Date:         Tue, 19 Jun 2001 23:26:45 -0700
Reply-To:     T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Very dangerous braking problem
Comments: To: phil stanhope <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

phil stanhope wrote:
>
> My 84' westy is up for sale soon. Id like
> to sell it in a safe drivable condition but as it is
> right now, its pretty un-safe.
>
> Sometimes when braking at slower speeds the brake
> petal will bottom out and the van will keep moving
> with little stopping power and one of the wheels locks
> up. If I give the brake petal a couple of pumps I hear
> a thump sound (near the spare tire storage area) and
> it stops fine.
>
> About 3 months ago my dad and i rebuilt the right
> front brake and put new pads on both then topped off
> the fluid.
>
> Anyone know whats the problem?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Phil 84' Westy (for sale)
> 84' westy wolfy GL waiting for TiiCo motor
>
> ___________________________________

You mention you topped off the fluid but did you bleed all four corners?
I'll bet either:

- You should get a large bottle of fluid (and a small one just to top it
off with) and flush the whole system. In fact it is a Vanagon so get two
big bottles as the lines are longer, front to back. Start at the back
wheel, on the corner farthest from the master cylinder and then the
other back corner. Next front side away from the M/C then finish with
the one closest. Done? You didn't let the fluid run dry did you? You
kept it topped off, right? And I'm sure you didn't reuse old fluid, even
if you just flushed it out. Right.

At this point you should be OK, OR

- You have a blown seal or two in the M/C and need a new one. Try #1
1st.

btw- when pushing the pedal during brake fluid bleeding I have found it
will help keep the M/C from getting torn up if you (or your helper)
don't press the pedal all the way to the firewall with gusto. Try 3/4,
4/5ths only.

hth,
TBerk