Brake diagnostic tools...

["Bernard Littau" <bernardl@acumenassociates.com>]

I am still working through the brake problems on my 5kcstq.  Is it the bomb,
the hydraulic modulator or the master cylinder?  Better minds than mine on
this list are pointing to each of these.

Also, is my brake pressure regulator screwed up?  It looks like the strut
was removed and the trapezoidal arm dropped without removing the spring.
The spring is now two sizes too large.  Did the regulator also get screwed,
or do I need just a new spring and some adjustment?

All good questions, and the answers seem to be best had with two tools
mentioned in the Bentley:

US 1016, which seems to be two pressure gauges with long hoses and brake
bleeder screw fittings.  Measures using brake fluid.

and VW 1441, which seems to be a single pressure gauge with banjo fitting.
Measures with hydraulic fluid.

Has anyone figured out good alternative ways to do the diagnostics in
section 47 without these tools?  I see no way to adjust the brake pressure
regulator without two gauges -- am I missing a smart hack?

What would be a good source for these tools, or rather, their equivalents?
Is there perhaps a vendor that has these equivalent tools already made?  Or
do I just go to my nearest hydraulic stuff dealer and cobble them together
from parts?

Or is the smart move here to forget the gauges, and replace the parts one at
a time until the problem goes away?  And then go to a dealer or shop to have
the brake pressure regulator adjusted?

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5kcstq