Date:         Fri, 20 Sep 2002 13:51:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Cotsford@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Cotsford <Cotsford@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brake power?
Comments: cc: damoncampbellvw@yahoo.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

In a message dated Fri, 20 Sep 2002 10:57:36 AM Eastern Standard Time, Damon writes:

> As a side note, i find it amusing that more people are fascinated by an (almost) stock 1.9l going 90mph (-3mph and 6%), than being able to tell me how to get the darn thing to stop...  However, i guess what they say is true, "brakes only slow
> you down", so to speak.
> Brake booster... anyone? anyone?

Actually, 90 mph isn't so hard with the 1.9.   You just have to hold your foot down long enough.  I have done it with my '84 Westy many times.   Cross South Dakota and you will find its quite easy, especially with a tail wind.
To address your brake problem, in my experience with strange feeling brake pedal, first culprit is likely to be the rear brake adjusment.  If these are really adjusted up tight, then try bleeding the master cylinder.
Get access to the brake master cylinder by removing the instrument panel.   Bleed each fitting by loosening the fitting, applying foot pressure so fluid/air etc comes out around the loosened fitting, then retighten while pressure is still held.   Do this on all outlet fittings.

This may not solve your problem but it did work for me on a couple of occasions.

Good luck,   Steve