Rear brake disc longevity???

[brunchman]

I recently had my MkV Golf TDI in for its 90,000km service, during which VW replaced the rear disc rotors and brake pads. I found this a bit odd as it was the rear rotors that needed replacing again before the fronts.

The car is now on its third set of rear disc rotors, with the original set being replaced at the 60,000km service. However, the front rotors have not had to be replaced. Upon finding out that the rear discs had to be replaced for the second time I worked out that the rotors (that were being replaced) had only lasted for 30,700km!

Does this seem a bit unusual?

[M4RK0]

I think on the 60K service it's good time for a change of pad's not the disc's, as far as I know they rectify the disc's from any damage caused by not changing the brake pad's on time,

If you chaged them on time, not need to worry, the 90K for me it's too soon do it again,

May I ask, do you use your car everyday?, do you brake hard all the time? lead foot?,

What it's true is that the rear disc's and brake pad's are more durable than the front ones, they don't carry the weight of the engine and the weight of the brake,

What about your front ones? how often you changed them?,

Cheers!

[Jase]

Cars from yesteryear went through front pads because they did all of the braking. Newer cars (like your Vdub) utilise the rear pads much more. Some of it has to do with the electronic brake distribution. I guess it makes the car more stable. You'll notice the nose doesn't dip down as dramatic as perhaps older cars might, even under heavy braking. So this is normal. Also VW often (if not always) replace the rotors with the pads as there isn't a great deal of "meat" factored into them (weight considerations perhaps, or being stingy). They're at their minimum early on. I think you'd be lucky to safely use them a second time let alone machine them for a third round if you get my drift.

Only getting 30,000km from the rear pads this time round may be a bit premature - all depends on how you drive. I guess you got 60 out of the original rear pads...has your driving style or travel changed?

[brad]

Does this seem a bit unusual?

It does seem low but maybe it's a driving style thing?

Alternatively, did you see the old pads & rotors? Maybe thay had a bit of life left in them but not enough to get you through to the next service?

If it was me, I'd be looking at alternative pads & rotors - maybe DBA rotors & some Ferodo DS/TS2000 or Formula Ferodo pads. They will probably cost about the same as OEM but should last a lot longer.

[brunchman]

Thanks for the replies guys,

yeah the head service manager at the dealership explained the bias in braking towards the rear of the car....resulting in the front end nose-diving less under heavy braking, etc.

As far as i am aware, the front rotors have been machined but not changed...or if changed only once. The rear rotors were changed twice...yesterday in fact at the 90,000km service...which meant we got 30,000km out of them. I did ask for the old rotors back after the new ones went on, and looking at them they are very worn....measured at 8.75mm Also one of them appears as though it may have been developing a crack.

As far as driving style is concerned....the brakes are rarely applied heavily, and the car is generally driven rather tamely most of the time. My sister actually drives it, so it mostly goes to school and back with her....im jealous (but saving for an r32 )

thanks again for the replies guys

[gtimk5]

I havent replaced any rear rotors on any of my customers Mk5s yet.
If they have a slight lip on them you can easily get away without thoughts of replacing and a large lip on them normally require a machining job.
30700kms is a joke at repacing them I think.
Rear pads do wear faster than the fronts and I see many Mk5s with over 75000 kms on them and still plenty of meat on the pads.
I bet the dealers discs werent cheap as well, I would have wanted to see the parts and also a measurement on the the thinest part of the disc.
Welcome to the forum as well!!
Andrew

[Greg Roles]

Ahhh the ol' disc rotor trick. Could be legit, but you are right to be asking questions. One of the common ways to help the service centre raise their revenue I'm afraid. Brad's onto it, nice number of aftermarket choices if it gets to this stage...

[M4RK0]

Thanks for the replies guys,

yeah the head service manager at the dealership explained the bias in braking towards the rear of the car....resulting in the front end nose-diving less under heavy braking, etc.

As far as i am aware, the front rotors have been machined but not changed...or if changed only once. The rear rotors were changed twice...yesterday in fact at the 90,000km service...which meant we got 30,000km out of them. I did ask for the old rotors back after the new ones went on, and looking at them they are very worn....measured at 8.75mm Also one of them appears as though it may have been developing a crack.

As far as driving style is concerned....the brakes are rarely applied heavily, and the car is generally driven rather tamely most of the time. My sister actually drives it, so it mostly goes to school and back with her....im jealous (but saving for an r32 )

thanks again for the replies guys

Can I ask you how much did you paid for the change of the disc's and brake pad's?, for me this an unusual service to your car.....

Cheers!

[peterwabbit]

at my 90,000 service i was told the rears needed replacing
I changed them at 130,000
it is always best to check the wear your self or get a friend too
dealers want to play safe and well make money i guess

BTW fronts still good at 150,000
I reckon its the diesel that helps here it loves to engine brake - was the same for my discovery which i traded on the golf
previous to that all my petrol burners had gone through pads / rotors like crazy