Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Jetta Grinding Brakes Q. Hello Vince, I own a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS, 2.0 liter 5 speed manual transmission. My car has 82,000 miles already. The front brakes are discs and the rear are drums. I hear a grinding/rubbing noise (not squealing) coming from the front of the vehicle every time I press the brake pedal, particularly when I press it more to come to a complete stop.

I suspect the front brake pads are wearing out. I recently replaced the front rotors and checked the pads that seemed to have some life. I bought these pads from the dealer and installed them when the car had about 45,000 miles.

The dealer replaced the front and back wheel bearings and I replaced all the shock absorbers and struts. All of this was done within the last year. Please advise

Jorge

A. A grinding noise when you step on the brake is not good. I would pull the front wheels off and inspect the brakes very carefully. If they are good then I would have to suspect bad wheel bearings.