Squeaking brakes and ABS Light on A4

[Blarm]

Since having new pads and discs fitted on my A4 1.8 SE (1997) in March the brakes have started squeaking when braking at slow speeds (e.g. when moving slowly and braking at traffic light queues).

I have also had ABS problems that started before the brake replacements with faulty wiring behind the dashboard. Then since the brake replacement I have had a new offside rear sensor and sensor plate fitted and then more recently the light ABS light has come on again and I was told that there were no error codes from the computer, but one of the rear sensors was clogged up with metal filings and was cleaned up.

Now the ABS light comes on after drinving for a few miles and occasionally when braking slowly to stop there is a strange noise from the brakes which I have been told is the ABS cutting in as it thinks the brakes have locked.

I know very little about the car's braking system, but was wondering if there is a problem with the new pads (which someone told me now have metal in them) which are causing the squeaking and also clogging up the ABS sensors with the metal filings.

I would be grateful if anyone can give me any suggestions as to the causes of the problems and also recommend a good garage that can track down and repair the problems. (I live in Staines which is near Heathrow on the Middx/Berks/Bucks/London borders, and am happy to travel further away).

Thanks

Bill

[ini]

It is pretty easy for a mechanic to slightly bend or reuse old guide pins, which can cause the caliper to touch the edge of the rear brake disc.

This will ablate a tiny bit of material from the caliper/disc.

This could explain the squealing noise and possibly fouled sensor.

Remove and clean or replace pads + check you have the correct type U shape or straight anti-rattle/locating pins.

[Blarm]

Thanks ini.

Now need to find a trustworthy/reliable mechanic in my area to check it out.

[Mackenzie_Mark]

I had the same problem when I had the brakes (discs & pads) changed on my A4, it squeaked at low speeds when the brakes were cold for about 3K. I took it back to the garage that fitted the brakes a number of times and they said that there was nothing wrong with it, because the brakes were always warm by the time I got it to them. I asked if it was because the brakes needed to be bedded in and they advised that the brakes didn't need bedding in.

I now use a different garage and explained the problem to them, they advised it could have been because I braked hard soon after the brakes were fitted and I should just wait until the brakes had bedded in and the squeaking would stop. The second garages advice seemed to be right and the brakes have been fine ever since.

As for the sensor problem, it sounds like it hasn't been refitted correctly when the garage did your brakes. Take your car back to then and get them to fix it for no cost.

If you're in the Bucks area, I use Marlow VW to service and fix any faults on my car. They have always done a good job at pretty decent prices. (www.marlowvw.co.uk)

Hope this helps.

Mark