Polo gti Brake Fade

[arnotjie]

Hey hey.

Went for a bit of a 'spirited' drive over the weekend and experienced pretty significant brake fade. Is this normal? I haven't had the brakes fade in any of my previous cars (don't usually feel like I drive my cars that hard) and given the light weight of the Polo I thought it was a bit unusual. Maybe it's just because it's so damn quick (and fun) .

We haven't had the car long, but as far as I know, the brakes are standard. Also, according to the service history it had new pads just before we bought it.

Is this a common problem? If so, what's the best fix for it?

Thanks



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[h100vw]

Hey hey.

Went for a bit of a 'spirited' drive over the weekend and experienced pretty significant brake fade. Is this normal? I haven't had the brakes fade in any of my previous cars (don't usually feel like I drive my cars that hard) and given the light weight of the Polo I thought it was a bit unusual. Maybe it's just because it's so damn quick (and fun) .

We haven't had the car long, but as far as I know, the brakes are standard. Also, according to the service history it had new pads just before we bought it.

Is this a common problem? If so, what's the best fix for it?

Thanks



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Describe the fade?

New pads doesn't mean they are any good.

[arnotjie]

Describe the fade?

New pads doesn't mean they are any good.

Yeah, I doubt they are as they were just done as part of a service. They probably used the cheapest option available.

As for the fade, pedal felt very spongy, and the car did not want to stop. I had to be hard on the brakes and it would hardly slow down and then after about 1 second (probably not that long, but that's what it felt like) the brakes would progressively come on.

Don't know if that makes sense.

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[h100vw]

That's the information I was after. So when the pedal is spongy, as opposed to rock solid. It means the fluid has boiled. So you need a fluid change first.

Gavin

[arnotjie]

Thanks Gavin. Any specific fluid type or brands you would recommend that's less prone to boiling?

Arno

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[h100vw]

Thanks Gavin. Any specific fluid type or brands you would recommend that's less prone to boiling?

Arno

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Anything Dot 4 will do you. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years. It absorbs water which then lowers the boiling point.

There's plenty on store shelves, I have used castrol and penrite as well as TRW race fluid. All will be suitable of street use.

Your fluid could be the original stuff and it doesn't degrade with miles.

Gavin

[arnotjie]

Thanks, yeah that makes sense. Looks like that's my next Saturday sorted then.

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[Blue9N3]

Is the pedal a bit spongy normally ?


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[arnotjie]

Is the pedal a bit spongy normally ?


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No, usually the brakes feel just fine.

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[Euromy]

Is the pedal a bit spongy normally ?

I've noticed after a fluid flush my pedal is spongy when the car is on and you apply firm pressure when stationary.
Any ideas what this could be?