This is no doubt the most common design of brake systems. It applies
to Vanagons no question about it.

There are brake systems that are exactly opposite to the conventional
system, however. My 2001 Passat apparently has more brake power on
the rear wheels than on the front. At 100k miles today the brake pads
of the rear have been replaced twice and the rotors are worn to a
marginal point. But the front pads still have half of the original meat
remaining and the rotors are not worn down much at all. 

I noticed, when it was new back in 2001, when I brake hard the whole
car sank instead of the traditional sinking of the front only. From
time to time the ABS would kick in if I brake a bit hard indicating
the brake system worked really well. 

I am sure whoever owns a late model Passat can confirm this too. 

David

 

--- On Wed, 7/8/09, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> � Generally speaking, putting more stopping power on
> the rear wheels is a
> waste of time and money for most vehicles.� The major
> portion of your
> braking is done with the front...The 'harder' the stop, the
> more the front
> end braking load is...Period.
> �