In the last few days my Superb 2.0TDI 4x4 has started to make a noise when braking. Difficult to describe, not too loud and only noticeable at low speeds. Normally I would assume it needs the pads checked/replaced but it was serviced only last month and they recorded the pads as being 8-10mm thick so certainly not worn. It's done 21k miles, mainly on motorways and I'm relatively light on the brakes.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

It could be many things, but I would look at the pads myself if the wheel allows - no need to remove the wheel, just use the light from your phone and observe that there at least few millimetres of pad's contact area with the disc.

 

There could be a small rock between pad and disc which may also cause noise.

 

Or pad "ears" where it slides in the caliper may need some greasing. Usually that grease is washed out by rain/snow/mud/etc with the time. I would also grease the slide pins if I do the pads.

 

Last but not least, if the noise remains for few more seconds after you release the brake pedal, the caliper may be stuck or held.

33 minutes ago, fr1nklyn said:

It could be many things, but I would look at the pads myself if the wheel allows - no need to remove the wheel, just use the light from your phone and observe that there at least few millimetres of pad's contact area with the disc.

 

There could be a small rock between pad and disc which may also cause noise.

 

Or pad "ears" where it slides in the caliper may need some greasing. Usually that grease is washed out by rain/snow/mud/etc with the time. I would also grease the slide pins if I do the pads.

 

Last but not least, if the noise remains for few more seconds after you release the brake pedal, the caliper may be stuck or held.

 

Thanks - that's helpful. I was in Germany last week and driving in a reasonable amount of snow and ice so it could be that it needs grease. 

Is this a fairly straightforward job to do?

2 hours ago, Dieselgate said:

 

Thanks - that's helpful. I was in Germany last week and driving in a reasonable amount of snow and ice so it could be that it needs grease. 

Is this a fairly straightforward job to do?

 

Yes, usually it isn't something hard but may require tools like brake piston rewind tool in order to assemble everything back.

 

IMO see isn't it dust/small rock stuck between pad and disc. Try to brake harder few times on safer places, e.g. going downhill in neutral gear and breaking also does the job. That will use the brakes fully without engine braking. 

 

Then if it's not maybe visit the local garage to do the greasing job, if you don't have the piston rewind tool.

BTW is it front or in the rear? Can you determine is it only on one if the sides?

Check the discs for corrosion on the braking surfaces.

Thanks all - I have just driven it home from work and after braking more harshly and often than usual it seems to have reduced the occurrence of the noise. I'll probably monitor it over the next few days and see how it goes. Having inspected the pads, there is definitely heaps of wear left. Probably a small amount of corrosion on the discs so that could be the issue.

I can't really detect if it is front or rear / left or right unfortunately.

3 hours ago, Dieselgate said:

I can't really detect if it is front or rear / left or right unfortunately.

The handbrake only uses the rear brakes so try that and if you here the noise then look at the rear.

 

3 hours ago, Dieselgate said:

Probably a small amount of corrosion on the discs

The inside disk face is normally worse for rust than the outer face.

 

Thanks. AG Falco

Hi 2019 skoda superb 20tdi 150ps fwd.

Having same problem plenty of meat on pads.

Front nearside making a sound like pads are wore .

Have tried braking heavy in neutral but has made know difference.

I'm wondering if op found out what was wrong. Many thanks.

Update. It was rear brakes noise was coming from not front.

Ended up back discs were in very poor condition. New discs and pads on.

Sorry, only just seen this. I never changed anything on mine.

Sound just seemed to go away which is odd.

Over 57,000 miles now, still on original pads and discs and plenty of wear left on them.