I agree whole heartedly, did it for the first time on my 86 Vanagon, rotors and
pads for around $100. Dealer wanted $300, VW mechanic wanted $220.  Took 1.5 hours
on the first side .5 hours on the second. Only hand Bentleys as a guide/friend,
but that's all it took!

Dave
86 Vanagon GL

kenstich wrote:

> Gee, I don't know folks - I think that brakes are awfully easy and a great way
> to save bucks, particularly the fron disc type - OK, the bearing repack is a
> little messy, but it really gets you in touch with your vehicle to hand pack
> those bearings.
>
> Besides, I don't trust other folks to work on my vehicle - As you said, they
> are too important to mess up - Use the John Muir "Idiot Guide" your first time
> - invite an experienced friend to help your first time - My cost for front
> brakes (as mentioned below) last time was around $20 (organic pads, not the
> more expensive semi-metallic) and about 2-3 hrs. Also, fully flush the
> hydraulic fluid for the cost af a large can of brake fluid. I don't recommend
> turning rotors unless there is a problem such as scoring (you can deglaze them
> with sandpaper if you wish).
>
> Regards,
>
> Ken Stich
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Kelly Bauman wrote:
> >
> > At 13:16 21-07-98 -0700, Robert Lilley wrote:
> > >I looked at receipt for brake work from the PO of my 88 vanagon, he was
> > CHARGED $300 EACH for front rotors, Bus Depot had OEM FOR ONLY $49.95.  His
> > bill was @900 for a front brake job
> >
> > I had all 4 brakes inspected, front pads replaced, front rotors machined,
> > bearings repacked and the hub seals replaced for C$119.00 (US$79.00)
> > including all parts and labour.  I agree with Craig Standley who said, "I
> > don't mess with the brakes myself, too important to mess up."  And for the
> > price I paid it is hard to argue.
> >
> > Kelly Bauman
> > Delta, BC
> > '91 Westy