Date:         Tue, 31 Dec 2002 17:51:33 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: brake problem, DOT4, and Drinking...
Comments: To: Andrew Fox <afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Andrew Fox wrote:

>The other day I was driving down a mountain road and went to use the
>brakes and there was almost nothing there.  The pedal went almost to the
>floor.  I was able to pump it up and use the brakes but after a few
>minutes I would try the brakes again and the pedal would be very soft.
>Any ideas on what to check first?
>
I had the problem - internal leak in the brake master cylinder -
replaced thecylinder, bled the brakes, problem solved.

>Also, the manual says to use only DOT4 brake fluid.  I stopped at about 6
>gas stations on the way home from the brake incident and every one carried
>DOT3 but no DOT4.  Are DOT4 and DOT3 different?  Where to get DOT4?  We
>should all carry spare DOT4 since it seems to be hard to find at gas
>stations!
>
Get DOT4 at your FLAPS. Nearly all sell it.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver