Date:         Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:27:28 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: brake parts quality question
Comments: To: Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <47EEF1AC.7080909@cox.net> (Mark Drillock's message of "Sat\, 29
              Mar 2008 17\:49\:32 -0800")
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I've not used that brand that I know of, but brake master cylinders
are something I've had very bad luck with if I buy from the FLAPS.  I
have returned as many as three bad ones in a row before getting a good
one.

They're also easy to mess up if you use the "pump the pedal" bleed
method -- if your helper pumps the pedal all the way to the floor you
can damage the seals and then it won't work.  If I have to use that
method I put a block of wood under the pedal so it can't go all the
way down.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL

Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> writes:

> A relative of mine several months ago installed a new brake master
> cylinder in his Vanagon. It was a Bietrix brand, whatever that is.
> Since then he has complained about the brakes not always working
> well and recently stopped driving it because it did not feel safe to
> him.  Today I visited him and we looked at his problem. Every push
> on the brake pedal made a strange noise that sounded like air
> rushing. The pedal went most of the way to the floor. Holding it
> down while starting the engine had no affect.
>
> I brought along a used pedal cluster with booster and he installed
> the used master cylinder from that assembly. The noise stopped and
> the pedal was much higher with a firmer feel. Holding the pedal down
> while starting the engine resulted in the pedal moving farther as
> brake system vacuum built up. All was good, test drove fine.
>
> Has anyone here used that brand of master cylinder? How did it work
> out?
>
> thanks,
> Mark
>