Date:         Thu, 6 Aug 2009 22:45:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brakes went out
Comments: To: William Greenamyer <greenamyer@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2009080616130348@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I had a e-brake job done and the mechanic set the pads in the rear drums too
close - rubbing just a little.  I'd drive down the highway and the brakes
would get squishy - something about brake fluid boiling because of the
slight rubbing.

Mark
1990 Westy 2.1 Manual

On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 4:06 PM, William Greenamyer <greenamyer@yahoo.com>wrote:

> I have an update from the mechanic.  There was no brakes on the van this
> morning when it was moved into the bay and put on the rack.  No leaks could
> be found anywhere.  The bled the system some and the brakes worked
> normally.
>  His guess is that there is water in the brake fluid and the water boiled
> (it was a hot day which didn't help) and thus lost the ability to work
> properly.  They are going to do some more testing but for right now, the
> brake fluid is going to be replaced.  It is my guess that the master is
> still the original one.  It has never been changed since obtaining the van
> and that was years ago.  The van is a 1984GL with a manual trans.  Still
> getting 20MPG and can accelerate up a 6 degree grade from 40 to 70 mph in
> 4th gear.  I have received some ideas (thanks) on what could have been the
> problem and welcome any additional ideas/inputs.
>
> William
>



--
Mark
1990 Westy (2.1 - manual)