Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2007 21:56:28 -0500
Reply-To: robert feller <syncro.carboncow@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: robert feller <syncro.carboncow@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: lost brake line...
In-Reply-To: <47706E39.3090302@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Ken (and others who can comment),
It was a safe location where it happened, but I am grateful it happened
there and not on my 1hr drive home from work tonight in holiday traffic. As
a matter of fact I was backing the van up at our house and slammed on the
brakes because the dog ran out of the garage. I felt it go to the floor and
knew my goose was cooked with a line failure! The previous owner mentioned
replacing lines (he was also a professional mechanic) but I have not seen
what he has replaced yet. With any luck it was the back. I have an email in
toward him to clear up what is new and old.
Although there is very little DIY I won't attempt I have never had to
replace brake lines. From your comments it sounds like a few more variables
to fix then I actually have time for right now with two other cars in need
of my repair. All these issues and delayed shipping (waiting on parts) for
the holiday has made this a rough week to say the least! I'm going to have
to drive my Porsche Boxster to work this week in the snow, boo!
I"m going to do more reseach based on your comments to figure out what the
different flare tools are and why. This may be a job for my local mechanic
if it look slike a PIA. Can this job be done with jack stands and or
crawling under my syncro or does it require more room and a lift? I won't be
able to get this to my work (where we have a lift) as it's to far away.
Can you comment where the left front (again a syncro) line (near the wheel
bracket) will terminate into a valve body? Is thee a flex line from the
hardline to the caliper to deal with? (I would assume). Will I ruin that
trying to get the horribly rusty line off it?
Shawn
On Dec 24, 2007 9:43 PM, Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
> Robert, first of all praise God this didn't cause an accident and you
> and your family are OK. Second if this line has failed due to rust a
> full inspection of all of your brake lines is in order. I have found
> that the most likely spot for these to fail is in the rear where the
> line dips down around the nose of the transmission. If yours has failed
> up front, it is probably is sorry shape elsewhere. The fun part is that
> in order to repair this properly you are going to need some new line,
> fittings and a bubble flaring tool. I bought my flare tool at NAPA for
> over $100 (I think it was something like $125). A regular flaring tool
> will not work, it needs to be a bubble flare. Standard fittings will
> not work, must but the proper metric ones for the Vanagon. You may have
> to buy these through the dealer or I could supply them for you if you
> wish. You can get the proper metal line from NAPA though.
>
> Splicing metal lines with compression fittings is NOT a recommended
> repair for brake lines and can have severe legal repercussions if you
> have an accident with doctored brake lines. My local NAPA would not
> sell the compression fittings for this reason (liability). We are
> talking about brakes here. Your safety and the safety of others on the
> road with you is worth doing this job right the first time.
>
> Let me know if I can be of service to you,
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
> PS Merry Christmas to all you folks out there in Vanagon Land.
>
> robert feller wrote:
> > Nice, I own three cars and all three had something happen to them this
> week.
> > Relying on the syncro to get me around and to work...but tonight the
> pedal
> > went to the floor.
> >
> > Looks like a Ohio rust and a break line went in the front left wheel
> well.
> > Corrosion beyond belief.
> >
> > Although it's current location makes it almost impossible to work on I'm
> a
> > strong DIYer. How rough is repair of the front brake line going to be
> and
> > what does the procedure entail? The Bentley is not currently where I am
> at
> > to review.
> >
> > --
> > Shawn Feller
> > Ohio
> > www.carboncow.com
> >
> >
> >
>
>
--
Shawn Feller
Ohio
www.carboncow.com
