I blew a pass wheel cyl this past week. i was going to do the work, but not in
my own place at this time.. time to get blasted with a BILL ahh,, new rear breaks
now,, but what a mess the wheel cyl left me.. puppy went to the floor also.. e-break time

Joe
85gl piggy bank?

-----Original Message-----
>From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
>Sent: Sep 15, 2007 2:55 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: B-r-r-r-a-a-a-k-e-s
>
>I'm thinking there are not many better places for this to occur.
>
>I was in my back yard with my Syncro Westfalia. I had finished
>unloading and storing my canoe, and was in the process of turning
>around to drive around to the front yard. I have a bit of a slope, so
>after pulling forward a bit, I pushed in the clutch and started to
>roll backward  to get around the corner. I pushed my foot onto the
>brake pedal and....it's that sickening feeling of right to the floor.
>As I'm accelerating downhill (going backwards) I'm fiercely pumping
>the brake pedal (not thinking, just reacting.) Nothing. Just a bit of
>resistance as the brakes aren't engaging.
>
>I stop on the level then drive around part of the way to the front
>yard (in granny gear). Then stop with the emergency brake. I pull off
>the top of the console so I can see the brake reservoir. Fluid is in
>there. So I pump the brakes and watch as fluid is leaving
>there...never to return. Blast.
>
>So I get out and start looking for drips. Nothing in the rear
>(SmallCar rear disc brakes). Nothing on the front left. Ah. Drips
>from the front right. Swing around for a better view.
>
>Hmm. Not good. Rear half of wheel well is soaked with brake fluid.
>But WHERE is it coming from?
>
>Looks like right at the junction of the metal brake line with the
>caliper (SA big brakes). A curious failure point.
>
>Time to get the brake cleaner out and use it on ....shockingly
>enough, the brakes. I use the stuff for so much else it is going to
>feel weird using on the brake system.
>
>Oh, well. I needed to flush the brake fluid anyway....yah, keep
>telling yourself this is good.