I have found a very strainge vibration with vanagon brakes.  The cause
turned out to be grease on the rear shoes.  This gease was placed on the
center of the drum by the PO, to keep the hub from rusting to the drum.
Centrifical force caused the grease to migrate to the brakes.
    Pull your rear drums and make sure the brakes are clean and dry.
A leaking wheel cylender can also cause this.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Mon, 2 Feb 2004, Greenamyer, William L wrote:

> 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
>