| [ Total Views: 642 | Total Replies: 4 | Thread Id: 4073 ] |
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 amazer
Bishop of Volkswagenism
kombi pilot
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| posted on February 28th, 2003 at 03:44 PM |
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brake problems
Every now and then I have a freaky brake problem in my 74 kombi. It seems like either the front or rear left brake (im guessing rear) seems to bite
hard under gentle braking. Its getting more common now. It seems to be the first or second application each trip. Yesterday when I stopped at a
pedestrian crossing it locked up momentarily! embarrassing.
So today I adjusted the brakes, which was probably a little overdue, and now its even worse. The left hand side of the car dives when I brake. There
is a slight dull clunk as well.
Ive got 2 possible theories + 1 unlikely but will throw it open just to see if I get any others.
Chris.... kombi pilot, oval dreamer... finisher #26971 2005 city to surf
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geodon
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| posted on February 28th, 2003 at 05:18 PM |
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Think laterally!
If the vehicle pulls to one side under brakes, it can be because the OPPOSITE side is at fault-ie not working.
As to front vs rear, as I understand it the front do about 80% of the work so I'd start there!
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Grey 57
A.k.a.: Dean
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| posted on February 28th, 2003 at 05:41 PM |
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Oil soaked linings. Makes them really "grabby" (thats a techincal term you know). Have you been loosing any fluid.
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Andy
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| posted on February 28th, 2003 at 05:59 PM |
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Howdy Amazer,
I assume you know quite well how the brakes on the Kombi work, so I will offer my experience.
Firstly the front, two likely issues (I don't think they apply to you). Both will cause pulling to one side or the other, but not the
'biteing' you mention. 1)Old brake lines will swell and prevent that caliper from braking effectively, as well as preventing it from
releasing properly. 2)A rusty caliper piston will cause similar problems. Both easy to determine, jack the front up and have a helper slowly apply the
brake while you turn the wheel and compare both sides. I believe you have an eager little helper to aid you :-).
On the back I have had a similar problem. What my problem was came down to the 'star' adjusters. One of my backing plates is missing the
clips to prevent the adjusters from coming loose. As I like to keep the adjusters clean and well greased to prevent them from seizing, without the
clip one adjuster slowly comes undone. I notice this in two ways, obviously the hand brake needs to pull out further to operate, but the other is that
shoe starts to 'lock on' as I brake (it's always the leading shoe). If I let it go long enough sometimes from a complete stop the drum
gives a loud bang/pop as I drive off. If it get's this bad I need to pull the drum and make sure I center both shoes to get full contact on the
drum again and all is hunky dory. I suppose this problem could also be caused by a poorly adjusted or sticking hand brake cable.
Hope this helps,
Andy
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amazer
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| posted on February 28th, 2003 at 09:00 PM |
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OK well my first thoughts were that because they were so far out of adjustment that they were moving up and down and wedging kinda. or the RH caliper
is sticking. or underneath the hubcap the spindle nut is coming off!
Havent investigated further.
I dont think its pulling to either side. When it happens I quickly let it off and then next time down its OK, so dont know.
When I adjusted the brakes I needed about 10 clicks on each adjuster, both sides to lock them up. So I dont think its there. Bloody kid is hopeless
with the brake pedal. Not even good for checking brake lights.
Fluid leak is a possibility. I did fill it up a while ago. I just took it as normal for pad/shoe wear. Maybe it wasnt. Might pull the drums off on
sunday.
Feels really wierd having such a high pedal now things are adjusted.
Hey has anyone ever had any problem with the pressure limiting valve for the rear brakes? I've never heard of any problems with that. Thinking
maybe they lied and its just a hollow block.
Chris.... kombi pilot, oval dreamer... finisher #26971 2005 city to surf
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Andy
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| posted on March 1st, 2003 at 02:50 PM |
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If you find out about the pressure spliting valve, I'm also interested. I've been planing to replace all my brake parts (yeh, I'll do
it one day!!) but have not found ANY info if they can be cleaned/check/repaired etc. I have seen information comparing brake pressure front to rear
only, nothing about what to do if it's not right though. (I think it was in a manual somewhere).
I think your helper needs some better training!! :rudolf
[Edited on 1-3-2003 by Andy]
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 kombi_kid
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Good Kid too many projects
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| posted on March 1st, 2003 at 10:49 PM |
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80% front 20% rear normal braking and 60% front 40% rear hard braking
cheers
rhys
it aint just cool its aircool'd
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70AutoStik
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| posted on March 3rd, 2003 at 11:56 PM |
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...A more traditional response:
You have a leaky (wheel) cylinder.
If you don't know how to correct this, find someone who does - the world needs all the Kombis it can get!
[Edited on 3-3-2003 by 70AutoStik]
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amazer
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kombi pilot
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| posted on March 4th, 2003 at 08:45 AM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by amazer
So today I adjusted the brakes, which was probably a little overdue, and now its even worse. The left hand side of the car dives when I brake. There
is a slight dull clunk as well.
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Hmmm. well that testing after the adjustment was just up and down the driveway. To date it hasnt happened since. So looks like it was just the
desperate need for adjustment.
Chris.... kombi pilot, oval dreamer... finisher #26971 2005 city to surf
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