What Causes Brake Noise in a New Volkswagen Lavida?
1 Answers
Brake noise in a new Volkswagen Lavida is normal because both the brake pads and discs are brand new and still in the break-in period. It typically disappears after a few hundred kilometers. Brake noise generally stems from three main causes: scratches on the brake disc, misaligned brake pads or inconsistent brake dimensions, or issues with the brake material itself. Below are the relevant details: 1. Scratches on the brake disc: The likelihood of the original brake pads scratching the original brake disc is over 50%, but scratches do not necessarily lead to noise. As a result, 90% of repair shops and drivers do not believe the original brake pads can damage the disc. Therefore, when replacing the pads, they often do not proactively check for scratches on the brake disc. Only when the new pads start making noise do they inspect and realize the new pads do not fit well with the scratched disc, ultimately causing the noise. Solution: Always inspect the brake disc for scratches before replacing the pads. If scratches are found, it is advisable to smooth them out or replace the disc. 2. Misaligned brake pads or inconsistent brake dimensions: If the brake pads are misaligned during installation, localized friction can cause noise. Additionally, friction blocks of the same brake pad model may vary in size, especially in width. The dimensional discrepancy between manufacturers can be up to three millimeters. If brake pads of inconsistent dimensions are installed, poor fitment can also lead to noise. Solution: Reinstall brake pads that match the original model specifications. 3. Issues with the brake material itself: The noise referred to here occurs when the brake disc surface is completely smooth and flat. The reason is that current national regulations prohibit the use of asbestos-containing brake pads, but a small number of manufacturers still produce and sell them. While semi-metallic asbestos-free brake pads have a longer service life, their harder material can cause brake noise. In contrast, asbestos brake pads, being softer, often result in noise. Solution: Carefully select high-quality brake pads and replace them with better-performing ones.