Date:         Tue, 7 Sep 1999 22:54:07 -0700
Reply-To:     DAVID MOST <most@UCLA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         DAVID MOST <most@UCLA.EDU>
Subject:      brade pedal problem
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

My '87 was sitting for about 1 month without being used.  When I drove it
during the last week, all was fine, but I noticed that the emergency brake
handle needed to be raised much less than before for it to be engaged.

While ignoring this problem a bit as I don't usually use the emrgency
brake, tonight I noticed that the brake pedal is sinking to the floor too
easily when I press it.  Though it is still stoppping the vanagon, it
feels a bit weaker.  I was able to pump it up a bit, and with the engine
off, I could pump it once or twice till the pedal was hard.  With the
engine on, it pumps up somewhat, but I feel like it's on the way out.
This problem came on rather suddenly, and I have a feeling that I'll need
to address it soon.  To be clear, the pedal isn't going to the floor, but
I am having to push it further.

I checked the fluid level, and it seems ok, but it was too dark to look
for leaks anywhere.  However, this problem reminds me of faulty master
brake cylinder that I encountered in a '77 Pontiac grand prix that I owned
for a few months.  In that case, I had just a little bit of brake left as
the pedal went to the floor.

So, do any of you have the fix for this problem?  Even a few
suggestions would be helpful. Thanks for the replies,
and I'll ride the bus for now.

david
'87 non-GL camper