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Date:         Wed, 28 Nov 2001 10:58:33 EST
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brake problem continued
Comments: To: puzerewski@MSN.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 11/28/01 10:09:14 AM, puzerewski@MSN.COM writes:

<< The pedal travels down to the same spot every time. >>

Adam,

First things first. Shut off the van. Purge the air from the vacuum assist. Now try the brakes sitting there with the engine off. Does the pedal firm up and the pedal travel stop after a short stroke? No? Then here are the possibilities:

1/ There is air in the system. Bleed brakes properly.

2/ The rear brakes are not adjusted correctly. Adjust rear brakes correctly.

3/ There is an external leak in the system. Easily enough detected even if you do not want to check the plumbing as the level in the brake fluid reservoir will be dropping at an unseemly rate.

4/ There is an internal leak in the master cylinder. Since there is no fluid loss with this type of leak, it is tougher to find and is usually deduced by a process of elimination. I think if you install an unvented brake fluid reservoir cap with a pressure gauge in it, a pressure will be registered when the pedal is depressed if there is an internal leak. I am not talking about that little burp which occurs as the cup crosses the fluid make-up port.

5/ The brake push rod was not adjusted properly or the jam nut on the push rod clevis has become loosened with the same results.

6/ Or it could be an example of the last refuge to which a mechanic will resort should all else fail . . . "they all do that".

Rich


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