Ok, sounds like a plan,  (grinding the leading edge) but how much do you
grind, at what angle, etc...

Mine are being really annoying too.  Just started recently and sounds
like the same symptons described below.  Only it seems to be getting
worse.

Note: I didn't have my drums turned last brake job.  Maybe it'd be worth
doing this time.  Eh?

> ----------
> From:         EMZ[SMTP:vw4x4@FYI.NET]
> Reply To:     EMZ
> Sent:         Wednesday, March 04, 1998 9:24 AM
> To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: squealing brakes
>
>    Grind the leading edge of each pad, on a mild angle. This
>    will stop it every time. Most new pads come this way, now
>    of days...
>
>             Eric                   86-VW4x4
>             vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>             Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
>
>
> On Wed, 4 Mar 1998, Mark McCulley wrote:
>
> > I recently replaced the front pads and rotors on my 87 syncro Westy.
> I used
> > OEM pads purchased from a dealer. After a bit of driving, the pads
> began to
> > squeal so I removed them and reinstalled using that gooey blue
> Permatex
> > stuff between the pads and the calipers. This didn't really help.
> >
> > The brakes only squeal after they have warmed up a bit. Driving in
> the city,
> > they won't squeal until I've made maybe a dozen stops. Then they
> squeal
> > until the van sits and rests and the brakes cool down. Another
> thing, they
> > only squeal within a certain range of pedal pressure. Push harder or
> lighter
> > than this and they won't squeal. Definately seems to be a resonance
> sort of
> > thing.
> >
> > This is getting annoying to me and my passengers and I'd like to fix
> the
> > problem. I have two ideas:
> >
> > 1. Remove pads and install the thin aluminum shims that are designed
> to
> > eliminate squealing.
> > 2. Replace pads with pads that are softer and non-metallic.
> >
> > Any recommendations or advice?
> >
> > Mark McCulley
> > 87 syncro Westfalia
> >
>