Thanks Mark - your response is the only one I have received suggesting
replacement, but is more akin to my way of thinking.  I have no idea what I
am getting into relative to the front brakes or the ball joints (I am
assuming it is pretty straightforward) - is the bearing replacement
something that requires a hydraulic press to install/remove them?

I was planning to have my mechanic do the (custom) spring and (OME) shock
replacement on the front, and at the same time replace the bushings and ball
joints.  Possibly even do the front brakes, replace the rotors, and rebuild
the calipers.

Are there any parts of that job that you would suggest that I tackle on my
own?  I am a pretty competent mechanic, but I have developed an aversion to
dirty jobs that require multiple days, busted knuckles, and extended periods
of laying on one's back grunting and swearing. (I get enough of that at work
everyday, and I'm a sales manager for a software company!)  :-)

Also, do you know if all the Syncros use the Girling Calipers?

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Drillock [mailto:drillock@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2000 1:14 PM
To: BRENT CHRISTENSEN
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Replacing brake rotors [Syncro

Brent, on most Vanagons the front wheel bearing races are pressed into
the rotors so changing the bearings is convenient when changing the
rotors. Not on Syncros and at least some South African 2wd models, as
these have rotors that can be easily changed without involving the
bearings. If you are changing the lower ball joints on your Syncro, I
think that you will have the bearing housings out anyway. Given the
~200K miles on it, I would change the bearings while it is apart to save
labor charges later. The bearing do wear out.

Mark

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