Date:         Sun, 26 Feb 2006 09:31:51 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Brake Problem maybe resolved?
Comments: To: Tim Kasher <sade75@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006022609183342@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Tim Kasher wrote:

>
>PS I test drove it when he was doen and said I still had the pedal to the
>floor problem and he said give it a few days.
>
>
>
>
That's bogus!!

Get a helper, bleed the system yourself. Once bled, you will have brakes
with no need to pump the pedal if all else is well.

You will need to get under the back end to get to the bleeder nipples at
the backe wheels, but you can bleed the fron discs without having to do
that. Just turn the wheel to the stops both left and right. Do each
front wheel in turn. Use a clear plastic tube and a 20 oz plastic coke
bottle to catch the bleed off. The reason - in addition to keeping a
clean environment - is to be able to examine the waste fluid for
contaminants. IMHO every van owner should bleed the barke system every
two years to keep the condensate out of the system and keep it clear of
dirt. I was astounded at the amount of water and dirt that came from
mine the first time I did it for myself. Garages had done it before and
I just assumed that it was cleaned thoroughly. It may have been, but if
the amount of water and dirt that came out when I did it  is an
indicator as to how much can accumulate in a couple of years, then it
becomes imperative to me to make sure I bleed it every two years.
I don't know for sure, but the composition may be different to the point
that system components could be affected - -mportant for the vanagons
which are really a truck in disguise. It needs that better heat rating.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver