> It is a bummer to go to the dealer for brake pads/shoes > but they are worth the coin, unless a list > vendor has OEM pads for chump change.
Okay, I've got 'em for chump change. :-) Fronts are $19.95/set, rears are $29.95/set. (A set does both sides of the axle.) These are either VW branded or German Pagid (OEM supplier to VW). I bypass VW and import directly from Germany, hence the low price. That said, I should note that brake squeal may not be caused by the pads. A squeal is caused by vibration. Worn brake hardware (springs etc) can also cause a vibration-induced squeal, even with the best shoes and pads. So can an uneven rotor or drum surface, or glazing that can be caused by even one panic stop. I do sell hardware kits if your hardware has not been replaced recently; probably not neccessary to replace every time, but it couldn't hurt. Similarly, brake fade can be caused by various things, including a brakedown of the fluid due to moisture in the lines or heating during excessive braking (i.e. down steep hills). VW recommends flushing and replacing all of your brake fluid periodically since brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, a procedure that many people do not bother with. There are many Vanagons out there with 100-150k miles on them that still have the original 15-year-old fluid, except for whatever may have been added while "topping off" the resorvoir. - Ron Salmon The Bus Depot, Inc. http://www.busdepot.com (215) 234-VWVW |
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