Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:09:45 -0700
Reply-To: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Brake Pedal Pulse Questions
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds20F0BF9BCEE699B0FA40C2A0B80@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi Dennis.
On Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 3:53 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
So what did the shop do that you suspect them of doing something wrong?
>
>
.....
>
> If you think you can handle upper control arm mounts you should be able to
> address a basic brake job.
I've nearly rebuilt the entire brake system on my '81 and did the upper
control arm bushings
Image:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aKT3UhNQbV0/TaeQ0TcQ1sI/AAAAAAAAElw/CY8hkI9Om2Y/s750/UCApainted.jpg
)
:)
The issue is limited work space on a sloped drive way. I'm uncomfortable
raising the rear up on jack stands. I'm OK with raising one front corner at
a time to do the upper control arm bushings.
Great tip on hand brake check!
Shop likely removed each wheel and drum as a unit. There's a new cotter pin
at each axle nut. I do appreciate your brake insights.
Am doubtful of shop because:
- shop seems somewhat disorganized
- oil change: oil filled to Max
- brake fluid flush: FR caliper bled at union. (I appreciate they made a
judgement call, but they didn't tell me about these details. I had to ask)
- when asked of this, owner said something like: "well we have lots of
cars coming through, lots of details"
- After getting van back from shop, I asked about brake pulse and mentioned
van had sat for a week. He said the brake pulse was due to it sitting a few
days. The van still has the pulse. It gets driven every few days at least.
- they didn't do all the work I asked them to do.
Maybe I'm being too fussy, maybe my written notes regarding work requested
was too involved. OTOH, I clearly wrote of the brake pulse and asked them
to road test brakes, steering, shocks. I doubt this was done. If it had
been done, they would have noticed this issue and passed an opinion. I'd
take it back to have these things addressed but why would I take it back if
I don't like the work?
Enough whining about that. ;^)
Neil.
On Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 3:53 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:
So what did the shop do that you suspect them of doing something wrong?
> If the rear drums were removed it is possible they did not get seated on
> the
> hub properly (caught on the lip), and they are now turning eccentrically.
> If
> they were pried off with a screwdriver-pry bar both the drums and backing
> plates can be tweaked. Up front the rotors could be contaminated with hand
> oil, grease etc. To separate the problem of front vs. rear try using just
> the handbrake to slow-stop. If the handle oscillates or you feel the
> erratic
> brake action the problem is in the rear.
>
> If you think you can handle upper control arm mounts you should be able to
> address a basic brake job.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> neil n
> Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 5:47 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Brake Pedal Pulse Questions
>
> Hi all.
>
> This is for an '88 Westy.
>
> I felt a minor brake pedal pulse before I took my Westy to a shop. Now, at
> times, it feels worse, mostly noticeable at highway speeds. Pulse can be
> felt as a "grab - release" as I come to a stop.
>
>
--
Neil n
65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
