Is pedal resistance adjustable?

Question

I test drove a 2003 Jetta GLS (no turbo) last week. One thing I didn't like was that the brake and gas pedals were very touchy.

At first, I thought it was me being used to the degraded performance of my '88 Jetta. But then I drove Corolla and a Civic. Their pedals weren't touchy and overall performance was similar.

I find that a pedal with too little resistance makes control more difficult and contributes to driving fatigue.

So what do twitchy pedals signify? Is it maintenance issue on the car I drove? Is it just how newer Jettas are made? Is something that could be adjusted to suit my driving style?

Rob Guenther · Accepted Answer

Twitchy brakes are normal... they smoothed them out on the newer models tho (my dad's 2003 Golf has far less "twitch" then my 99.5 Golf)... New pads helped my car, as did a fluid flush ans bleed of the system.... Tho they are still very sensitive.

I was shocked the first time I drove a Mk4..... but I soon got used to it.

Civic has a similar brake pedal feel to a Mk2 VW - nice and progressive.

......... The Jetta has more in the brakes department then any stock Corolla or Civic tho, I wouldn't worry about the touchiness, you will adjust.

Peter Parker · Answer

DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!!!!BAHAHAHA!!!

Eric Edwards · Answer

Care to explain why you think I'm trolling?  Do I need to send you theVIN number of my '88 Jetta?

Eric Edwards · Answer

I'm not sure that make sense. I was on a hilly freeway doing 70-75. I wouldn't think that low end torque would be applicable, although I confess, I wasn't looking at the tachometer. The 2.0L certainly does run out of steam when pushed, as do the engines in the Civic and Corolla. Nonetheless, the Jetta seemed to require delicately balancing my foot over the accelerator and the Civic and Corolla didn't.

Papa · Answer

I was wondering about that too. Makes no sense.

TDKozan · Answer

If you drop PP in your bit-bucket, you'll have a much better time here. I'd never seen it offer a constructive post so it's been gone since my first week or two here and I doubt I've missed anything.

YMMV,

TK

C_S · Answer

Amen.  I did exactly that myself oh, probably over two or three years ago.

draugaz · Answer

Working as designed :)Just in the beginning until you get used. Took 2 or 3 days for me.Afterwards I actually like them very much. And it is a pain to get backto the "usual" cars: "oh $h!t, where did the brakes go?!?"

Rob Guenther · Answer

I've only driven a Civic... and it's smoother then a 2.0L/5 speed combo... Might be something to get checked out on the Jetta.... my dad's 2.0L Golf isn't overly twitchy, more sensitive than a Civic tho.My TDI, automatic isn't overly twitchy... but you get a little bit of turbo lag too, so maybe I don't notice it.

none2u · Answer

Yea,I agree. You will like them.   They're touchy because there's a lot of power available with much less lockup potential, then the usual cars. But VW brakes have always been excellent. Very high performance.. In the  pinch you'll be glad they work so great. You will get used to them, VWs are about the driving experience, and differences between autos makes you a good driver.

Nate Nagel · Answer

I never found any of my old VW's to have "touchy" brakes (various A1s and A2s) and I prefer them that way. I too find brakes that are too overboosted difficult to control and more fatiguing than normal. I often drive while wearing steel toed boots so overboosted brakes actually make me work harder, as often the weight of my leg resting on the pedal is more than required for normal braking.

nate

n> Yea,I agree. You will like them. They're touchy because there's a lot of

Is pedal resistance adjustable?

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