Constant Repeated Brake problem MkIV VW Golf GTI

seborah

HI

I'll start this by saying I'm female and know little about cars so..:)

I have a constant problem on my 01 VW Golf GTI since I bought it almost 2 years ago. Have had the brake disc+pads replaced every 3 months or so and almost immediately they seem to go again. I'm doing very low mileage and I drive normally no crazy speeds or anything like that. I had the NCT done in April and the brakes replaced before it then and now 1,200 miles later they need to be done again ( whole car shaking when I brake and slow to stop, vibration mainly in steering wheel ) I've seen on google that the brakes should last at least 10,000 miles.

I've talked to the garage I bought it originally (it had only 3 months warranty) and they say it has to be owner caused and blamed whoever driving it. Had two different mechanics look at since and they say the same thing. I know its not me however, originally my brother drove the car so I thought it might be him, now he's not driving any more and its still happening. Occasionally an engine warning light comes on and then goes off, the garage cant find a cause for it they just reset it.

Any ideas, should I bring the car to volkswagon that's the only suggestion I've heard so far? ...

Thanks in advance

Henry Ford III

Edited. Please ignore.

TestTransmission

Think he meant Mark IV

seborah

Yes I meant MKIV

Mr.David

Sounds like runout - in other words the disc is not perfectly aligned with the vertical axis and when it rotates there is a degree of runout. So when you apply the brakes you get a vibration through the steering wheel as the highspots and lowspots pass through the pads causing a 'wave' shaped motion.

The fault probably doesnt lie with the discs or pads, it could be the hub, or dirt between the disc and hub (causing the disc not to lie flat and hence runout), wheel bearing, damaged suspension component etc.

seborah

Mr.David wrote: »

Sounds like runout - in other words the disc is not perfectly aligned with the vertical axis and when it rotates there is a degree of runout. So when you apply the brakes you get a vibration through the steering wheel as the highspots and lowspots pass through the pads causing a 'wave' shaped motion.

The fault probably doesnt lie with the discs or pads, it could be the hub, or dirt between the disc and hub (causing the disc not to lie flat and hence runout), wheel bearing, damaged suspension component etc.

Very helpful, is there a way of diagnosing or measuring this ?

lube5150

Has your golf got ABS,,,if so have the system checksd out,,juddering in the steering wheel can mean a host of things,,,but warped brake discs will cause it,,,brake pads should last up 15,000miles,,,i think you should have the brake calipers checked,,,there are rubber dust covers around the piston,,and if these are split,they will let water and dirt in,,and the piston will stick and that will cause your brakes to ware out quicker,,,i think you better bring your car to a mechanic that knows what he's looking for,,,,a lot of muppets out there,,,,,

no1beemerfan

Another thing to consider is sticking calipers....do you notice your wheels have a quick build up of brake dust? This would indicate the calipers are rubbing the pads off the disk(s) constantly and eventually overheating the disks which causes the vibration.

But in my opinion any competent mechanic should be able to rule out these probable problems quickly. It should be a problem that can be sorted.

seborah

I do have ABS, so I'll get them to check that out the next time..

Is brake dust red, as there does seem to be red dust around the front wheels ?

IRL-Tony

Seborah,



May I ask how you faired out with your VW Golf situation?
I have a 98 reg Golf with similar descriptive problems as yours.
-Braking relatively hard gives plenty of steering-wheel feedback.


Thanking you,
T

Mar4ix

I had similar problem with my mazda good while ago... original parts was fitted, and after 2-4 weeks front discs was warped, spend a lot time and money, until i discover the problem.
Suggestion: get new front hubs with wheel bearings, and front calipers must reconditioned, then new discs and pads. Should be sorted.

There could be two problem: first - (less likely but possible and worth to do) hubs might be not be perfect.... kind of slightly off bearing(may happen if hit kerb or similar) , it means brake disks are all time and slight angle and rub against brake pads, which causing overheating and warping.

Second (this problem was on my Mazda) - front brake cylinders (which is in caliper) are sticking- need to be reconditioned(well i was doing myself).

After all that replacement, shouldn't be problems.

Wondering, why mechanics who fixing your car, didnt know this. (probably know, but was looking for regular costumer)

There is companies who doing reconditioning professionally, Google will help you find, i wont tell here which one.

Good luck, and let us know how are you there.

seborah

Hi

Eventually a Volkswagen Garage diagnosed that it was the bearings in the wheels. Said it was caused by being crashed.

This was after other mechanics replaced calipers etc.

It was almost 1100 euro to get the bearings done, with a service and other things that needed doing so it wasnt worth it and I got rid of it.

Best of luck with yours!

Mar4ix

seborah wrote: »

Hi

Eventually a Volkswagen Garage diagnosed that it was the bearings in the wheels. Said it was caused by being crashed.

This was after other mechanics replaced calipers etc.

It was almost 1100 euro to get the bearings done, with a service and other things that needed doing so it wasnt worth it and I got rid of it.

Best of luck with yours!

Jesus .... so expensive... !!!! any local garage would do the work ... bearings would cost around 50 each , and work would be around 150 - 200 ... so would be sorted in around 300 euro.

seborah

Yea it was almost 600 for the bearings, plus service then of course brake pads & discs, plus some valve I cant remember name of.

Have an 08 Honda Civic now not an ounce of trouble from it, thank god I got rid!

Mar4ix

seborah wrote: »

Yea it was almost 600 for the bearings, plus service then of course brake pads & discs, plus some valve I cant remember name of.

Have an 08 Honda Civic now not an ounce of trouble from it, thank god I got rid!

Well... somebody got perfect car. I use to buy car in bad condition for cheap money, fix it, and drive... it is bit more expensive, then buy good condition car, but at least i know there is lots new parts, and it wont make a hassle any more.

IRL-Tony

Thanks seborah.

I'll bring the car (with advice from here) to my local mechanic ... see what happens ...