Date:         Thu, 25 Mar 2004 09:59:15 -0500
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: unclas diagnosis of brake issues  - what do you all think?
              (was:              Help...
Comments: To: Paul & Becky Oliver <oliver8@TDS.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <004b01c41224$1af4f400$9d318045@e1i7g6>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Wed, 24 Mar 2004, Paul & Becky Oliver wrote:

> All "handy cap" vehicles (with wheel chair lifts, ramps, etc.,) are required
> by state and federal law to have this device installed. (I Used to be the
> mechanic supervisor for a fleet (80+) of these type of vehicles.) If you
> want it, get a "pro" to install it, about $1,500.00.
>
> Yeah...a lot of money. Or just think twice, before taking off. Make it a
> habit to check the park brake every time. Driving with it on could cost you
> more, than just money.

My '75 VW bus had a great parking brake warning system.

The parking brake was set with a big t-handle under the center of the
dash.  Yank it out to set the brake, give it a quarter turn (to release
the pawl) and shove it in to release.

If you took off with the parking brake on, you would realize it when you
went for 3rd gear and your knuckles smashed into the parking brake handle.
I never got more than a block with it on, for that reason.

Now, on my Volvo, and on the Honda I used to own, the parking brake
warning is unnecessary -- neither car will move with the brake on.  At
all.  You will stall out the engine before it'll go anywhere.  These are
the only cars I've ever owned that had an *effective* parking brake
system.  I'm not sure why this is such a difficult engineering challenge
for other companies.


David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon