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First, it is "n ot the way they are."
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Posted by Noel [Email] (more from Noel) on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 13:54:46 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Re: Brakes that don't brake...Vanagon, CBS [Profile/Gallery] , Thu, 23 Jun 2016 19:11:21
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I used to work for VWoA and we had Vanagons in the "motor pool." I have driven them extensively in all weather conditions. The brakes are fine, but on a 30 year old Westy all kinds of things can be wrong.

You did the master cylinder, which is to go-to answer. But the rubber parts of the lines can be an age problem in any car. Those hoses often have an inner and outer section. The fluid is in the inner section. But if the inner part leaks the fluid is now in the bigger part of the hose, which is softer. Not only is the fluid now occupying more space, the outer part of the hose flexes more so you get spongier brakes and less braking power. So to start by checking those hoses, and if it were me, I'd just replace them on all 4 corners.

Next up, I think there is a vacuum booster, which is basically a bladder in a steel container. But if the bladder is leaking the brake force will be reduced, sometimes in a big way.

Are ALL the brakes actually working? If you have some that aren't, or are not applying full pressure, then braking performance will be reduced, sometimes a lot. This could be a sticky caliper, or bad wheel cylinders--I think you may have drum brakes in back. It is not unusual to have to replace all of these on an old car if they haven't been done in a long time. Campers are not daily drivers, so inactivity and age can both take a toll on a machine.

Finally, as others note, it may be time to R&R the hardlines. The do corrode over time, and if the brake fluid wasn't flushed very often (if ever) those lines could be in sad shape.

Also, there are Westy forums online. See what those guys have to say.

Hope some of this helps.
I'd love to have a Westy. Get it working and enjoy!


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