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Date:         Sun, 13 Aug 2000 13:56:08 -0400
Reply-To:     jgh3rd@mindspring.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Haddad <jgh3rd@mindspring.com>
Subject:      Big doh! by mechanic

All,


Was horrified yesterday when my passenger front wheel started making a grinding noise when applying brakes.


Some facts:  Last month, pads were replaced by local garage as part of my annual state safety inspection as well as the upper ball joint.  Upon driving it, I heard a knocking noise when hitting substantial bumps.  Right there, I should have taken it back in, but with my job, life etc. it is not very easy to play musical vehicles.


Took it on a 750 mile vacation to 1000 Islands (thanks to listmembers who gave me tips for that trip - great time!) with no probs 2 weeks ago.  Then yesterday, I went about 20 miles and made a stop, started up again and the brakes started making a grinding noise on the passenger side.  I took it easy, then when I arrived at my destination, I jacked it up and took a look.  The inside of the rim had a scoring around the entire circumference which was caused by the Teves caliper as evidenced by the shinier metal on its edge.  Stuck my head way in the wheelwell to see that one of the big mofoing bolts that holds the caliper to the steering knuckle was gone!  Not loose, but missing!


Needless to say, I am angry and freaked out by such a huge mistake.  First of all, why did they remove the caliper to replace pads?  He did mention that they were very rusty and needed a lot of work to do.


Part of me wants to march in and demand that they take care of it and the other just wants to buy the bolt and install it myself and never go there again.  I got it into my garage gingerly last night, and don't want to drive it anywhere until its fixed.


Is it possible to just buy the one bolt somehow?  Does anyone know what size bolt it is?  I noticed in the Bentley that it needs massive amounts of torque (116 ft. lbs.!).  I guess the one bolt was holding on until yesterday.  Yikes!  When I think about all the miles I traveled in the boonies with my wife and child like that.


I was going to call some vendors and see how much it would cost for the bolt and then decide what to do.  Any constructive opinions?


Thanks,


John Haddad
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