In a message dated 7/9/99 11:02:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
arbosch@RA.ROCKWELL.COM writes:

> ...I have to stand on the
>  brakes to avoid becoming one with her driver side rear door.  The
concerning
>  part comes from the fact that the brakes did not lock up
Hi Alan.  Hmmm, I've been fortunate enough to not have had to panic stop in
my van, and I'd hate to have to stand on the brakes with all the gear inside,
but maybe I should do a test someday!
The rear brakes have a pressure limiter to inhibit rear wheel lockup, but the
fronts don't.  You said the pedal is not spongy, so air in the system
shouldn't be a problem.  It appears that your van has more weight and
traction than braking power.  Extra weight and/or bigger tires also require
more breaking force to reach lockup.  Did your tires squeal and/or smoke?  If
you were just short of lockup while breaking, the tires will squeal but not
lock.  This is the optimum situation, providing the best braking, while
maintaining some steering control.  If so, your brakes are adequate.  If they
didn't squeal, you need more stopping power.  Check for a leak in the vacuum
assist, and/or have the brakes inspected.  If everything checks out OK,
perhaps some high friction brake pads are in order.  They wear out the discs
faster, but they may stop your van better.
Those upstart F..d owners should show some respect.  Aren't VW vans the
original SUV's (Sluggish Ugly Vehicle, or Slow Ungainly Volkswagen)?  :)
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         Zoe Ann & Roger Banker             .
   1987 4x5 Syncro Adventurewagen      .