UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi all.

Was driving my Polo yesterday when a light came on my dash. Basically after looking in my manual it turns out to be the brake pad light (circle with 6 lines on the outside).

So I ring around today for some quotes for pads and discs - thought I may aswell change the discs at the same time rather than going back in x months time. Basically the quotes I got were anything from £180 - £220, dependant on which ones fit my car. Bearing in mind I have a 2009 1.4 TDI, is this a average price? Seems a bit steep to me.

Also, this could be a bit vague, but how long can I drive it whilst the light is on before having the brakes changed? a week, a day etc? TBH I will probably go tomorrow to get them done just for peice of mind.

My wear sensor light went off on my old 9n and it turned out to be the wire to the wear sensor on the brake pad had snapped, my pads were fine! Something worth checking

I believe the sensors go off with a fair bit of material left, so there's no need to rush to the garage tomorrow but of course get it looked at. As for the discs any honest mechanic would be able to advise you if they need to be replaced or if they'll last another set of pads.

The quote does seem reasonable, parts alone would cost around £100

Yeah was thinking of going and asking whether they actually need changing, but thought knowing these garages they will say they do anyway just to earn a few bob. Last thing I want to do is fork out £200 when I don't need to.

Plus, my car is on 52k, so is this mileage sound like the pads would be worn? I know that on my previous car (MY07 1.6 Fiesta ZS) I changed the pads and discs on 75k, so it does seem early, but I guess it depends on each car.

I'm not sure mate, have a look at your discs and see if you can feel a lip on the outer edge (where the pad wouldn't have touched the disc)

big lip = worn disc

Point made about not wanting to splash out when you don't need to, but it's money well spent, brakes are kind of handy

Yeah the discs have a lip on, and have done for a while.

Thing is, on my last car, one minute they were fine, the next they were grinding really badly.

I guess all I can do is go get them checked tomorrow and go from there.

Thanks for your help

Also, will the light go out automatically once the brakes are changed?

Yeah I'm pretty sure it will go out once the circuit is complete again, no need to clear any fault codes. If it does then the mechanic fitting them should clear it as part of the job anyway.

Just to clarify the dash light will go out once new pads are fitted and circuit is complete.

Right, took my car to the garage this morning and asked them to check the brake discs and pads. Called me up and advised me that the pads are worn, the discs are OK however they are not straight so the pad isn't rubbing against it very well therfore not having as much braking effect. So I had both the pads and discs changed at a price of £240! which I was a bit annoyed by in all honesty as it seems dear for a 1.4 diesel! Apparently because my car has the same size discs as a GTi! Anyway paid it, got new discs and pads and the light has now gone out. Hopefully they will do me now for a good few years.

I've got a 1.4 diesel too, family member of mine fitted discs and pads dirt cheap for me, got an invoice from GSF for discs and pads at about £40 for the parts. Think the brand was 'brembo'