.

Not bad compared with Skoda fixed pricing £215.

Not bad compared with Skoda fixed pricing £215.

 

Should I just go for that then, given that's the rears and I never really rag the car hard, or track it?  They're only the rears as you say...

Yes I would say so. At that price its not worth the hassle of trying to undo those splined carrier bolts.

Just ask the mechanic to clean up the caliper and carrier properly as the corrosion on them is what makes the brakes bind and wear prematurely and run stinking hot.

Cool, I'll get it sorted.  I think pads have been done about 2 years ago. Worth getting them done at the same time, or will there still be life in them?

Take the wheel off and measure the thickness of the pad left (both sides of the disk). They start at about 22mm iirc so you can work out how much life is left. No need to change until they get to about 2mm. If the inside pad is worn significantly less or more than the outside (or left side compared to right side) that indicates something is sticking which is usually a combination of dust/crud/corrosion on carriers. In that case a stripdown and clean/fettle would be worthwhile. Inspect the discs at the same time and check the thickness and condition. Again a clean/fettle is recommended? (knock the rust off on the outer edge by tapping with a hammer).

Remember only use certec metallic free brake grease to lubricate brake parts (I.e. the carrier/pad plate slide surfaces). Copperslip causes calipers/carriers etc to corrode due to electrolytic action.

Edited 19 July, 20169 yr by xman