VW T-Roc Brake Pulsing Points to Rotor Issues

Having some experience with VW maintenance, I encountered a similar issue with my 2018 VW Golf. Initially thought it was just worn brake pads, but the symptoms you describe, especially the pulsing through the brake pedal and grinding, match what I experienced. The workshop diagnosed an undervoltage problem affecting the brake system electronics, which was causing irregular pressure distribution in the hydraulic brakes. This interfered with the proper function of the brake calipers and created uneven wear on the disc brakes. The total repair came to 240€, which included diagnostic work and fixing the electrical system. After the repair, the metal brakes worked perfectly again with no more pulsing or grinding. Before jumping to conclusions, could you share: Current mileage on your T-Roc, When you last had brake maintenance, Whether the Check Engine or ABS warning lights are on, If these symptoms appeared gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if you might be dealing with a different brake system problem. Consider having the voltage system checked first before replacing any brake components. Sometimes what seems like a mechanical brake issue can actually stem from electrical problems.

Thanks for your feedback. At 91039km and last service being just 2 months ago, my situation seems quite different. The symptoms started appearing gradually over the past few weeks. No warning lights are showing on the dashboard. The squeaky brakes combined with that soft pedal feel definitely point toward something more mechanical rather than electrical. Your feedback about checking the voltage system is interesting, but given my recent service history, I am more inclined to suspect wear on the brake shoes or low brake fluid levels. The pulsing sensation has become more noticeable during highway braking compared to when I first posted. Perhaps I should get the hydraulic brakes checked sooner rather than later.

Thanks for the update. Given the higher mileage on your T-Roc and the gradually worsening symptoms, especially during highway braking, this does sound more like a mechanical issue with your brake system rather than the electrical problem I encountered. The soft pedal combined with pulsing often indicates worn brake pads or uneven wear on the disc brakes. At 91000km, even with recent service, the brake components could be reaching their wear limit, particularly if you do a lot of highway driving. In my case, after ruling out the electrical issue, I also had to replace the brake pads and resurface the rotors at around 85000km due to similar symptoms. The total cost was about 320€ for parts and labor. The brake calipers were still in good condition, but the technician found that the brake fluid had absorbed moisture over time, contributing to the soft pedal feel. Strongly recommend getting this checked soon, the worsening highway braking response suggests the hydraulic brakes might need attention. A brake system inspection should reveal whether you need new brake pads, rotor resurfacing, or a brake fluid flush. Let us know what the inspection reveals. Would be interesting to see if your wear pattern matches what I experienced at similar mileage.

Thanks for everyone's input. After taking it to the shop yesterday, the diagnosis confirmed what many here suspected. The brake pads were indeed severely worn, and the rotors showed significant uneven wear causing the pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. The total repair came to 380€, which included: New brake pads all around, Resurfacing the front disc brakes, Brake fluid flush and replacement, Labor costs The metal brakes now feel solid again with no more pulsing or soft pedal issues. The grinding noise has completely disappeared. The brake calipers were inspected and found to be in good condition, so no replacement was needed there. Lesson learned about being more proactive with brake system maintenance, even shortly after regular service. Will definitely pay closer attention to any changes in brake feel going forward and not wait until the symptoms become this obvious. Again, appreciate all the helpful responses that guided me toward getting this sorted properly.