Spongy VW Polo Brakes Signal Hydraulic System Issue

Had the same issue on my 2003 VW Golf TDI. The spongy brake pedal and vibration usually indicates air in the hydraulic brake system or deteriorating brake fluid. During my repair, the mechanic found both issues, air bubbles in the brake lines and contaminated fluid that had absorbed moisture over time. The brake system needed a complete fluid flush and bleeding. They also discovered slight warping on the disc brakes which contributed to the vibration. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention. When the brake pedal feels spongy, it means you do not have full braking power. While worn brake shoes or pads can cause some issues, the symptoms you describe strongly point to hydraulic brake system problems. My repair required: Complete brake fluid flush, Brake system bleeding to remove air, Inspection of brake lines for leaks, Resurfacing of disc brakes, Testing of master cylinder function The metal brakes components themselves were fine in my case, but letting this issue continue could lead to brake failure. Would recommend having it checked soon, as proper brake function is critical for safety.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, that was exactly the same issue I had with my VW Polo last winter. The mechanic did a full brake fluid flush and bled the brake calipers, which fixed the spongy pedal feel. The disc brakes also needed resurfacing due to uneven wear. Since the repair, the brakes have been working perfectly with no vibration or sponginess. Did your repair bill stay within the estimate they gave you? And have you noticed any other brake-related issues since the work was done? Just wondering if I should keep an eye out for anything specific during regular maintenance.

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. The repair costs actually ended up lower than expected at 240€ since the undervoltage issue was relatively straightforward to fix. The squeaky brakes and worn brake pads were completely resolved during that visit. The hydraulic brakes have been working flawlessly since the repair 6 months ago. No more spongy feeling or vibrations. The brake system maintains proper pressure and the pedal response is firm and consistent. During regular maintenance, I just make sure to check the brake fluid level and keep an eye on any unusual sounds. The mechanic suggested checking the brake pads every 15000km as preventive maintenance, but so far everything has been perfect. The resurfaced disc brakes are holding up well with no signs of uneven wear. Definitely worth getting it fixed properly the first time rather than letting brake issues persist.

The mechanic quoted me 350€ for the full brake system service but the final bill came to 280€. The brake fluid flush and bleeding of the brake calipers took less time than expected. They also did not need to replace any brake lines since they were still in good condition. After six months, the brake system is still performing perfectly. The pedal feel is firm and responsive, with no return of the spongy sensation or vibrations. The resurfaced disc brakes have eliminated all squealing and shuddering. My old repair shop would have probably charged double and taken days to complete the work. This new mechanic was upfront about the costs, finished same-day, and even showed me the contaminated brake fluid they removed. Definitely keeping them for future maintenance. They recommended checking brake pad wear every 15000km, but so far everything is working great. Was worth every cent to have properly functioning brakes again. No more white-knuckle moments wondering if the pedal will respond correctly. Just solid, reliable braking performance like it should be.