R32 Musings...

[GLR32]

So, I've had the R for 10 days now and it's proving to be almost everything I expected. I say almost, because I have a couple of niggling things to clear up.

Whilst I know I need to take it back to the dealer to get these checked, I'm hoping to get a bit of advice from some other R ownersn as to what I should actually be asking for. (maybe my expectations are a bit high?)

Now, to the issues.

Firstly, I have an intermittent squeek/rubbing with the brakes, specifically the front left. It sounds almost as if there is a stone caught in there (and there might be). It goes away with a few solid brake applications. Probably happend 5 times in 10 days.

Additional to this, I think there is a slight roughness with the brakes in general, which could be related or not. Perhaps that is just how the brakes feel in R's in general. How smooth or rough are your brakes, when slowing gradually at a set of lights for example?

Secondly, there is a bit of a rythmical squeek in the engine bay, no doubt from one of the fans/belts. You can only hear it when standing outside of the car, so it isn't that loud. Perhaps that is just one of the characteristics of the engine? Personally I expect a $60k car to sound a little smoother than that though.

Anyway, any advice before I hit the dealer will be appreciated!

[jb747]

My brakes behaved better after bedding them in. Give them some stick, and get them nice and hot...

[anarchycamp]

just let that sort of stuff go by unless its really bothering you, it may stop after you have put a few more clicks on it. going back to dealers for small things usually makes them less helpful when you really have an issue. also, doesnt matter if the car is $60K, $160K or $600K they still have squeaks and niggles that are annoying....just put your foot through it and let that sweet exhaust sound drown out the noise

[GLR32]

just let that sort of stuff go by unless its really bothering you, it may stop after you have put a few more clicks on it. going back to dealers for small things usually makes them less helpful when you really have an issue. also, doesnt matter if the car is $60K, $160K or $600K they still have squeaks and niggles that are annoying....just put your foot through it and let that sweet exhaust sound drown out the noise

Don't get me wrong, I love the car!

I just want to make sure it's not something which will come back to haunt me if I don't get it checked...

[anarchycamp]

yeah totally...if its bothering you....take it back to get checked....none of us can sleep if we think theres something wrong with our baby

[ozgriff]

How many kms have you put on it?

Brakes might need wearing in, plus the tyres might need to wear in too.

Is the roughness equate to jerking? or the need to continually adjust pressure?

All cars have minor issues, even the more expensive brands. I thought mine was a diesel and had to check the engine because it was loud at idle (GTI).

Write a list of issues and when you hit over 1,000 km take it back in for a quick 'diagnostics' check and mention your concerns.

[GLR32]

[QUOTE=ozgriff;182056]How many kms have you put on it?

Brakes might need wearing in, plus the tyres might need to wear in too.

Is the roughness equate to jerking? or the need to continually adjust pressure?[QUOTE]

Done a bit over 800kms so far.

The more I think about the roughness, the more I think I'm just looking for issues. It's just not that big of a deal.

Maybe I'll just give the brakes a bit more of a work out over the next week or so.

Thanks for the advice.

[anarchycamp]

I thought mine was a diesel and had to check the engine because it was loud at idle (GTI).

you should hear it after 97,000 kms (who am i kidding?...its always been like that!)...very tractor like at idle...although i did an oil swap on mine on the weekend and is purring nicely now

[Purgi]

I'm not a big fan of the feel of the brakes, for me they're too grabby with light application. It's like trying to apply the brakes as if there's an egg under the pedal and you don't want to make a mess. They're very soft though and do emit a decent amount of brake dust. The rims are wretched after a week.

I don't have the squeaks and noises yours does. I did have a squeak when I hit a bump that was driving me bonkers that ended up being the split rear seats. Slammed it shut and squeak gone.

Also have a rattle in the driver side door on heavy bass. Liveable but since it's not bass from music, it's not drowned out so I do my best just to ignore it.

On the whole, very pleased with the car. Hasn't really lost that much power on the V8 it replaced and the DSG compared to the heavy manual has been a saviour on my left knee. Consumption is also down to 9.3l/100. Not bad for Sydney driving.

[STV4SYT]

Turn the radio up.....

[SmutsGTI]

I've got 800k's on the GTI and the brakes had a roughness to start with now bedded down with a few quick stops . I have a squeak or rattle over speed bumps in the rear i'll wait till 1200km checkup. It's all good i just hit the loud pedal to blockout the noise lol

Smuts

[jb747]

I had a tapping rattle in the rear that turned out to be a rubber holder (whatever they are called) on the exhaust. Dealer had a play with it last visit, and reduced it dramatically, though it still appears occasionally. Now we know where to look anyway.

[BarneyBoy]

My GTs brakes felt very grabby for the 1st few months, but seem to be much better now. I'm not sure whether they've bedded in, or whether I've just become accustomed to them...

But I agree - slowing gently at the lights sometimes resulted in mild whiplash!

[Mr R32]

I don't have noise in the brakes of my R, but they can be grabby. I've done around 2000km and they do feel better than during the first 1000km. From memory, I think the Driver's manual also makes reference to allowing the brakes to scrub in for the first 500km or so. Can't say that I've had any noise from the engine bay though...

[rennenhaus]

give it time for everything to settle in mate, and don't be afraid to flog it from time to time!

my R is feeling better now at 45,000km than it did at 5,000km