If you go to the dealer, both the front pads and rear shoes will be
metallic linings with a friction rating of FF. As far as I know, the
dealer is the only source of metallic rear shoes. When the front pads
were replaced, were the rotors machined? Were the rotors measured for
adequate thickness? And were the new pads driven appropriately to seat
them? With new pads, the surface between the pads and rotor is rough and
uneven. If the pads are not seated, the high spots will get heated and
then because they get hardened, they will not wear down with the rest of
the rotor. This will cause high spots and uneven friction surface which
will cause pedal pulsing and squealing. Brake squealing is not actually
caused by the pads and rotor rubbing but the movement of the pads in the
caliper housing or in the case of drum brakes, the shoe rubbing on the
backing plate. Better brake pads will now often have a silencer shim
built in. If not, replace it. Also, brake silencing goo will help
applied to the back of the outer pad. Hi temp. caliper grease should be
used where the pad backing plate sits in the carrier.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Greenamyer, William L
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2004 10:16 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