What are the causes of brake noise in Jetta?
4 Answers
Jetta brake noise is caused by: 1. Rust on brake discs or brake pads; 2. New brake pads; 3. Excessive wear of brake discs and brake pads; 4. Incorrect installation or mismatched model of brake pads; 5. Use of inferior or overly hard brake pads; 6. Abnormal brake caliper or lack of brake fluid; 7. Foreign objects between brake drum or disc and shoe. Taking the 2019 Jetta as an example, it is a compact car with body dimensions of: length 4501mm, width 1704mm, height 1469mm, wheelbase 2604mm, minimum ground clearance 109mm, and body weight 1120kg.
I've been repairing cars for over ten years. A common issue with Jetta's brake squealing is when the brake pads wear down to their limit, causing the metal wear indicator to scrape against the rotor and make noise. Alternatively, brake rotors can accumulate dust or small stones, especially after driving on rural gravel roads, where these debris get stuck between the pads and rotors, causing friction. After rain, brake rotors may rust, leading to noise during the first few brake applications, but this usually disappears after driving a few hundred meters as the rust wears off. Sometimes, the caliper pistons may stick, causing the brake pads to drag on the rotor, so it's essential to check if the pistons move freely. I recommend regularly inspecting the brake pad thickness visually, checking every 10,000 kilometers or so, or replacing them promptly if you hear any unusual noises. Ignoring this issue can lead to more severe damage to the brake rotors, significantly increasing repair costs. From a safety perspective, brake noise can affect confidence in braking, especially during emergency stops, potentially increasing stopping distances. Developing smooth driving habits and avoiding sudden braking can help reduce wear. Remember to choose high-quality branded parts and ensure the pads are securely fixed during installation to minimize the occurrence of noise.
My Jetta also had the experience of brake noise, mainly due to sand and other dirt on the brake pads, especially after driving in the rain or washing the car when water gets in. Rust on the discs after long periods of parking is also a common issue, particularly in winter when low temperatures cause metal contraction. I've noticed that if you've just replaced the brake pads, there might be slight noise for the first few dozen kilometers, which is a normal break-in process. You can handle it simply yourself: find a safe place and gently press the brakes a few times to try and grind off the debris. However, if the noise persists and is sharp, you should check if the fuse or wiring is loose or damaged. Once, I removed the wheel to check the pad thickness and replaced them with new ones if they were too thin, saving a few hundred bucks. Don't delay too long, as it could affect braking distance and pose a risk. Daily care includes avoiding potholes and not directly spraying high-pressure water on electronic components when cleaning the wheels to reduce debris buildup. Remember, occasional slight noise is usually fine, but persistent issues require professional diagnosis.
When I first drove a Jetta as a beginner, I would worry whenever the brakes made a noise. Later, I learned that brake noises can come from various sources: new brake pads need a break-in period, and the noise usually disappears after a day or two. Misalignment during installation or loose pad seats can also cause friction noises. Uneven surfaces on the brake rotors are a common cause, especially after prolonged hard braking, which accelerates wear. My experience has taught me to check the brake system's condition and not ignore warning signs, as they may indicate reduced braking effectiveness. Maintaining smooth driving and avoiding sudden hard braking can extend the lifespan of brake components. Regular maintenance helps detect issues early, ensuring peace of mind while driving.
