Expert: Sean Halliday - 10/25/2006

Question
Thank you so much for your reply...
Would you suggest sticking to a dealer (which i think would cost more?  or would a Meinike or Brake "specialist" company be more competive priced and just as good?  What is your opinion and experience?. -----------------------------------------
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-----Question-----
my vw '95 cabrio is having some brake issues. While stopping the brake with initially grab.. and then seems to release, needing much room for stopping. Originally it would coast after a stop but that is not so bad after my husband bled and rebled the brakes. Sometimes the brake goes down to the floor and i need to pump them. there is No lights on.  Occasionally the check engine light comes on for a minute, and then off. My husband believes we need to change the master cylinder. He is our normal mechanic but he is concerned to do this repair by himself because he says that the chilton's book says you need a scan tool to be used during the job since the cars also has an abs system. Q# 1)Is this a difficult job to do? Q#2) Do we need special tools? Q#3) If we decide to not do this.. would it be best to go right to VW for the repair.. or would a Meinike or Speedy repair shop do ok... As we usually don't pay mechanics - we are concerned this will be an expensive repair if done... by the hour.!
What would you suggest?  Thanks!!
-----Answer-----
With ABS it is better to have a certified mechanic do this work as the ABS is under very high pressure and can be dangerous.It seems you have air in the system and it may need a new master cylinder.Unfortunately you will have to take it to the shop.Unless you have experience with this brake system.

Answer
Im not familiar with these compamies so i cant say .I wouldnt rely on dealers either from what i have seen.My best experience is with a reputable VW shop.If you can find someone thats been in business for a while and has a good reputation then go with them.The volkswagen is a specialist car as far as working on them goes as im working on one at the minute.You can ask for specific parts such as Brembo rotors and Mintex pads and dont let them sell you any old thing,premium pads etc,mean exactly that,premium,,,made in China.You get what you pay for thats what you might think but experience with shops tell me they sell the cheapest parts and make lots on the labor.The ABS system is a specialist job and needs an experienced mechanic to work on it.