Date:         Sat, 18 Mar 2000 22:15:50 -0800
Reply-To:     bpchristensen1@HOME.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Brent Christensen <bpchristensen1@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Mushy Brakes update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Well, just thought I would give everyone an update on my problem this week
with the mushy brakes.  To refresh the collective memory, I did a *complete*
front end brake job, including replacing the rotors and rebuilding the
calipers, then adjusted the rears up to the point where they were dragging
(too much).  I bled the heck out of them using an EZ-Bleed and the manual
method (both).  After all this,  the brakes still required a pump before
feeling solid.

Well, today, I pulled the rear drums and mic'd them - sure enough - the
drums were 0.060 over the max spec. (Sorry, the micrometer only measures in
1,000th's).  As luck would have it, I mic'd the old rotors and they still
had plenty of meat on them, so I went in and had them turned (and now I have
them as spares.)

I have ordered replacement drums from a list vendor, and I suspect that
fitting the new drums along with the new shoes will solve the problem.  (as
you predicted, Colby).  I'll report back when that is confirmed (hopefully).

BTW - I also found that the wheel cylinders that I had replaced to the tune
of about $300 back in June of last year were leaking.  We had a failure on a
cross-country trip and had them fixed in a tiny little town in the middle of
nowhere.  Evidently, the "parts house" that delivered to that little burg
supplied very expensive ($50 each!) but inferior Vanagon parts (surprise)
This also explains why the bleeder screws were 8mm instead of 7mm.  :-)   I
also ordered new "German" cylinders from a list vendor.   Thank you Vanagon
List!!!!!

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA