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Date:         Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:55:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Kai Mei <kai@NEWCLEAR.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kai Mei <kai@NEWCLEAR.US>
Subject:      Re: B-r-r-r-a-a-a-k-e-s
In-Reply-To:  <26767814.1189896039559.JavaMail.root@elwamui-huard.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

I had no idea that a leak in any part of the brakes would result in a total failure. My 1972 Volvo would leave 3 braking wheels if any one cylinder or line failed.

Do many other cars/vans eschew redundant or at least dual (diagonal) brake line systems?

On Sep 15, 2007, at 6:40 PM, Joseph Fortino wrote:

> I blew a pass wheel cyl this past week. i was going to do the work, > but not in > my own place at this time.. time to get blasted with a BILL ahh,, > new rear breaks > now,, but what a mess the wheel cyl left me.. puppy went to the > floor also.. e-break time > > Joe > 85gl piggy bank? > > -----Original Message----- >> From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM> >> Sent: Sep 15, 2007 2:55 PM >> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >> Subject: B-r-r-r-a-a-a-k-e-s >> >> I'm thinking there are not many better places for this to occur. >> >> I was in my back yard with my Syncro Westfalia. I had finished >> unloading and storing my canoe, and was in the process of turning >> around to drive around to the front yard. I have a bit of a slope, so >> after pulling forward a bit, I pushed in the clutch and started to >> roll backward to get around the corner. I pushed my foot onto the >> brake pedal and....it's that sickening feeling of right to the floor. >> As I'm accelerating downhill (going backwards) I'm fiercely pumping >> the brake pedal (not thinking, just reacting.) Nothing. Just a bit of >> resistance as the brakes aren't engaging. >> >> I stop on the level then drive around part of the way to the front >> yard (in granny gear). Then stop with the emergency brake. I pull off >> the top of the console so I can see the brake reservoir. Fluid is in >> there. So I pump the brakes and watch as fluid is leaving >> there...never to return. Blast. >> >> So I get out and start looking for drips. Nothing in the rear >> (SmallCar rear disc brakes). Nothing on the front left. Ah. Drips >> from the front right. Swing around for a better view. >> >> Hmm. Not good. Rear half of wheel well is soaked with brake fluid. >> But WHERE is it coming from? >> >> Looks like right at the junction of the metal brake line with the >> caliper (SA big brakes). A curious failure point. >> >> Time to get the brake cleaner out and use it on ....shockingly >> enough, the brakes. I use the stuff for so much else it is going to >> feel weird using on the brake system. >> >> Oh, well. I needed to flush the brake fluid anyway....yah, keep >> telling yourself this is good.


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