Date:         Sun, 18 Feb 2001 22:28:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Brakes Not Releasing
Comments: To: "William S. Brown Jr." <brown6@ALASKA.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001c01c09a03$1e32d0c0$0d9270d1@a.l.1000>
Content-type: multipart/alternative;

You have what is commonly known as a seized caliper piston. the usual cause
is corrosion on the inside of the caliper housing and the piston. The
corrosion is caused by moisture in the brake system. Since your asking these
questions, I would suggest getting a pair of rebuilt or new calipers. Beck
Arnley has these for the Vanagon. You can even get them "loaded" which
includes the mounts and pads. These pads are not the best material but they
will work. Many list vendors can also get brand new calipers. Use a quality
brake fluid,(DOT-4) and change it every 2 years to avoid a repeat problem.
While there, make sure the rotors are the proper size, (13mm minimum) and
carefully check the brake hoses.

Dennis

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of
William S. Brown Jr.
  Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2001 6:33 PM
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  Subject: Brakes Not Releasing


  I need some advice.  My drivers side brake caliper piston will not
release.  The brakes stop the van, but afterward the caliper piston remains
tight.  After driving down the road the wheel is hot.

  I have removed the wheel, taken out the lower retaining bolt, and with
great difficulty pried up the housing.  I removed the pads which look to be
about 1/2 worn.  I then used a "C" clamp to push the piston back in a ways,
and then I reassembled it all.  At that point the unit slides back and forth
on the guide pins as it should, so it is not binding there.  But after I
applied the brakes I could, with a pipe wrench, just barely turn the rotor.

  Is this a caliper problem?  Can they be rebuilt?  I see is Bentley that
you can blow out the piston, but then what?  Do you hone the unit?

  Appreciate any advice you may have.

  William
  86 Vanagon GL  (275K)

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