For what it is worth...
My 91 sycrowesty has its original brakes on it = pads rotors etc. etc.  Last shop estimate= 2 to 3 mm left on the pads.   My own measurments show rotors are still above tolerances. As for the drums I don't know. 120K miles.  and going.  (I have all the parts and plan a rebuild soon anyway!) 

>>> Mark McCulley <transporter99@HOTMAIL.COM> 01/13 8:41 AM >>>
Here's my contrarian opinion on brake pads:

-Use only OEM pads--they should last 40K to 50K miles
-Replace rotors every other pad change, i.e. every 80K to 100K miles
-Rebuild calipers when changing rotors

This probably sounds like overkill but I want optimal, like-new
performance from my brakes. My syncro camper weighs in at almost 3 tons
and I frequently drive mountain roads. I don't try to save money by
buying cheap brake parts or wearing my rotors thin--I do save some money
by doing the labor myself though. I've never experienced brake fade
using OEM pads.

I'm not a professional mechanic, but from what I've read,the OEM pads
perform better and last longer than aftermarket pads. They may also wear
the rotors faster. There's always a trade off...

Mark McCulley
87 syncro Westfalia
TRNSPTR

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