Brake pad warning light

[Blitzen]

IIRC on some VAG vehicles they only have sensors on 1 wheel on each axle, so if there is uneven wear, the other pads (with the sensors) may still have plenty of meat left on them.

In that case I would be looking at the Brakes, and you would change the pads anyway. If the above case was happening, you may have a sticking piston, or guides, and they may have to be rebuilt.

[NickZ]

Thanks for the responses fellas. Had a chat to the dealer this afternoon - he explained that when the light comes on depends on how the sensor has been installed on the car. Some go off when there is 6-7mm of pad left (as I have read on the car), others go off when there is only 1-2mm.

I have 3mm left - overall I was happy with the service and my gut feel is they are telling the truth - if they are not I will find out soon enough as I will get them replaced, probably with EBC greenstuffs.

In terms of using the gears, my old car was 13 years old and both me and my sister who drove the car engine braked and the gearbox was perfect. As mentioned, I don't trash the gearbox to do it, but try to use it especially if I am going down a hill at speed or coming to a gradual stop.

Now, who can recommend suppliers / installers in Sydney?

[Blitzen]

Now, who can recommend suppliers / installers in Sydney?

Depending where you are, I would look at Penrith Clutch and Brake...They gave me a good quote on a Clutch job, so maybe worth a look see.
Check out Auto Barn for pads...I got a good price through them for EBC Greens and RDA Slotted rotors. I would do the work myself, but if you are not keen, thats fair enough.

[NickZ]

I would do the work myself, but if you are not keen, thats fair enough.

I know its not the toughest job - but if I am not confident about doing something I would rather get someone else to do it. Whilst I can do an oil and filter change and other basic maintenance, brakes is something I would rather leave to an expert because if I did it, I would be worried I did something wrong and end up in the back of someone cos my brakes failed!!!

Thanks for the tips anyway.

[Blitzen]

Hope it works out well and a bit cheaper for you...I'm a mechanic, so I am used to working on brakes, but before that, I wasn't keen on working on brakes for the same reason, so I know where you are coming from.

Ryan

[Ben_GTI]

This is all very interesting stuff. I have done 66,000km without a pad change, however my discs have lost about 2mm total thickness over this time (1mm lip on inside and outside).

It bothers me a bit with the wear rate of the discs though.

[Markybhoy]

When I was getting my last service done at the dealer, I overheard the guy next to me being told that he had 70% left on his brake pads. 'Do I need them replaced?' he asked! Thankfully the dealer was straight up with him and reassured him that he was ok!

With regards to aftermarket pads, I put EBC Greenstuff's on my Alfa when I was back in the UK. Once bedded in, they were good. Tell you what though, changing pads on an Alfa Romeo is not an easy task. I reckon they make it hard just to convince you to get it done by themselves. By the same token, my wife's Fiat Punto one's were very easy. Don't know how easy/hard the Polo's are.

[Chipped]

Quick question - does the Polo GTI have a brake pad warning light? Reason I ask is that the dealer has just rung me tell me I only have 2mm left on my pads. I am surprised this is the case considering there was no warning light and I only have done 30000km (says something about my driving!)

Any comments would be appreciated

My dealer after 30,000km service told me I had 80% brake pads remaining...and I thought I drove quite..spritely...I hope I heasrd him right...and not 80% worn..

[Grant]

I'm a noob when it comes to working on cars, but i managed to install different rotors, pads, calipers and carriers. Its a piece of p*ss once you read a DIY online.