Vibration in brake pedal

[AlphaBiker]

Well it looks like I may have my first problem with my '03 Jetta. I just purchased it 10 days ago and was hoping not to go through the problems experienced by other owners that I have read here and other forums. Anyway my Jetta is a GL with 5-speed manual and 2.0 engine. During the last few days while breaking I get a vibration similar to what you would expect when your brakes anti-locking kicks in. It is not as prevalent a pulsating feel as anti-locking, but it's quite noticeable. It happens during normal braking and at speeds as low as 20 MPH. What makes matters worst, I called the dealership where I purchased the Jetta and spoke to the salesman who kissed my butt and promised to take care of any problems just a few days ago. Now he doesn't have time for me but transfers my call to the service department. The only connection I get at the service department is voice mail asking to leave a message. I have purchased many cars over the years from many different dealerships. Never in my life could I not speak to a live person in an auto service department. This is not a mom and pop outfit. It's a large dealership that sells not only VW but Audis, Chryslers and Jeeps. If that service department is so swamped that they cannot even answer their phone maybe this VW thing was not such a good idea. BTW, I didn't receive a return call from the 2 voice mail messages I left on the service department's phone. Has anyone experienced something similar with their brakes? My car was "ACP Certified" Whatever that is. Anyway they guaranteed that everything was checked and in almost new condition. So what's up with the brakes? I'm sure that's not normal and I'm afraid it's going to be a hassle to resolve.

[indianakar]

I KNOW!!! I love my '03 gls but the service at the dealership sucks my a*****e dry!!!!!! .
Anyways, I think the problem with your breaks is that the rotors (or discs, however you call them) are not straight anymore so when you push on the breaks it makes it vibrate, you can feel it mostly in the steering wheel. Take your rotors of, get them machined, sand your brake pads and put them back on or in case they are not looking good change them too. To finish you can purge the system and your breaks will be like brand new, certified by yourself .
I´m sorry about the spelling, see, I'm from Mexico city.
Good luck and don't waist any more time with that answering machine.

[AlphaBiker]

Originally Posted by indianakar

I KNOW!!! I love my '03 gls but the service at the dealership sucks my a*****e dry!!!!!! .
Anyways, I think the problem with your breaks is that the rotors (or discs, however you call them) are not straight anymore so when you push on the breaks it makes it vibrate, you can feel it mostly in the steering wheel. Take your rotors of, get them machined, sand your brake pads and put them back on or in case they are not looking good change them too. To finish you can purge the system and your breaks will be like brand new, certified by yourself

Thanks Indianaker. That sounds about right. I finally got through to the service department today. I have an appointment for next week. I shouldn't have to do the work myself. Here in New Jersey unless a car is sold as is, it must be able to past the state MV inspection. I don't think vibrating brakes would pass. Besides it's an '03 and I purchased it less than 2 weeks ago. Take care.

[Franky-5-Fingaz]

gotta be the breaks, check the pad thickness and the rotor thickness... yes it is a relitively (or whatever) new car, pre-owned im guessing. well it might just be you need to bleed the brakes due to air in the lines... there aren't too many things that go wrong with brakes.. but EVERY single problem with brakes is a big problem

[AlphaBiker]

Originally Posted by Franky-5-Fingaz

gotta be the breaks, check the pad thickness and the rotor thickness... yes it is a relitively (or whatever) new car, pre-owned im guessing. well it might just be you need to bleed the brakes due to air in the lines... there aren't too many things that go wrong with brakes.. but EVERY single problem with brakes is a big problem

Yes it's preowned. It's an '03 with under 22K miles. It looks almost new inside and out. CarFax info say it was leased to one person when new. I'll probably keep it parked and go back to driving my SUV until I have the brakes taken care of. I don't want to take the chance of causing a bigger problem by driving it the way it is. Thanks.

[AlphaBiker]

Originally Posted by Franky-5-Fingaz

gotta be the breaks, check the pad thickness and the rotor thickness

Well I took the car to the dealer today and the problem was the front rotors. They replaced them at no charge. I asked what was the condition of the pads but they said the mechanic that did the repair had left for the day. The car is breaking much better now. The service people were very helpful and friendly. That's a good thing but I hope I will not have to see them again anytime soon except for maintenance.

Eddie