I tried a set of double the price metallic brakes with new rotors, and
everything else new on my 83 Westy. I never got the squeal out even after
filing the edges, running the pads in with multiple slow stops, adding shims
between the pad and brake plungers in the rotors.
Try the above things and if they don't get straight, go back to good quality
OEM pads. (Don't expect Pep Boys, Chief Auto Parts, O'Rileys to have good
brake pads for your Vanagon. Get a set from a list vendor.)

Stan Wilder

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Greenamyer, William L
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2004 9:16 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Metalic brakes

A while back, my mechanic put new brakes on the van.  Ever since, they have
exhibited vibration problems when stopping.  Seems to be a progressive
problem.  Turns out metalic brake pads  were used (both front and back).
The word I get is that metalic pads can generate heat and leave residue on
the drums/rotors.  The residue builds up and that is what the pads are
hitting when I try to brake.  Questions:

1)  Can metalic brake pads be used on the Vanagon or should I stick with
organic pads?
2)  Could something else be causing the vibration to occur?

Note:  I have been able to reduce the vibration by stomping on the brakes
and not coming to a stop which doesn't generate the sustained heat and wipes
the metal surfaces.  This reduces the vibrations but I still need to know if
there is anything else I can do.

William