Date:         Sat, 18 Mar 2006 07:33:59 -0500
Reply-To:     dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: shifter linkage solved and the real problem persists...groan!
Comments: To: Wil Haslup <whaslup@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <441B3446.2040800@gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Rear wheel cylinders are relatively short term parts. I recomend repalcing them at every brake job along with the hardware kits. ATE is the only cylinder I know with the correct details including the spring to preload the pistons to push tem out against the shoes. Without these springs, the pistons often creep back in causing you to have to double pump the brake pedal to get a firm pedal. The best spring is from the dealer, ~$18.00 and the best shoes are also from the dealer although you need a lot of $$ for these.
It is pprobably time for brake hoses too.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Wil Haslup <whaslup@GMAIL.COM>
Date: Friday, March 17, 2006 5:12 pm
Subject: shifter linkage solved and the real problem persists...groan!

> A short while back some of you advised me while I was trying to
> diagnosean inability to shift.
>
> It turned out to not be my linkage but that my fluid reservoir was
> quitelow.  After filling and working with it a bit it nearly
> returned to
> normal...though it still should have been bled which I haven't
> been able
> to do because of shifting weather here still.
>
> After sitting two days I went out to go to the post office today.  The
> level was down slightly but not below the min. line...about in the
> middle.  I put a little more in but emptied the container I had.
> I noted some wetness near the right rear wheel and thought it was
> condensation from the cold night/dampness.
>
> While out shifting was okay but not great.
>
> On return I found the wet spot that had been near the right rear wheel
> was still there...it had an oily feel between my fingers and tiny
> glanceto my nose and tongue revealed brake fluid.
>
> ...so I'm guessing I need to rebuild my right rear wheel cylinder and
> probably should add the clutch slave cylinder to my list.  Groan...
>
> ...rapidly approaching time for this particular VW to become a source
> for parts for someone else's patience project.
>
>
> --
>
> Wil
>
> I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones."
> --The Doctor, "Dr. Who"
>