In a message dated 22/10/2007 5:22:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

On my  new to me 1983 Air Cooled Westy there is occasional brake squeak and
mild,  but apparent brake drag (doesn't roll as freely as should on  slight
slope).  It seems to be more evident after driving a  bit.

I have recently (within 500 miles) replaced much of the brake  system.  All
four of the brake hoses, the front rotors, rear drums,  rear shoes, rear
wheel cylinders, etc.  The fluid was totally flushed  and the system was
successfully bled and ATE parts were used where  available.  The brakes felt
fine before I did this refurb so I kept  the master cylinder and the
calipers.

I was concerned that I may  have adjusted the rear shoes too tightly so I
loosened them up to a point  where they aren't rubbing at all.  This did help
with the squeaking  some.

So I thought that perhaps the problem would leave after a few  hundred miles,
but it hasn't.  Does the wise list have any suggestions  that could result in
a quick and accurate diagnosis of the problem?   The brakes feel great but I
don't want to wear the rotors/pads out too  quickly.

Jonathan,  the problem may be at your front brake callipers.  Did you replace
the  front brake pads ?  If so did you replace the metal plates which go on
the  back sides of each pad ?  If those metal plates are not there or in bad
condition then that is the cause of the noise.  These plates are only
available from the dealer or The Bus Depot, they do not come with the new  pads.
There are two kinds.  Ones for ATE callipers and ones for  Girling callipers.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007