Most likely bad master cylinder.
Check to see if any wheel is getting excessively hot.  You could be boiling
the fluid, but I doubt it.
I would do a through brake bleed first, but count on the MC.
Of course check your fluid level and make sure no leaks.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Nomadix
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2014 5:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake failure

Hi list have a question.

90 syncro with new 2.2 engine in it.
When I come to stop brakes work fine but at end of brake pedal seems like it
gets looser and presses easier.
Was down shifting after coming off freeway got close to end of stop and
brake failure. Was able to barely jump curb and pass few cars on grass
before down shifting more and pumping brakes to a complete stop.
Thought maybe a vacuum issue with down shifting so tried to recreate it.
This time without family in van. Was not able to recreate situation again.
Today was downhill stopped at gate. Wife jumped out to unlock gate.  Brake
pedal fully pressed to floor. Wife opened gate brakes failed barely missing
her and partial opened gate till I was able to pump brakes several times
while downshifting to first to a stop.

Have checked brake fluid resovorior and at correct level.

Any suggestions ???

Bob