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TobiasRider

VW Up EV Brake Pedal Vibration Needs Expert Diagnosis

After getting my brakes checked last time, I still notice a weird vibration in the brake pedal of my 2018 VW Up electric (37k km). When braking, the pedal feels uneven and sometimes pulsates. Could this indicate worn brake pads or rotors? Has anyone dealt with similar brake issues on their electric VW? My previous mechanic didnt seem very confident working with electric vehicles, so Im wondering if I should visit a specialist. What are your experiences with this kind of brake pedal feedback?

4 comment(s)

henry_silver5

Having experienced similar brake pedal vibrations on my 2015 VW e-Golf, I can relate to this concern. The pulsating brake pedal often indicates warped brake rotors, which is common in electric vehicles due to the unique interplay between regenerative and friction braking. When I encountered this issue, a specialized EV mechanic identified that my brake rotors had developed uneven wear patterns. Despite having visible material left on the brake pads, the rotors had degraded unevenly due to less frequent use of the friction brakes. The squeaky brakes and vibration were clear indicators that both the brake rotors and brake pads needed attention. This is actually a serious issue that requires prompt attention, as uneven brake wear can compromise braking performance. The repair involved resurfacing the brake rotors and installing new brake pads designed specifically for electric vehicles, which have different wear patterns compared to conventional cars. For electric VWs, its crucial to have this work done by technicians familiar with EV braking systems, as they understand the complexity of integrated regenerative braking. Regular brake inspections help prevent these issues, particularly because EV brake components can deteriorate differently than those in conventional vehicles.

TobiasRider (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the e-Golf brake issues. I had almost identical symptoms with my Up last winter, that same unnerving vibration through the brake pedal. Ended up being warped disc brakes that needed replacing, along with new brake pads since the old ones had worn unevenly. Did you keep track of what the total repair cost was for your brake calipers and rotor work? Also curious if youve had any recurring brake issues since getting it fixed. Mine has been smooth for about 6 months now, but Im always a bit paranoid about brake problems coming back.

henry_silver5

After getting the brake system repaired, my 2015 e-Golf has been performing flawlessly. The repair addressed both the worn out brakes and an undervoltage issue in the vehicle electronics, totaling 240€. The hydraulic brakes now work smoothly with no vibration or pulsating. The mechanic fully inspected the brake calipers and rotors, confirming the new components were properly installed and calibrated. Regular maintenance has kept everything working perfectly since then. This experience taught me how important it is to address brake issues promptly, especially with electric vehicles where the brake system operates differently than conventional cars. Going to a qualified EV specialist made a huge difference, they understood exactly how to diagnose and fix both the mechanical and electrical aspects. The brake fluid was also checked and topped up during the service, which helps maintain consistent brake performance. No recurring issues in the past year, so you can rest assured that once properly fixed, these brake problems typically stay resolved.

TobiasRider (Author)

Thanks for your helpful reply! I finally got my Up checked by an EV specialist last week. The brake diagnosis revealed exactly what you mentioned, warped rotors and uneven pad wear. The total repair came to 320€, including new brake rotors, premium brake pads, and a brake fluid flush. The mechanic was really thorough and showed me how the regenerative braking had contributed to the unusual wear pattern. He also adjusted the brake calipers and cleaned the entire brake system. The difference is incredible, no more vibration or pulsating when braking. Getting it fixed by someone who really knows EVs was definitely worth it. The brakes feel solid and smooth now, way better than when I took it to my regular mechanic. Will definitely stick with this specialist for future brake maintenance to avoid similar issues down the road.

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