Date:         Sat, 29 Jul 2006 17:51:15 -0700
Reply-To:     "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Brakes oddness
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I've been driving Mellow Yellow around a bit lately. I just returned
from a four-night camping trip (without Mrs Squirrel, alas, she had a
conference in Louisiana to attend) up at Big Bear Lake, in Southern
California. Thing about climbing up to camp at 6,500 feet, is that one
must return to a lower elevation when the trip is done. This requires
going downhill, for a considerable distance.

While trundling around the lake, exploring the area, I was surprised a
couple times by the brake pedal going to the floor. I could brake if I
pushed a bit, and could pump the pedal up for normal operation if I
wanted to. After exhibiting this behavior for about five minutes,
everything returned to normal. But it was disquieting: when one is
expecting a long downhill in a couple days, any change in behavior in
the brake system is cause for concern.

Obviously I did not plunge off the side of the highway into a deep
ravine and die a horrible death of screaming metal and fire, else I
would not be writing this, showing my stunning lack of knowledge about
things automotive. The brake system performed normally the rest of the
trip and brought me home safely. Mrs Squirrel will be pleased, I reckon.
Before I take her out for our next trip together, though, I bet I better
have this mechanical issue put safely behind me, so . . . what to look for?

--

Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR