Date:         Fri, 5 Nov 2004 19:09:53 -0500
Reply-To:     Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Replacing rear brake cylinder, info and / or help needed
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Went out to the van mid-day and had virtually no brakes.  Discovered
from the puddle on the ground and further inspection up under the van
that I have a bad right rear cylinder.  Haven't tackled the project yet,
but have searched the archives on the subject.  Found lots of good ideas
and tips, although the emphasis is on the shoes and bleeding procedures
after you are done.  Mostly people just say that they removed and
replaced the wheel cylinder - guess it is easy.

Has anyone put together a web page with instructions on this repair?  If
so, I would love to get the link.  I have looked at all the ones I have
bookmarked and found nothing on this specific repair, although there are
a few dead links in there.

It sounds like one of the largest variables is how much trouble one has
in getting the drum off, and then there is the question of how much rust
is up in there.   I know you can do the job without removing that big
wheel nut.

I am not so sure that I will try this myself as I separated my left
shoulder about 5 weeks ago in a bicycle / auto encounter and have
limited strength / use of the left arm still.  (I am left handed and it
was a grade III separation of the AC joint.)

I've got lots of parts I'll trade for help if anyone with experience
near Baltimore wants to pitch in and help.  I have never done any brake
work myself and would rather learn about it than pay a shop.

But, this might have to be one for a shop.

A bit clearer image of what I would be up against would help so I was
hoping that someone had some pictures of this job on a web page.  So, if
you know of a link, please send it to me.

Can I get a decent wheel cylinder from a FLAPS or should I get it from
one of our list vendors?

Thanks,

Sam

--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL
85 Westy Weekender
84 Vanagon, original owner, soon to be retired, just too many problems

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