Date:         Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:35:32 -0800
Reply-To:     Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matthias Kuster <matthiaskuster@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      bleeding bloody brakes
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi list,

I am looking to get some input on my brakes for a 1984 Westy:

I have replaced front calipers, rear slave cylinders, installed new
pads in the front and left the old shoes in the back (plenty of meat
on them). I have also replaced the master cylinder and reservoir. I
have checked whether the servo holds vacuum-yes it does, as well as
the line into the engine bay. have replaced one way valve as well.
The rear adjustment nut is turned until the wheel does not spin
freely anymore, off the ground, then backed off. I have done this
multiple times also.

I have bled the system now the 7th time with a pressure bleeder at 20
psi, starting at RR, RL, FR then FL wheel, and bled at least 500 ccm
at each wheel (according to Bentley) each time. There don't seem to
be leaks, at least my reservoir is not going down, ie I'm not losing
fluid. I have also done it just with the pumping method once, with a
hose attached to bleeder screw and submersed in liquid.

Once I am done, while still at standstill, the pedal feels firm. Then
I get on the road and all of a sudden there is greater travel for
maybe one pump of the pedal, but only when I move from a standstill,
ie change gears from reverse to 1st especially, or pull into a store,
then come out and start driving, swoosh, one entire push of the brake
pedal and hardly anything happens, very little brake action. The next
pump and the brakes are firm again. This happens especially if I back
up a bit, and is a real PITA when parallel parking.

What am I doing wrong?? I also tried pumping while pressure bleeding.
Only thing I have not tried is keeping pedal depressed while closing
bleeder screws. Maybe I am somehow sucking air back in, even though
the pressure bleeder is still at 20 psi and attached to the reservoir.

Other option could be faulty parts, especially the master cylinder. I
cannot 100% confirm that I am not losing brake fluid somewhere (leak)
and suck air back in. But I do not see wet areas anywhere around the
lines and junctions.

Could this be the brake regulator?? Could it be because of my lines???

Any help appreciated Volks!!

Keep on trucking

Matthias