Date:         Sun, 1 Apr 2007 05:25:00 -0700
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Brake question
In-Reply-To:  <000f01c773ee$88da0a30$0201a8c0@dellumudu3qsdq>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET> wrote:    <snip>
   The pedal is going about two thirds of the way to the floor before I get decent pressure and braking power. If I pump the pedal once, then I get good braking power and pedal. Is this normal for the Vanagon's? Should I rebleed the brakes?
  <snip>

Troy
89 Westy

  Troy-

  The most likely culprit for your low pedal is out-of-adjustment rear brakes. If the pedal is not spongy, then there is likely nothing wrong with the hydralic part of your brakes, so rebleeding will not help. It is more likely to be mechanical, and in the rear. They are supposed to be self-adjusting, but they usually aren't. Especially if they were left too far "closed" when trying to get the rear drums back on. Emergency brake misadjustment can also contribute to low pedal height. Inspect the rear brakes, and remember, you do not have to take that honking big axle nut off to get to the shoes! The drums come off seperately!