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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:42 am Post subject: Brake Booster Issue |
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I worked on my brakes this weekend replacing the rear cylinders and brake shoes. I noticed when I was done that there was a leak near the brake booster (see pic) - there is no brake fluid in the reservoir right now so I am assuming after reading some threads on here it is backing up through the master cylinder. Does that sound right? Any advice on my next step?
_________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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merlinj79 Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2008 Posts: 379 Location: SOCAL
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:59 am Post subject: |
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It looks like the MC is probably leaking past it's internal seals, which will flood the brake booster and destroy it's internal diaphragm.
But there's also some kind of fluid leak in the upper left of the picture, on the torsion housing tube. That is probably a leak from the reservoir, the tube from the reservoir to the MC, or both.
You'll need a new or rebuilt MC, a new or rebuilt booster, and probably the supply tube to the MC.
If it hasn't been soaking for long, it's remotely possible that you could flush out the booster to remove the brake fluid and see if it still works. But odds are good the diaphragm is toast, or will be soon. _________________ Rick
"Pumpkin II"
Stock 2L FI '77 Westy
CA Smog Stuff
Last edited by merlinj79 on Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:03 am; edited 1 time in total |
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kreemoweet Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2008 Posts: 3889 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:01 am Post subject: |
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Which reservoir is empty? The upper one or the one on the M/C? If that's actually brake fluid on your booster,
you have a massive leak from the front seals on your M/C. The booster would have to be at least 1/2 full of
fluid (or have a holed main diaphragm) for brake fluid to be coming out the front like that. Bad News! You probably
need a new M/C and will have to remove and clean out and test the booster. _________________ '67 bug: seized by the authorities
'68 bug: seized by the authorities
'71 kombi: not yet seized by the authorities
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:21 am Post subject: |
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kreemoweet wrote: |
Which reservoir is empty? The upper one or the one on the M/C? If that's actually brake fluid on your booster,
you have a massive leak from the front seals on your M/C. The booster would have to be at least 1/2 full of
fluid (or have a holed main diaphragm) for brake fluid to be coming out the front like that. Bad News! You probably
need a new M/C and will have to remove and clean out and test the booster. |
The reservoir behind the drivers seat.
FYI - When I replaced the rear cylinder (passenger side) that had a pretty good leak. Also, none of this is surprising as the bus sat for almost 20 years. _________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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merlinj79 Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2008 Posts: 379 Location: SOCAL
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:05 am Post subject: |
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19BUG70 wrote: |
Also, none of this is surprising as the bus sat for almost 20 years. |
In that case you might want to replace all of the brake lines as well...the steel ones might be rusted from the inside from moisture buildup due to not being flushed with fresh fluid. May depend on where it was stored.
At the very least, do an impromptu hydrostatic test...have a big strong guy press and hold the brake pedal as hard as he can to see if anything ruptures or balloons.
Obviously the rubber brake hoses are probably overdue as well. _________________ Rick
"Pumpkin II"
Stock 2L FI '77 Westy
CA Smog Stuff |
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:47 am Post subject: |
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Thank you - in reading other threads it looks like a rebuilt one is approx. $180 vs $280 for a new one. I'd like to save $100 but is that a good idea? In the whole scheme of things by the time I get the brakes in good shape $100 isn't going to seem like much. _________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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merlinj79 Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2008 Posts: 379 Location: SOCAL
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:59 am Post subject: |
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19BUG70 wrote: |
Thank you - in reading other threads it looks like a rebuilt one is approx. $180 vs $280 for a new one. I'd like to save $100 but is that a good idea? In the whole scheme of things by the time I get the brakes in good shape $100 isn't going to seem like much. |
I've been running a rebuild with no trouble for about ten years, but that was all that was available then. Assuming the rebuilder uses quality soft parts, the OEM hardware should last a very long time. _________________ Rick
"Pumpkin II"
Stock 2L FI '77 Westy
CA Smog Stuff |
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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I see the busdepot has two brake boosters. Any thoughts on if the more expensive one is worth it? I see you have to drill some holes on the more expensive one for it to fit.
http://www.busdepot.com/vw/0/0/22/0/1122
They also have a master cylinder for $199. There are lots of hoses/brands to choose from, I would appreciate any feedback on these if some are better than others. I appreciate the responses so far, thanks.
