Thanks for the bit about wheel cylinders - I had problems with these leaking
on a former car - more than once - after getting brand new rear shoes -
ruined them - and I don't know if the brake fluid was ever replaced - so now
that I know this I hope I'll never have the same problem with my vanagon...

>Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years as it absorbs moisture which
>lowers >the boiling temp of the liquid and can lead to brake failure during
>periods of >extended braking (Mountain driving). ---- The problem is the
>water turns to vapor which is a compressible gas so the pedal
>goes to the floor instead of transmitting the foot force thru the
>incompressible brake fluid to the brakes. ---- Also, the water settles in
>the lowest spots (wheel cylinders), causing rust and >pitting and they
>start leaking.
>
>Tom Smith
>Charlotte, NC
>83.5 Westie

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