Wow! A real challenge. How to stop riding with the park brake on. Now to
invent the new mouse trap.

Well, it's already been done. Yes, any vehicle can have this device
installed. What it does is turn off the engine, when the clutch is operated,
any time the park brake is set.

Now I'm hearing those, with the BIG hills to stop and go on, let out an even
BIGGER SCREAM!

How will I keep from rolling back, on the tough hills, without burning my
clutch up, from excessive slippage, when releasing the brake pedal?

Whereas, now I use the hand brake to hold the vehicle*, while I release the
brake pedal and place my foot on the gas pedal. Then I release the park
brake as I let out the clutch and apply power (hit the gas). Thus not
allowing "rollback" or causing extreme (any) damage to the clutch (and other
parts).

Note: Some have learned to turn their foot sideways, holding the brake pedal
with the heal of their foot, then pressing the gas pedal with the toe of the
same foot. As they release the clutch and brake pedal they can also press on
the gas pedal (toe) all done at the same time (left foot clutch, right fooot
heal, brake/ toe, gas). I have done for many years, I have driven over 3
million miles, both professionally and not, in my short life.

*Answer: there is a over ride to the system.

As long as the brake release button is held in, (pressed down with thumb)
the system will not shut off the engine.

All "handy cap" vehicles (with wheel chair lifts, ramps, etc.,) are required
by state and federal law to have this device installed. (I Used to be the
mechanic supervisor for a fleet (80+) of these type of vehicles.) If you
want it, get a "pro" to install it, about $1,500.00.

Yeah...a lot of money. Or just think twice, before taking off. Make it a
habit to check the park brake every time. Driving with it on could cost you
more, than just money.

Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas, Geoffrey" <Geoffrey.Thomas1@DEFENCE.GOV.AU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 8:38 AM
Subject: unclas diagnosis of brake issues - what do you all think? (was:
Help...

> I have done it 3 times now.  The steering wheel obscures the brake light
and
> with all that power, one does not notice the drag applied by the parking
> brake - until 20 miles later when I attempted to pull off I-95 and had a
> panic attack when the brake pedal sank to the ground.  I "phew" moment.
> Just installed South African steering wheel.  Looks great and only took 1
> minute. Trouble is it obscures the light even more.
> Memo to self; pull rear drums to check for damage.
>
> Geoff Thomas
> '88 Westy, 233,000 miles, no frontal damage.
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Brodbeck [mailto:gull@GULL.US]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 9:28 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [VANAGON] diagnosis of brake issues - what do you all
> think? (was: Help...
>
>
> On Wed, 24 Mar 2004, Ben T wrote:
>
> > IIRC bearings in Vanagons are sealed and are not adjustable as your
friend
> > mentions. If somehitng was worng with them, you'd be hearing them
growling
> and
> > howling while you drive.
>
> Front bearings in 2WD vans are adjustable, I think.
>
> > Brakes can stick and cause a bunring smell as well. Unfortunately, w/o
> > Smell-O-Vision, I can't tell what your friend is sniffing at. Sticky
> (front) brake
> > calipers can do this. Same for brake shoes (in back).
>
> Riding around with your emergency brake on can make things nice and
> smelly!
>
>
> David Brodbeck, N8SRE
> '82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
> '86 Volvo 240DL wagon