Date:         Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:50:30 -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: front brake hints needed
In-Reply-To:  <71d9cdf90707141202h4194ef75p9933b66e689f996e@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Um, you do realize the rear drum is a separate piece from the hub, right? That HUGE nut in the center, at the axle does not need to be removed to do rear brakes. Just the two small 11mm headed bolts, if they are still there. Lots of folks have left them off, myself included. They don't do much, as long as the rear wheels are mounted...

  Lots of deruster / lube is also very helpful. The center of the drum can take quite a set where it meets the hub. A little rust goes a long way towards making things difficult.

  Just realizing that the big nut can remain undisturbed is always a source of joy for me. ;-P

Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
  The old fashioned way is to spin the wheel slowly and tap your way around
the perimeter with a light hammer.

Its worked for me on everything from Alfas to Citroens to Vanagons and never
needs replacing. :)

On 7/14/07, Stephen Grisanti wrote:
>
> I could not reach the archives.
>
> Inspection is due this month so I'm checking the front
> brakes and I have pads if I need them, but it looks
> like the rotors could stand to be turned or replaced
> if I'm putting new pads on. Not having the
> Bentley-advised VW 637/2 tool, how do normal humans
> get the grease cap off? Nothing I tried worked.
>
> Of course, when they installed the wheels last time
> they tightened the lugs enough to require me to break
> out the old Triumph motorcycle fork tube cheater bar I
> keep in the basement. Glad I discovered this before a
> flat caught me away from home.
>
> By chance, my neighbor was installing new struts on
> his early '90s Nissan Maxima and I found the nice 15X7
> alloy wheel bolts right on (front at least), though it
> looks like the front bolts could stand to be about
> 1/4-3/8" longer for safe engagement.
>
> While I'm at it, if you have helpful hints for the
> rear brakes, speak now. Thanks!
>
> Stephen
>
>
>
>
>
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--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com