It's always nice to be able to place one order rather than several from different vendors, so far the items I have received from busdepot in the past have worked out ok. _________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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jtauxe Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004 Posts: 5778 Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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There was a thread about that WW one, finding a lot to be desired.
The one from BusDepot (also available at Just Kampers, where BD imports it from) is a Varga unit, built for VW in Brazil for Brazilian buses. It seems to be the real deal, though it requires modifying the mounting plate on the front beam for a different hole spacing.
http://www.busdepot.com/j18100
http://www.justkampers.com/211-612-103-g-brake-servo-vw-t2-1971-1979.html
Has anyone tried that?
Here are some options from VW Heritage:
Looks like this one is ATE from Germany, and priced to suit:
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/211612103/brake-servo-68-79-studs-72mm-apart-ate-or-use-103-g/
This looks like the same Varga unit from Brazil sold by JK and BD:
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/211612103G/brake-servo-vw-brazil-studs-89mm-55mm/
and the same thing with the MC installed, which could be handy:
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/211612103GC/brake-servo-master-brazil-studs-89mm-55mm/
So, the Brazilian ones require modification of the mounting plate. Has anyone done that?
Does that expensive ATE unit fit on the late bay mounting plate without modification? That is, do these buses have stud holes at 72 mm x 72 mm? If so, it seems like that is the way to go, if money is no object. _________________ John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD
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kreemoweet Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2008 Posts: 3889 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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The ATE part will fit all US bay busses as far as the mounting studs go, but I'm pretty sure its the larger-diameter (9 1/4 in.)
booster used from mid-74 to 79. It will definitely interfere with the parking brake cable on a '71. I don't know about
a '72, or what would be involved in making it fit. The same problem might arise with the Brazilian/Varga unit.
The vendor should be able to tell you the size.
As far as I know, there are only 2 posters in this forum who have shared their experience with the WW booster (and the "aftermarket" booster from Bus Depot may well be the same item): my own not-so-good review and another fellow who said he had
"no problems" with it.
What I would really like to know is where the booster "rebuilders" are getting their parts. _________________ '67 bug: seized by the authorities
'68 bug: seized by the authorities
'71 kombi: not yet seized by the authorities
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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Tcash - thank you. Seems like a simple change although I don't know what the different reservoir does. Maybe it's better to order one that uses the standard reservoir.....
This is new to me so I appreciate the help and advice. I certainly want to buy the correct parts to begin with. That's usually the hardest part. _________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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Tcash Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2011 Posts: 12844 Location: San Jose, California, USA
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1967250s Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2007 Posts: 2137
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Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Looked at usual suspects, BD, GS, CIP, can't find MC repair kit, anyone know of one? _________________ '72 Elm Green Deluxe |
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Wasted youth Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012 Posts: 5134 Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 12:12 am Post subject: |
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FWIW, I had my 1977 bus brake servo/booster unit sent out to Karp's Power Brake last spring, and they did an excellent job. Totally worth it, and have great customer service. |
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19BUG70 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2006 Posts: 74 Location: Livermore, California
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:15 am Post subject: |
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Tcash - great info as usual, what a great chart for reference. My initial thought is to send the booster to Karps for a rebuild, however buying parts from WW is really easy and I could order it all including the master cylinder at one time.
As far as the actual work of taking apart and installing the new pieces does anyone have any suggestions or things to look out for from their past experience? I do have the Bentley book... _________________ 1970 Bug (sold 12/2014)
1972 Riviera Camper
1961 Bug (sold)
1966 Fastback TL |
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kreemoweet Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2008 Posts: 3889 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 10:31 am Post subject: |
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That note from CIP1 about the reservoirs makes absolutely no sense, and is surely incorrect. There is only a single master
cylinder for all 71-79 busses with boosters. The main reservoir is different depending on where the upper refill reservoir is located
and how the feed line is routed, but they all fit into the M/C the same way. _________________ '67 bug: seized by the authorities
'68 bug: seized by the authorities
'71 kombi: not yet seized by the authorities
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