Date:         Tue, 2 Oct 2001 21:01:24 EDT
Reply-To:     EdVF1000R@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Ed @ Automotive Consulting" <EdVF1000R@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: brake noise, etc.
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

I've put a lot of brake pads on in my 6 years fixing cars professionally.
My 2 cents, if it helps:

Some vehicles will squeal and grind no matter what, unless you use
dealer/factory original pads. (Toyota Camry, any Saturn, most Hondas).

All the pads sold by Pep Boys are Raybestos, and are made in America or
Canada. This does not necessarily make them better.

Any goop sprayed or brushed onto the backs of pads to reduce noise is only a
band-aid, not a real fix.

Metallic pads are always noisier than NAO (non asbestos organic) pads.

Most new vehicles come with Ceramic compound pads, Example: '96-'02 Maxima,
'98-02 GTI, '96 - '02 Corvette, etc. This is because they hold up well and
are quiet! They are also expensive - Raybestos ceramic compound pads are
almost as much as dealer pads.

Beveling the pads helps reduce noise, and using the right multilayered
stick-on shims helps more. Most good pads come with them in the box.

Cleanliness matters a lot for brakes  - any greasy thumbprints on the working
side of a set of new pads will contaminate them and may cause noisy
operation. Make sure any sliding hardware or caliper surface is clean, smooth
and lightly lubricated with a proper high temp caliper grease. Gentle break
in is important too.

Dealer pads are always better for regular street (not performance/track) use.
2nd choice would be aftermarket , manufactured by the OEM manufacturer
(Pagid, PBR, Bendix, ATE, etcetera). These are often the exact duplicates of
the factory pads, down to the compound and color.

If your rotors have to be cut, make sure that they have a nondirectional
finish on the working surfaces. Most brake lathes leave a fine spiral groove
on rotors like a vinyl record (remember those?). This causes poor break-in,
hard pedal complaints, rapid initial wear, and noise.
                                      HTH and YMMV. - Ed

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