It should, be we both have the ATE calipers with pistons on each side, and I think these are inherently softer and harder to bleed, but that could be my imagination.

 

BTW, buy yourself a good flare nut wrench set (14mm is what you need) and use PB Blaster on the nuts before you try to loosen them, you will  thank yourself and prevent turning a two hour job into a two day job.  I have this one:  http://community.craftsman.com/Craftsman-4-pc-Metric-Flare-Nut-Wrench-Set-reviews  HF’s cheapie set does not have the 14mm.

 

HF’s double flaring tool works fine if you do have to fabricate a new brake line!

 

Let us know what you find, but to be objective have a friend test drive it now and after and ask if he/she sees any difference.

 

Stuart

 

From: J Stewart [mailto:fonman4277@comcast.net] 
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 8:32 AM
To: Stuart MacMillan
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Interesting Thing About My Brakes....

 

I forgot to mention, last week I ordered the stainless steel front brake lines, I'll see if that makes a difference too.   Jeff 

Jeff Stewart

 

  _____  

I don't think Vanagon brakes are nearly as firm as modern cars to begin with.  You've probably had the rears self adjust so there is less pedal travel, or perhaps  a bubble worked its way out of the master.  I just did a complete brake job including rebuild calipers and new hoses all around and they still feel softer than I'd like.  I found these brakes difficult to bleed, even with my Motive Products pressure bleeder.  I needed to do it twice a day apart.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of J Stewart
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 7:43 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Interesting Thing About My Brakes....

I've had my '85 Westy a little over two years now, and when I first bought it the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I did a complete brake job including fluid flush, and the pedal got a lot better, but never as firm as I'd like it to be (and not like my other Westys) Since I have a company vehicle the Westy gets weekend use only. Well, do to a labor dispute at work, the company vehicles are now parked at my office, and I have to drive 60 miles round trip every day to/from my office. Since the Westy is now getting daily use, the pedal has gotten a lot firmer. What does this mean? I'd always assumed a new master cylinder was not far off in the future... Jeff

Jeff Stewart