Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:57:18 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: B-r-r-r-a-a-a-k-e-s
In-Reply-To: <239CB297-3190-45AD-96B6-77CBB3DF5416@newclear.us>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Vanagons have their brakes split front-rear.
Those older volvo's had two brake lines to each front caliper, so that one
'half system' was half of each front caliper, and one rear disc. One of the
few cars with this system. My 88 turbo 740 sedan has normal a front-rear
divided brake system I'm pretty sure.
Theoretically, if a rear wheel cylinder goes out completely, you'll have a
low brake pedal and some front brakes only.
You take a master cylinder that's 15 + years old, a neglected brake system
in general.....the pedal could easily go to the floor.
I find it impossible to believe there weren't warning signs and symptoms for
quite a while, like for a couple years even.
Systems change very slowly - say shift linkage, or brakes , or shocks -
people don't notice that things change because the change is so slow. But
if you hopped in an identical van with everything tight and proper, you'd
immediately know yours wasn't right.
Same if an experienced tech drives your nearly warn out brakes - they know
immediately if they're any good, that something isn't right.
Scott
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kai Mei
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 6:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: B-r-r-r-a-a-a-k-e-s
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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