Date:         Mon, 2 Oct 2006 19:40:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Florian Speier <groups.florian@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Florian Speier <groups.florian@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      87 westy: wanted to change the brakepads,
              ended with a lot of trouble.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

hi,

now, i must admit this is the first time i did brakework... but I learned a
lot:-)

ok, wanted to change the brakepads, which was a breeze after i figured the
haynes was talking about pre 86 calipers and then referred to the bentley.
now, when assembling, you have to push the caliper piston in to fit the new
and thicker pads. I did not have an appopriate tool, so I thought I just
disconnect the flex brake line which I anyway wnated to exchange for my new
SS braided line and then it would be an easy push... well, not quite easy,
but with the help of a caulking gun it worked. obviously lost a lot of brake
fluid, until the reservoi was empty. thought oh well, just do all the other
flex lines as well.... and then flush and refill.
problem was, the upper connector to the rigid brakeline on the right front
wheel started to strip.... tried liquid wrench,,,,...no luck. decided to
sawzall off the little battery vent cover that was in the way to get better
access (ok I admit i did not know it was the battery vent cover and thought
it could go anyway, but i guess i will put it back on with sheetmetal
screws)
However, I still stripped the nut of the fixed brake line.

Bottom line, what do I do now? I promised to go on a roadtrip tomorrow, so I
have to get it quickly fixed somehow. It is tight as it is, but I have a
braided line on the left and a standard one on the right - does that matter?
hydraulic law teaches me the pressure is equal anywhere in the system, but
is the left and right hydraulic connected?

second, do I have to flush the entire system to get the air out now or can i
just fill up and bleed the front wheels? I know the brake fluid should be
exchanged anyway, but when I put in the other braided flex lines I will
loose all the fluids again next week.... kind dof a waste

third, what is my longterm solution? I guess I have to destroy and exchange
the steel brake line on the right with the fittings to get it off the flex
line.... wherre do you get these rigid ones new? do you bend them yourself
and then add fittings?


I would truly appreciate any help..... as I have to get that thing going
quick......

florian