Except for massive dusting, the $15 Korean made pads work surprising
well. The Pagid pads are better and resist squeaking although they also
dust like mad. The OEM Pagid pads are semi metallic and have the
silencing shims attached. The PBR Metal Masters Dust less, work great
except for additional pedal pressure and they do not make as much dust
as the others.

As important as the front pads are, the rear shoes need to be
considered. Here, nothing compares to the dealer shoes. The price is
high, but the rear shoes are also semi metallic. The OEM lining is also
6mm thick and riveted in place. Get the dealer spring kits and ATE wheel
cylinders. Properly assembled and adjusted, you will be amazed at the
results.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Florian Speier
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 3:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: brake pads - what is recommended?

hi list,

looking at busdepot, i can spend anywhere from 15 to 60 for a set of
brakepads. what is the difference and which brand is the best? gowesty
stocks only pbr metal master, is that the best? worth paying 35 more
than
busdepot cheap semi-metallic? i dont want to be frugal on brakes, but is
there a difference?

thanks
florian