So what did the shop do that you suspect them of doing something wrong?
If the rear drums were removed it is possible they did not get seated on the
hub properly (caught on the lip), and they are now turning eccentrically. If
they were pried off with a screwdriver-pry bar both the drums and backing
plates can be tweaked. Up front the rotors could be contaminated with hand
oil, grease etc. To separate the problem of front vs. rear try using just
the handbrake to slow-stop. If the handle oscillates or you feel the erratic
brake action the problem is in the rear.

If you think you can handle upper control arm mounts you should be able to
address a basic brake job.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil n
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 5:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake Pedal Pulse Questions

Hi all.

This is for an '88 Westy.

I felt a minor brake pedal pulse before I took my Westy to a shop. Now, at
times, it feels worse, mostly noticeable at highway speeds. Pulse can be
felt as a "grab - release" as I come to a stop.

If drums where accidentally swapped, would this amplify an existing pulse
due to drum and/or rear brake part(s) issue?   (it appears shop removed
wheels with drums)

Rocking RF wheel at 3/9:00, upper control arm visibly moves. Would this play
cause pulsing?

After getting van back from shop, felt a weird shudder at highway speed as I
applied the brakes. The shudder quickly stopped. Would this shudder be the
upper control arm settling into place as brakes applied?

Prior to taking van in for work, it's possible I simply did not use the
brakes in way that would expose this "shudder"; the issue may have been
there all along. But. I don't think that's the case.

All wheels are torqued properly.

Shop reported no "weaknesses" found in brake system though my doubts about
this shop are getting pretty much etched in cement.

Given my recent shop experience, and what I've heard about some brake shops,
am hesitant to take it in for further servicing. I may have to do this
however as room to do brake work is limited. The UCA bushings should be
doable but rear brake work, not so doable.

Neil.

--
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

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