Date:         Wed, 6 Dec 2000 16:05:16 -0800
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      Re: adjusting front brakes?
Comments: To: Larry Innes <linnes@INNU.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Larry,

Normally, disc brakes are self-adjusting. If they are functioning
properly, they require no intervention from you.

When you apply your disc brakes, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper
piston out, causing the disc pads to grip the rotor. When you ease up on
the brakes, the square-cut O-ring around the caliper piston retracts it
ever so slightly. This effectively maintains a slight clearance between
the disc pads and rotor when no pressure is applied. The wheel should
spin freely at all times with no brakes applied.

If you are experiencing noticeable drag with no brakes applied after
driving the van, your rotors may be warped, which can cause them to drag
when heated. They can actually be true when cold but will warp after
driving a bit. I have had this condition.

If your rotors are too thin, you will need to replace them rather than
machine them. They are not too expensive, though.

Dan

Larry Innes wrote:

> I'm looking for wisdom on the adjustment of front brakes. There is
> resistance on the rotors, it seems, as the wheels do not turn as
> freely as they should when jacked up and spun. After a few km of
> driving, this causes some significant heat buildup due to friction,
> and results in a squeaking noise.
>
> Is there a simple way to adjust the front brakes to fix this problem,
> or do I need to have my rotors machined?
>
> -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * --
> Larry Innes
> Victoria, BC CANADA
> 87 Westfalia GL "Blu"
> -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * -- * --