During one of my recent long trips I had a similar problem with just the
right front.  Didn't have time or a place to work to rebuild the caliper
... so ... thinking that it was working ok before the pads wore down to
this point ... new pads would put the pistons back a bit and would
temporily solve the problem.

Installed new pads on both fronts and no more problem.  I still should
rebuild the calipers, though.

Mike
'84 GL "Mongo"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Hill" <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 6:35 PM
Subject: Brake problem

> I'm having a problem with the front brakes on an '86 Vanagon that I
> can't explain.  The brakes drag seriously hard on the front only and
the
> pads and discs get very hot in a 1/2 mile drive.  Like when I put my
> infra-red remote temperature sensor, it's off the readable range in a
> drive of this distance.  The van will only pull about 50 mph with full
> throttle.
>
> The problem doesn't change when I disconnect the vacuum line for the
> brakes back in the engine compartment.  Both front calipers seem
equally
> affected, and the temperatures are about equal if I only drive it a
> couple of blocks and then check.
>
> I've never heard of a problem like this coming from the brake
> proportioning valve, but I'm wondering if this is it?  What else could
> it be?  I'm thinking that the master cylinder plumbing is such that
the
> right front and left rear brakes activate off one half and the rest
from
> the other part.  Bently doesn't show the brake hydraulic circuit, that
> I'm aware of.
>
> So, I'm stumped, and asking for help.  please.  pretty please.
>
> Chuck Hill