[Vwdiesel] Not Deisel, just brake bleeding hell on a VW bug question

[Tony and Lillie]

Brian, as Patrick mentioned, double check that master cylinder adjustment. 
I've worked on quite a few Old Bugs recently, and that and the shoe 
adjustment are the only things that caused long pedal travel, where it got 
hard at the end of the travel. If the pedal was spongy or sinking, that 
would lead to somthing else. But, what you have described is just an 
adjustment somewhere. I usually adjusted the shoes to where they slightly 
drag on each one, and don't back them off. If I did, I always had a slightly 
low pedal. However, don't make them too tight either, as they will tighten 
even more and start draging once they heat up. I never did undedrstand this, 
as the drums should expand, but I guess the shoes expand even more.

Tony
----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Not Deisel, just brake bleeding hell on a VW bug 
question


Bryan:

FIrst of all, bulging brakelines will NOT give you what you are 
experiencing.   As you have noted, pedal is firm.

You definitely have a travel issue.   How much free play before the pushrod 
hits the master?

Once you adjusted the brakes to slightly drag, did you drive the car at all. 
Why I ask is that the adjuster is on one side, and does NOT necessarily move 
the shoe into the center when that end is rubbing tghe drum.   The usual 
deal is to adjust, drive with fore and aft braking, adjust again.

Finally, I think you might be missing a critical piece of diagnostic 
information.  9 x out of 10, I seem to recall most problems beiong directly 
related to the last person to work on the car.  Did the owner have the brake 
shoes replaced by any chance.  Also, keep in mind the owner will lie to you 
(either intentionally or out of ignorance) at about the same 9-10 ratio - 10 
out of 10 if they are a DIY fixer.

I am wondering if the brake shoes are right.  Maybe your missing travel is 
in the tabs that engage the wheel cylinder.  Just a few thoughts before you 
throw in the towel.  Good luck.

Pat