Horace,
IMHO, I think the vanagon brakes are actually pretty good,
if they are in good condition.
If your brakes are not adequate, you probably just need
a good brake job.
I just recently did a brake job on my '90 automatic westy.
I had the calipers rebuilt (with a rebuilt kit from vw),
installed new rotors, and new OEM metallic pads,
new drums, and new brake shoes, and new rear cylinders.
Also rebuilt the master cylinder.
My vanagon stops on a dime, and no squeaking at all.
Sometimes in the morning, you can hear a bit of
grinding for a few minutes when the surface rust rubs off.
But that's normal.
Also check your braker booster.
Actually, if one orders most of these brake parts from
one of the friendly list vendors, it's not too costly.
Harald
'90 westy

Horace wrote:
> We live on a small but steep mountain.  Just purchased nice 91 Westy,
> automatic.
>
> Any improvements available in the braking department?  I've had good luck
> with Performance Friction pads for my Dodge diesel, I wonder if there is
a
> set for the Vanagon, or some better alternatives.
>
> Westy squeaked bad while backing down driveway (steep incline).  Could
have
> been some rust knocking off.  Not driven since several days.  And later I
> noticed a some annoying faint squeaking while driving and not applying
> brakes, too.  Brakes didn't squeak while applying during short ride, but
I
> feel the braking is the weakest part of the Vanagon.
>
> HK