Date:         Mon, 15 Nov 1999 08:05:09 -0800
Reply-To:     "T.P. Stephens" <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "T.P. Stephens" <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: aging problems
In-Reply-To:  <38301EDD.F7CFDB31@rsic.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:55 AM 11/15/99 -0500, you wrote:
>Good  morning:
>
>My '91 Carat is about to reach 100k miles and along with it is showing
>some wear. I would appreciate your comments and suggestions on what to
>be prepared for and specifically on the following:
>
>1- Brakes fade when pressing the pedal firmly.  It stops in reasonable
>distance, but I am uncomfortable with it.  Replace master cylinder
>?......

Check for vacuum leak in booster. Verify clean fluid and bleed. Verify no
leaks.
Then if that's all spec., replace MC.

>
>2- Power windows.  They need assistance going up.  ????

Ouch, binding of the mechanism and/or channels. Can be loose mounts. Pull
door panel.
Watch while running up and down. Realignment and tightening might fix. Lube
for the
load points can make all the difference.

>
>3- Temperature light blinks constantly, but temperature does not go up.
>This, even after flushing and filling the system. Sensor ????

If there is no more than an inch of air in the pressure tank, yes,
sensor most likely.

>
>4- Steering rack is leaking.  A four-inch spot daily.  Replace ? wait
>for bigger spot ?

Replace when you can't stand the spot anymore. It will get worse quite
quickly. Not in the Bentley: Flush and renew P/S fluid at 4yr/40k interval
to make the seals last MUCH longer. Anyone what to know the tech.???
Just ask.

>
>5- Would like to have firmer ride. What shocks should I install ? It
>rides on Michelin MXTs 205/70 R14.

Bilsteins! Yeah, I know, spendy as hell, but true lifetime effective stuff.
15" wheels with lower sidewalls is basic mod for firmer ride.
8 ply rated sidewalls will firm things right up, but tread wear is poor and
most are LOUD. Find them at the serious off-road shops. Ask Professional off
road users, like Land Surveyors, Geologists, ect. They know which ones last
idling
up a 20% grade through the sagebrush. And which ones last longest on the 2
hour
highway runs to and from the off-road access. If you want TOUGH STUFF, ask
them.

Military spec. if you want to make butter while at speed.




Doktor Tim
Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
San Juan Island, WA