Front brake squeel

[waddler]

Anyone know what the cause is and how long do front pads last?

[waddler]

by the way only squeels at very low speed and light braking.

[Phil1980]

Have you got any warning lights on your dash, there is a sensor in your front brakes that will let you know if they are worn.  Could just be trapped debris thats causing the squeeling, whip em out and take a look at them. 

I would check them just to be sure as sometimes the sensors fail to work, or have been bypassed by a previous owner so they don't get the annoying light on the dash.

[waddler]

No lights and its been mine since new.  Last setviced 6 months ago by VW and they didnt mention they were overly worn.

[bacillus]

Look for a small stone or the likes caught up in the brake caliper/disc set up.

[Saint Steve]

Just changed mine. 50k miles, was about 3 mm left on one side. Caliper housings are more then likely full of brake dust, give them a good wash out with the pads off.

[waddler]

I never tamper with the oily bits myself...:-)

How about I try and get in with a jet washer?

[Phil1980]

Time to get your hands dirty......

[Saint Steve]

I never tamper with the oily bits myself...:-)

How about I try and get in with a jet washer?

Jet washer wont be able to clean out inside the caliper housings. Only way to do it is to take the pads out, because its the dust that gets trapped between each pad and the caliper housing.

If you dont want to get dirty hands, its a hours labour at your local garage.

[waddler]

Well give it a good squirt with a hose and 95% gone so will give it a few more shots and hopefully it'll be gone for good.