Amarok Brake Pedal Issues, Early Warning Signs Alert

I encountered a very similar brake pedal issue with my 2013 VW Tiguan last year. As someone with some basic maintenance experience, I first thought it was just low brake fluid, but it turned out to be more serious during the brake inspection. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, inconsistent brake pedal resistance and that concerning pulsing sensation. The workshop found worn brake pads and scored rotors that needed replacement. They also discovered minor leaks in the hydraulic brake lines, which explained the low fluid level. The total repair came to 480€, covering new pads, rotors, brake line replacement, and a full system fluid flush. Before suggesting specific fixes, could you share: Current mileage on your Amarok, When was your last brake service, Any unusual noises when braking, Does the pulsing happen at specific speeds The brake pedal symptoms you describe definitely warrant a proper inspection, these issues with the brake system usually dont fix themselves and can become safety concerns if left unchecked.

Thanks for the insights. My Amarok has 18649km and hasnt had its brake system serviced yet. No unusual sounds, but the pulsing happens mainly during moderate braking from highway speeds. The master cylinder reservoir level keeps dropping slowly even though I dont see any obvious leaks under the car. The brake warning light hasnt come on yet, but the pedal behavior definitely feels off compared to normal. Hoping its just air in the hydraulic brakes rather than failing components, but will get it properly checked next week to be safe.

Thanks for the update on your Amarok. The symptoms you describe, especially the slowly dropping fluid level in the master cylinder without visible leaks, remind me exactly of what I experienced before discovering the brake line issues in my Tiguan. The fact that the pulsing occurs mainly during highway speed braking but without warning lights suggests potential issues with either: 1. Air in the hydraulic brake system 2. Deteriorating brake lines with slow seepage 3. Internal master cylinder seal wear A steady fluid level drop without external leaks often points to internal seepage in the brake system components. When my Tiguan had this issue, the brake fluid was getting past worn seals but not dripping externally. 18649km is relatively low mileage for major brake issues, but seals and brake lines can deteriorate even with limited use. The lack of prior brake service means the system could definitely benefit from a fluid flush to remove any moisture buildup that might be affecting hydraulic brake performance. Would recommend having the shop specifically pressure test the brake lines and inspect the master cylinder seals during your upcoming service visit. These checks helped identify the root cause in my case before it developed into a more serious problem.

Based on your feedback and the master cylinder details, Im getting more concerned about potential internal leaks. Thats good timing on booking the inspection next week. The highway speed pulsing combined with dropping brake fluid levels definitely matches what you described with your Tiguan. Though my mileage is lower, the lack of any previous brake system service could be catching up. The gradual fluid loss without visible leaks makes me suspect either deteriorating seals or hidden brake line issues. Ill make sure to ask the shop to pressure test the brake lines and check the master cylinder seals specifically. Rather have them find and fix any problems now before I end up with more serious brake issues down the road. Will update once I know what they discover during the inspection. Thanks again for sharing your experience, really helped me understand what might be going on with these brake pedal symptoms.