I like to keep it a family affair (i.e.; 2 person). I (we - wife & I) use a
7mm wrench and attach a clear hose attached to a cup. She pumps the brakes
while I crack open the bleeder till the brake peddle goes to the floor, then
I tighten it back up. We repeat a couple of times to all 4 wheels. I call it
my "quality time".

I leave you with this warning....if you haven't renewned your brake fluid in
the last two years--do so now! Why do I mention this? Magic Bus lost her
brakes this past week. After checking, bleeding, etc, I found that the
master brake cylinder was shot. After I pulled it out, I noticed about a
1/4" of sludge in the reservoir. Needless to say, this could have been
avoided. Even though I had my mechanic flush the brake fluid last year, he
didn't notice the buildup in the reservoir. Ever since he broke his neck, I
have been doing more and more work on my vans myself, making sure the job is
done right.

I now have to flush out the entire brake system. The rear cylinders have
also been replaced. Magic Bus will have an all clean brake system on it.
Including the new rear pads and drums.

Of course, I don't mind the work...because this gives me more quality time
with the family. :-)

Magic Bus is still for sale if anyone is interested. I am asking $2195, but
would reduce that by the asking of any listmember. I have pics for the
asking or as soon as I can scan them.

Bill  VWWESTY           "I'd Rather Be Hiking The
'85 GL [*Magic*Bus*]           Greater Yellowstone"
'82 Westy [FreeBird]
Big Sky Country <><

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Karl F. Bloss
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 1999 6:28 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: bleeding brakes
>
>
> I notice that the Bus Depot has "Wrench, Brake Bleeder & Flare
> Nut, All Air-
> Cooled & Vanagon except 46-49 Beetle."  Is this necessary or can
> I just use a normal
> set of tools to crack open the brake bleeder valves?
>
> Haynes suggests a one-man brake bleeding kit.  Anyone have a
> brand they find works
> well for them or is this superfluous?