Michael McAleer helps readers with their motoring problems
Anne McD from Dublin:
We purchased a VW Polo in December 1997 and while it was still under warranty, we wrote to the dealers complaining about difficulties with the clutch and about the constant squealing of the brakes. The car was checked over by the dealers and we were assured that all was in order.
The problem with the squealing brakes continued over the years. The car has been serviced on a regular basis and the problem with the brakes has been highlighted at each service. I should mention that the car has a mileage of under 25,000 miles.
We received a letter from Volkswagen Assistance last July which read as follows: "During the constant monitoring of the production process and of vehicles in everyday use, Volkswagen AG has established that on Polo/Lupo vehicles of a limited production period, vacuum pipes were fitted, which may leak because of a production fault. This can affect the vacuum supply of the brake servo and can lead to the loss of the servo assistance. For safety reasons a check of your vehicle is necessary. The check as well as any necessary repair work is free of charge to you. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer to make an appointment."
We do not understand the exact nature of the problem as outlined above and wonder whether it is the cause (or a contributory factor) of the squealing brakes. We would be grateful if you would explain the matter in layman's language.
Furthermore, given that we complained about the brakes while the car was still under warranty, do we have any redress in this situation? We would appreciate your advice on this matter.
I realise you are under time pressure, but I would advise you to get the repairs done at the appointed time. VW has confirmed that there is no cost to get the inspection and repair on the vacuum pipe connection.
As for the squealing, you could bring it to an independent inspector, get the problem verified and try to bring the issue up with VW Ireland if you are not satisfied with the treatment received from your dealer.
According to Stephen McDonnell, technical manager, Volkswagen/Audi: "The problem referred to in the letter is in relation to vacuum pipe connection that may leak as a result of a pipe production fault.
"The vacuum pipe in question supplies a vacuum created within the engine to a unit called the 'Brake Servo' for the purpose of providing assistance to the driver when applying the brakes. It should be noted that if the vacuum pipe did fail this will not result in brake failure." McDonnell says: "in answer to the question regarding the relationship between the vacuum connection issue and 'squealing brakes', it is very unlikely if there would be a connection. 'Squealing' noises appearing when the brakes are applied could be caused by a myriad of reasons."
Ciaran Downes from Dublin:
With reference to last week's query about the original VW Beetles and our answer that they seem to be used as taxis in Mexico city, Ciaran writes:
The VW Beetle is used as the standard taxi in Mexico City. It's almost always in a bright green/white livery. Tourists are warned not to use these cabs as, once in the back-seat, the tourist would be at the mercy of an unscrupulous taxi driver because there is no back-door to escape! The recommended mode of transport for a tourist is the pedal rickshaw.
On the same query last week the reader asked if we had details of the Jawa motorcycles. It now transpires that the bikes are still in production and their impressive range can be seen at www.jawa.as
What's more, there is a dealer in Britain: the James Motorcycle Company in Chichester, West Sussex. There is also an owners' club. Peadar Ó Briain wrote to us to tell us to visit the owner's club website atwww.jawa-cz-owners-club.freeserve.co.uk He also said that while there are no dealers in the Republic, East End Motorcycles, Newtownards Road, Belfast, did sell and service Jawas until recently.
• Send queries to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet St, Dublin 2 - or send them by e-mail to motorshelp@irish-times.ie