2001 Volkswagen Jetta: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 17, 2006 · Steering · 118,000 miles · NY

While driving around town prior to having a few days off for the 4th, I noticed a squeaky belt noise when I turned the wheel. I checked the power steering fluid level and it was about half full. I added fluid and the noise went away. I scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the day after the holiday. The next day on the 4th smoke started to come from under the hood and the vehicle was nearly impossible to steer. Adding steering fluid did nothing since it seemed to be leaking out somewhere. I managed to get the car home and immediately took it to the dealer the next day. I assumed it was the steering pump and was not too concerned. After examining the car the dealer found that in fact the steering rack had burned out. I was quoted $2000 to replace the steering rack, tire rod ends, and power steering pump. My second option suggested by the service department was to buy a new car. I demanded to speak with the shop manager who feigned concern and interest in helping me resolve the issue. He passed it to the local representative who refused to do anything because of the mileage. Not the first time vwoa was less than helpful I had the work done at a local garage with after market parts for less than half the dealer quote.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Brakes · 25,000 miles · MA

I was driving in the city. Heard a grinding noise in the rear of my vehicle. Brought car to mechanic. Was told rear caliper froze due to wearing of brake pads. The calipers had damaged the rear rotors. The car had to be towed to dealer. Rotors were replaced for a cost of $500, and I was told none of the repairs were covered under warranty.

Filed Oct 26, 2004 · Brakes · 23,000 miles · MA

The brakes started grinding. After dealer inspected the brakes the rotors and calipers were replaced.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · VA

I am the original owner of a 2001, vw jetta tdi. I took my car to west broad volkswagen, richmond va, to have the brakes checked because I heard a squealing noise (just once). The dealer told me that my rear brakes need to be changed very soon and the cost would be $427.00! I asked, how could it just be the rear brakes? the service adviser could not explain. I stated to him that every car I have ever owned was front wheel drive and in all my years, it was always the front wheels to go first! I asked him didnt he think it strange that just one set of brakes have gone bad?&again, no answer. Based on what I have read, it is my belief that the brake pads are defective and it appears that this dealership is price gouging!

Filed Jul 4, 2004 · Brakes · MI

Back passenger side disc brake making a high pitched squeal sound, not metal on metal grinding. Rear passenger side caliper seized and not completely releasing causing the squealing noise, and heating up disc brake so you can fry eggs and bacon on it. Passenger side rear calipers need to be replaced as the service dept. Cannot keep it from binding. Both rear break pads also replaced (brake lining). Also changed brake fluid as I was told that it would have boiled caused by the extreme heat due to the brake pad dragging on the siezed caliper. Apparently boiled brake fluid will contain bubbles and this can cause a proble in the brake line. Total cost, parts and labour $721.89. Sould have purchased a camery or japanese product!

Filed Mar 15, 2004 · Brakes · 41,728 miles · TX

Read brake pads wore out prematurley. When taken to the dealer for service and notified them of that we heard grinding and boise in the rear, they were quite surprised. This resulted in $283.05 in parts and labor to replace the pads.*ak parts 1j0-615-601-c (2) and 160-698-451-d (1)

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Brakes · GA

Vibration and grinding when coming to a stop the rear brake pads had to be replaced and the rotors.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Brakes · 18,900 miles · CA

Consumer complained about a rear brake problem. Consumer heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. It was metal to metal grinding of the brakes. Pads and rotors were completely worn out.

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Brakes · MD

After only 20,000 miles on my 2001 jetta, a loud grinding noise began from the rear driver side wheel. There was no warning light, and no squeel prior to the grinding. After taking it to the dealer, they informed me that the rear pads and rotors would need to be replaced, at a cost of $375. They seem to want to blame it on me using the brakes too much. This is ridiculous. I also own a toyota with 75,000 miles on it. The brakes on it are still the original.

Filed Jan 2, 2004 · Brakes · 20,002 miles · AZ

Last year I took my car to the dealer becuase my brakes were grinding. They could find no issues. Today I took the car for a recall service on my ignition coil, and they tell me my rear brakes are bad and need to be fixed. So I got it done. Problem is, I only have 20,000 miles on the car. I have had it since august of 2000 and I do not drive very far in a year.

Filed Aug 25, 2003 · Brakes · TN

Consumer noticed a grinding sound when depressing brakes at 30-35 MPH from rear and front of vehicle. Vehicle was serviced by technician, calipers needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 14, 2003 · Brakes · CA

Volkswagen of america knows about a brake problem with 2001 jetta's. They are soft brake pads, wearing out before it's time with no indication what so ever. The brakes grind into the rotors, which need to be replaced. Vw has replaced both pads and brakes with some customers (outside of the warranty problem) but continues to deny it in others - such as myself.