Spongy Brakes

[Transporter]

Hi Guys,

I notice with the Polo in the wet that the brakes feel quite spongy. Anyone else have this issue/feeling?

Thanks

Just take it to the VW workshop to check it, but I guess if they are spongy only in wet conditions they will tell you that it is normal. If you're like some of us who want the perfect brakes in any conditions, fitting slotted rotors (assuming there is no fault in your new car brake system) will give you perfect brake pedal feel no matter if wet or dry and how hard you brake. There is not noticeable reduction in the brake pads life.

[gslrallysport]

That's the advantage of the sloted discs, that the slots shave the surface of the pads, so they never fade and amazingly they don't reduce the life of the pads.

Knowing exactly what parts he's got on the car I'd actually say most of the difference is coming from the front A1RM pads. Scotty's running the 256mm rotors, which will work the pads quite hard given their significantly lower thermal capacity and lesser leverage versus the 288mm rotors. In this particular case I don't think the slotted rotors would be making a massive difference when compared to the change of pad.

As Scotty said, on standard size 256mm rotors, with the right pads and fluid the difference is night and day. You're better off spending money on upgrading existing standard hardware, then getter lesser quality parts in upgraded hardware. As an example Evo 4-9 gravel rally cars with 550 odd nm, anti-lag, brutal accleration, and driven by hard-on-brakes left foot brakers only run 276mmx24mm front rotors, and with the right pads and fluid don't struggle for brakes....

[Transporter]

Knowing exactly what parts he's got on the car I'd actually say most of the difference is coming from the front A1RM pads. Scotty's running the 256mm rotors, which will work the pads quite hard given their significantly lower thermal capacity and lesser leverage versus the 288mm rotors. In this particular case I don't think the slotted rotors would be making a massive difference when compared to the change of pad.

As Scotty said, on standard size 256mm rotors, with the right pads and fluid the difference is night and day. You're better off spending money on upgrading existing standard hardware, then getter lesser quality parts in upgraded hardware. As an example Evo 4-9 gravel rally cars with 550 odd nm, anti-lag, brutal accleration, and driven by hard-on-brakes left foot brakers only run 276mmx24mm front rotors, and with the right pads and fluid don't struggle for brakes....

Hmm... and I thought that the sponginess felt in the brake pedal could be gas between the pad and the rotor, in which the slots would help in the gas being able to escape, hence not spongy pedal. But of course if you fit pads that will produce less gas during braking - problem solved.

[gslrallysport]

There isn't physically enough gas to do that... it's not something you'd ever be able to feel. As an example the Hyundai Max Attack Challenge rally cars have to run standard non-slotted factory rotors as part of their control package, and matched with A1RM pads have a great brake pedal, and they're probably the most under braked front running competition car getting around. We won the series in 2008*, and never had any brake dramas all year on standard (non-slotted) rotors/A1RM pads/TRW G600 Fluid.

* For those that are going to say, "yeah but it's only a Hyundai' we were taking outright stage wins against Evos in some stages, so we weren't exactly easy on the brakes...

[seangti]

So what is it exactly that causes that feeling of gas between the pad and rotor? As to thought it must be that too. I can't say I recall ever having felt that when I had the slotted rotors on the previous car.

[noone]

its not an issue Sean.

Euro cars are normally fitted with Euro rotors and pads, they are known to be soft. I've heard its due the cold temps (much lower than in Aust) and also to reduce braking noise. I must say the dust of the standard pads is crazy.

The standard brakes on the last Polo GTI were very spongy too. If you are not getting what you want, some good fluid and the right pad will help, but there will always be the limitation of the original design.

The QFM Pads that GSL sell get lots of good reviews and their pricing is VERY competitive. If you changed the front pads and nothing else, you may find you get an improvement straight up, nothing else changed.

The biggest issue I'm hearing is about it being in the wet, water should make very little difference unless you are pushing through sitting water. I'd get it checked by the dealer, just to be sure. If there is a little air in the system, your whole braking is compromised. As its new, leave the cost to the dealer.

[seangti]

Cheers for the clarity Noone. I've only experienced it on the track, but it still pulls up, just lacks the feel.

[Allegiance]

How does everyone find the brakes now?

[FJ Steve]

How does everyone find the brakes now?

big difference to the .:R32..............I really have to think ahead a bit more. Not as much grab as I am used to

[Buller_Scott]

How does everyone find the brakes now?

you should find yours to be quite good, my dear sir, come the next cruise YOU WILL MAKE IT TO!!! lol

better than stock, for sure... jesus, i remember the day i drove my polo out of the dealership, thinking that it took longer than normal to pull to a stop.

your pads should hold up very nicely - what brake fluid are you running (as in, brake longevity over a decent run)?