Date:         Thu, 14 Sep 2000 14:52:35 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benjamin Tan <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Brakes
Comments: To: SCatlin@rei.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 9/14/00 11:17:48 AM Pacific Daylight Time, SCatlin@REI.COM
writes:

<< The previous comment about adjusting the brake bias valve is extremely
unadvisable. Giving too much brake power to the rear will induce oversteer
and could cause the rear to come loose.  >>


Scott,

I believe the main reason for having a brake pressure regular brake in a
Vanagon is to reduce (or control) the brake pressure to the rear. Thereby,
keeping the rear drums from locking up before the from rotors. For those who
want to experiment with what happens you foolishly adjust brake bias, go to a
big empty parking lot. Secure yourself well with your safety belts. Then
drive at a slow speed. Then yank up on the parking brakes. If you go fast
enough, it's a good bet that you will manage to swap ends or worse. Definite
oversteer.

If you decide to install rear disc brakes, the brake bias will need to be
adjusted. However, for drum/disc combo, the stock set-up is just about right.
Any major modifications to the brake hydraulic system should be left to the
experts (I said experts, not "pros").

BenT
San Francisco