Date:         Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:34 -0400
Reply-To:     Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brake Fade
In-Reply-To:  <008401cc7101$b775abf0$6401a8c0@PROSPERITY>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed

Both of those chemical treatments are things I've 
never used before and never would consider it if 
I hadn't been given them by someone whose 
automotive knowledge I have a pretty fair amount 
of confidence in.  From what I've read they are 
aimed at dealing with the relationship between 
the pads and the rotors (duh.)  Something about 
filling tiny voids, evening out the contact surface.

I found the box for my new pads, no information 
about break in, but I found that Advance Auto 
Parts sells them and contacted them for break in 
info.  Also did some googling on the Wearever 
Silver pads.  Seems like few performance drivers 
like them, a medium number hate them for any 
purpose, and some think they are fine for daily 
drivers.  I think they aren't any good for the 
vanagon due to it's more than average load on the 
brakes.  I'll be getting some better pads from 
one of our vendors.  Anyway, here's the break-in 
procedure I got from Advance Auto Parts.  I don't 
know if this is really something specific for the 
Wearever pads or some boilerplate doc the guy sent me.
Edward

This is a follow up email for your inquiry 
regarding on the proper break-in procedure for 
Wearever Silver Brake Pads - Front.

Please follow the steps below for proper break-in 
procedures for Wearever Silver Brake Pads – Front.

Step 1- Do a series of 5 back to back normal to 
moderately aggressive stops from 40mph to a 
rolling stop. Do not come to a complete stop, but 
almost.  Do not ride the brakes during the break in process.

Step 2- After the first 5 stops, drive around at 
normal speeds for approximately 10-15 minutes to 
cool down the pads. During this time, try to use 
the brakes as little as possible. If you have to 
stop, do so moderately and then use the parking 
brake to hold yourself in place until such a time 
that you can proceed with the cool down. The 
object is to keep from imprinting a layer of 
friction material onto the hot rotor.

Step 3- Repeat Step 1 and 2 again.

Step 4- By this time, the brakes should be safe 
enough to drive normally and should be left to cool down overnight if possible.

Step 5- After an overnight cool down, repeat Step 1 and 2 again.

After Step 5, drive and use the brakes normally. 
The stopping performance should continue to 
improve steadily until it finally levels off.

WARNING: In order to achieve the best results 
from these brake pads, the following break in procedure must be done.

As in all things brake related, if you do not 
understand what you are doing, get help or 
assistance from someone who does. Failure to 
properly install and/or diagnose issues that can 
arise from an improperly functioning brake system 
or part installation, can and will lead to injury or death to you or others.

WARNING: Be safe and aware of your surroundings 
during the break-in procedure. Use an area that 
is low in other vehicular traffic and pedestrians 
in order to be as safe as possible.