Date:         Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:33:41 -0700
Reply-To:     neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: front brake hints needed
In-Reply-To:  <71d9cdf90707141202h4194ef75p9933b66e689f996e@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I might add that (though obvious) there is a circlip holding the
speedo cable to the driver side grease cap.

As for rear brakes, the drums may tough to get off. Mine were. Some points:

- in stock config., once wheels off, there's 2 small bolts holding the drum on.
- back off adjustmen on shoes. Make sure e-brake is off.
- there may be corrosion between drum and wheel hub flange. As a LAST
resort, try getting some liquid wrench or w.h.y. inbetween drum and
flange. Along those lines, apply some LQ where drum meets flange
exterior
- try banging on the drums with a hammer. Do this on face of drum and perimeter.

Once off, take a close up pic of brake hardware on BOTH sides. When
reassembling, compare your photos with pics from Bentley/Haynes. (you
never know what the PO/mechanic did with brake parts) I had trouble
with getting the "push/adjusting rod" in the correct way. (Benley
photo didn't clearly show how shorter end was oriented. And no I can't
recall right now!)

Hopefully you'll be able to access archives. There's LOTS there on brakes!

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil






On 7/14/07, 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 <bike2vcu@yahoo.com> 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
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________________________________________________________
> > Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search
> > that gives answers, not web links.
> > http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jake
> 1984 Vanagon GL
> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
>