Hi Robie,

I read about your brake repair and I have some questions. I just
replaced the brake pads on my '91 Multivan. The "premium" brake pads
were $29.00 and about 1.5 hours labor. Normally no other repairs or
parts are needed unless other factors are involved(see the following
questions). I admit that my Vanagon has very low mileage (36,000) but it
seems that your repair replaced everything that can be replaced without
the use of a cutting torch!!!. Pleae advise the following to help me
understand why so many components required replacement:

1) Does the vehicle have extremely "high" mileage?

2) Was the vehicle brakes pulling or noisy during brake applications?

3) Was the brake fluid changed every two years?

4) Were the front wheel bearings ever cleaned & repacked?

5) Were the front rotors worn beyond the VW specified "wear limit"?

6) Was there a loss of brake fluid at the brake calipers?

While its easy for me to second-guess the repairing facility, I see no
reason why all these parts were replaced when brake pad replacement is
simple and inexpensive!

Regards,   John