VW Polo's Spongy Brakes Signal Dangerous Fluid Loss

I experienced nearly identical symptoms with my VW Golf TDI 2010. The spongy brake pedal combined with low brake fluid strongly indicates a brake system leak or worn brake components. A proper brake inspection revealed my brake lines had developed small leaks at connection points, allowing brake fluid to slowly escape. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention. The brake system should be thoroughly examined, focusing on: Complete brake line inspection for leaks or corrosion, Brake fluid quality and contamination test, Master cylinder function check, Brake caliper inspection for fluid retention, Air removal from brake lines through proper bleeding Simply adding brake fluid without fixing the underlying issue is dangerous, as the problem will persist and could lead to complete brake failure. Consider having a different mechanic perform a comprehensive brake inspection, as these symptoms should not have been overlooked during routine maintenance. When fixed, my brake pedal returned to normal with proper resistance and stopping power. This type of repair cannot be delayed, as compromised brakes pose an immediate safety risk.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had similar issues last year with my Polo brake pedal getting really soft. The hydraulic brakes needed a complete fluid replacement and they found a small leak in the master cylinder. The fix worked perfectly and the brake pedal feels firm again. Did you end up getting it repaired? Curious about the final cost of your brake system repair and if you noticed any other issues since then?

Thanks for asking about the repair outcome. Yes, I got it fixed right away at a different shop specializing in hydraulic brakes. The total came to 480€ for replacing worn brake components and addressing the brake fluid level issues. The repair included a thorough brake inspection, fixing those connection point leaks, and a complete fluid replacement. Since the repair, the brake system has performed flawlessly. The pedal maintains proper resistance and the stopping power is exactly as it should be. No fluid leaks detected in the master cylinder or anywhere else in the system during my recent maintenance checks. Getting a second opinion from a different mechanic was definitely the right call, as they immediately spotted issues the first shop missed. Regular brake inspections are now part of my maintenance routine to catch any potential problems early. Good to hear your Polo brakes are working properly after the master cylinder repair. These issues may seem minor at first but addressing them promptly is crucial for safety.

After getting concerned about my brake pedal, I took it to a certified brake specialist yesterday. Their inspection revealed exactly what I suspected, a slow leak in the master cylinder and contaminated brake fluid. The total repair came to 520€, including a complete brake fluid flush, master cylinder replacement, and full brake system inspection. The difference in brake pedal feel is remarkable. No more spongy response or having to pump the brakes. The pedal now has proper resistance and the stopping power feels much more confident. I also filed a complaint with my previous mechanic since they missed such an obvious safety issue during routine maintenance. Their oversight could have led to brake failure. From now on, I will be having dedicated brake inspections done annually, regardless of what other mechanics say during regular service visits. The brake lines checked out fine, but catching that master cylinder leak early likely prevented more extensive damage to the brake system. Money well spent for peace of mind and safety.