Robert, first of all praise God this didn't cause an accident and you
and your family are OK.  Second if this line has failed due to rust a
full inspection of all of your brake lines is in order.  I have found
that the most likely spot for these to fail is in the rear where the
line dips down around the nose of the transmission.  If yours has failed
up front, it is probably is sorry shape elsewhere.  The fun part is that
in order to repair this properly you are going to need some new line,
fittings and a bubble flaring tool.  I bought my flare tool at NAPA for
over $100 (I think it was something like $125).  A regular flaring tool
will not work, it needs to be a bubble flare.  Standard fittings will
not work, must but the proper metric ones for the Vanagon.  You may have
to buy these through the dealer or I could supply them for you if you
wish.  You can get the proper metal line from NAPA though.

Splicing metal lines with compression fittings is NOT a recommended
repair for brake lines and can have severe legal repercussions if you
have an accident with doctored brake lines.  My local NAPA would not
sell the compression fittings for this reason (liability).  We are
talking about brakes here.  Your safety and the safety of others on the
road with you is worth doing this job right the first time.

Let me know if I can be of service to you,

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

PS Merry Christmas to all you folks out there in Vanagon Land.

robert feller wrote:
> Nice, I own three cars and all three had something happen to them this week.
> Relying on the syncro to get me around and to work...but tonight the pedal
> went to the floor.
>
> Looks like a Ohio rust and a break line went in the front left wheel well.
> Corrosion beyond belief.
>
> Although it's current location makes it almost impossible to work on I'm a
> strong DIYer. How rough is repair of the front brake line going to be and
> what does the procedure entail? The Bentley is not currently where I am at
> to review.
>
> --
> Shawn Feller
> Ohio
> www.carboncow.com
>
>
>