Date:         Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:20:28 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: !985 Vanagon GL
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Marion,

With the booster connected, can you pump the brakes and get a higher pedal?  If so, does it then bleed back down with constant pressure on the pedal?  If it doesn't pump up, then the master cylinder is likely the issue, and you're primarily using only the front or rear brakes.  If it does pump up, and then bleeds back down under constant pressure, that further implicates the master cylinder.

If it pumps up, is firm with no sponginess, and does not bleed down, then its a fluid displacement issue. Recheck the rear adjustment, making sure that you adjust, press the brakes to re-center the brake shoes, then recheck/adjust. Also make sure that your rotors are not too thin (dangerous) as well as having good pad thickness.  You should also pull the front wheels, press the brakes, and make sure that all 4 pads are engaging (i.e. the calipers are not stuck).

If it pumps up and is spongy, but doesn't bleed down, then you have air in the system. To properly bleed, do NOT pump the brakes. Use the following procedure:

1. Fill reservoir with brake fluid.
2. Open bleeder on one rear wheel.
3. Slowly/smoothly press the brake pedal to the floor and HOLD.
4. Close the bleeder.
5. Release the pedal.
6. Repeat 1-5 until the fluid flow is clear.
7. Repeat 1-6 for the other rear wheel, then for each front.

Good luck,

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico




    Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:17:46 -0600
    From: Marion Lyle Lathem <skylink@MFIRE.COM>
    Subject: !985 Vanagon GL

    I'm a lurker... I have a 1985 Vanagon GL with brake problems. Yes I =
    have studied the Bentley quite thoroughly, yes I have tried to get =
    something from the archives, and could not get there numerous times.
    The =
    one time I did get in, my computer hung up.

    I have checked my brake shoes and pads and they are like new, the =
    rear shoes are tightened as much as possible. I have checked the one =
    way valve from the intake manifold going to the brake booster, it is =
    right. I have tight brakes and have good pedal, when I start the =
    engine, the pedal drops and holds just like the Bentley says it should.
    I do not have much pedal, and at times I feel the master cylinder =
    piston bottom out. I pulled the master cylinder vacuum line, my foot
    on =
    the brake is constant and solid with no bleed down. I have driven it =
    with the booster disconnected and I can really romp on it and cause a =
    lockup, it is hard though.. but I do not bottom out. The Vacuum =
    booster, does not leak, that I can hear, and I even have good brakes
    to =
    a point, unless I get into an emergency stop situation, the piston =
    bottoms out, it stops in it's own time, with no lock down..? I have =
    bled the brakes some time ago..? This may be the point I'm wrong on, =
    since I just thought of it ...?
    Marion Lathem
    1985 Vanagon GL
    Quinlan, TX