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Date:         Tue, 12 May 1998 11:39:19 -0600
Reply-To:     printstud@CSI.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Peter <printstud@CSI.COM>
Subject:      Brake fluid leak around master Brake cylinder:
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Brake fluid leak around master Brake cylinder:

Dear Fellow Syncronauts,

I started seeing "wet spots " on the carpet below steering wheel about 2 months ago, at first I thought it was water, but soon noticed the spots were not drying. The brakes were working ok, but could be stiffer. I usually leave the syncro parked in my garage, but had occassion to leave

it in the sun for several days undriven. Then I found alot more fluid had leaked down, finding its was to the stepwell at drivers side door, and immediatly dissolving the paint inside & out, an auful mess... I figured

the sun & heat must have caused some pressure that forced the leak? I removed the instrument panel and found the fluid on the MB cylinder. I had had the MB cylinder replaced 2-3 yrs ago with a 1 yr warrenteed rebuilt. I couldnt believe it was already gone bad?? But the resavoir was near empty. I cleaned & dried it off and refilled it with fresh fluid, and put a piece of paper under it to try & determine where the leak came from? I let it sit for a WEEK (without driving it) and very little fluid has

come out, only about 3 drops, (but it is parked back in my cool garage).

So far a drop seems to develope on the nut on the bottom of the cylinder but could be comming frome above, I suspect the rubber seals to resavoir

which do appear to have a little fluid around them... Im trying to determine if the leak is the master brake cylinder, in which case does it need to be replaced? or is it comming from a connecting line or the rubber connectors above it that "seal" the resavoir?? In which case the MB cylinder wouldnt need to be replaced, that wouldnt solve the problem...??

I would like to hear from others who have had a similar problem, what your experience had been...

Also I if it is the cylinder itself that needs replacing, I wouldnt buy another with a one year warrentee. I notice there are two rebuilds out there at FLAPS with LIFETIME WARRENTEES: one for $85 (DURALAST) and the other is A-1 Cordon for $100. I figure if they have a lifetime warrentee I should be in good shape...??!!

Thanks for any thoughts....

Cmdr. Syncronaut Peter Igo '87 vw vanagon Westy Syncronaut 85K


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