Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 10:31:29 -0700
Reply-To: BRENT CHRISTENSEN <bchristensen@INFOGENESIS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: BRENT CHRISTENSEN <bchristensen@INFOGENESIS.COM>
Subject: Re: help with brakes in SF.
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
Amy:
If you are just talking about changing the pads and/or shoes, then you are
talking about a pretty easy job. (especially the front pads).
The next items to consider are the condition of the rotors and drums. Do
you know how many miles they have on them? If you have not replaced them
within the last couple of "brake jobs" you should probably consider
replacing them. Luckily, the parts are pretty cheap. (about $40 each). If
your brake pedal "pulsates" while you are braking, this is due to the rotors
or drums being warped (probably the rotors) If this is the case, you are
best off to replace rather than machine them.
Another item to consider is the rear wheel cylinders. If these are
"weeping" from the seals (or if there is evidence of leakage anywhere near
them) they should be replaced. Very easy, and at $20 each, too cheap to
bother rebuilding.
Lastly, you may consider rebuilding the calipers. This is inexpensive
(about $10 per side as I recall), but a major PITA the first time around
(until you figure it out). You will need an assortment of clamps, pliers,
maybe a bench vise, compressed air, and some manual dexterity to do it. If
you are a timid novice, this is probably the only part of the brake job I
would steer you away from. (It can be very frustrating trying to get the
piston back in and lined up properly) You also need to be able to compress
it without damaging the seals, which is tricky with the Vanagon calipers.
One final note:
I definitely recommend going to Sears (or a FLAPS) and buying three tools:
1. ($5) Brake spoon for adjusting the rear brakes (you will have to grind
part of it away so that it will fit into the little slot in the brake
backing plate)
2. Retaining spring compressor ($5) This little gizmo has two round ends
that you use to push down the little round retaining clips to get the shoes
off the rear backing plates. Don't lose the pins that come in from the rear
of the backing plates!! They don't seem like they come out at first, but if
you rotate them, you can remove them and put them somewhere safe. (I use a
nifty magnetic-backed stainless steel bowl from Sears)
3. Spring stretcher/remover ($5). This little guy has one end with a little
hook, an s-shaped bend, and a round opening on the other end with a little
flange that sticks out. This is the most indispensable brake tool you can
own, IMHO, since removing and replacing springs on rear brakes is REALLY
frustrating without one.
Don't bother with the "plier" type combo brake tool. While very useful on
larger domestic Bendix-type rear brakes, I have found it useless on the
little Vanagon rear brakes.
You can often buy all the above tools in a "kit" for about $20 or so. I
highly recommend the investment. While it is possible to do a rear brake
job with screwdrivers and needle-nose pliers, the ease with which it can be
done with the proper tools is well worth the $20.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Amy Silberman
> Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 11:39 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: help with brakes in SF.
>
>
> I am thinking of doing the brake repairs we need done on our '90 Carat
> myself. Does anyone live in San Francisco that would be interested in
> giving me some help (pointers, advice, emergency help, etc.)
> when I try
> and tackle this job?
> Amy S.
> 415.207.6147 (pager)
>
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