89 syncro and some issues with brakes

[4mymalamute]

Just installed new brake lines and one metal hard line in rear and all new pads, shoes and calipers, etc all around. Bled the brakes, took it for a spin, now have some squealing when pressing brakes (not all the time)...and peddle dives down. Question, is it normal to have to bleed the brakes a couple of times to make sure all air is out, etc? Cheers.

[dhaavers]

1) Soft pedal certainly suggests more bleeding...slow & steady...
2) Squeal is typical of new/glazed pads. Run the van up to ~45mph
& lean on the brakes HARD for a time or two & it'll clear up...

FWIW, scuff up new pads with some medium sandpaper before install
next time...saves the squeaks from showing up...

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[MsTaboo]

Sometimes, on brake systems that have not been service in a long time, bleeding the brakes with the "pump the pedal" method will cause an internal leak within the brake master cylinder.
What happens is the inner seal travels further than it usually does in normal operation when you deep pump the brake pedal. This causes the seal to pass by corrosion thats often present in older master cylinders and tears the seal allowing brake fluid to get past. However, this all happens inside the master cylinder and there is no external leak, just loss of pressure.

So, maybe re-bleed the brake system to be sure it's clear of air, and if the pedal still dives to the floor you're looking at a new master cylinder.

The other thing to be careful of is remembering that the brake fluid reservoir serves both the brakes and the clutch. Don't let the fluid level get below the outlet tube for the clutch or you will have to bleed that system also.

As for the squeal, did you use anti-squeal paste on the front pads?
Good luck!
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[4mymalamute]

[IdahoDoug]

The comment about 45mph is a good one to pay attention to. You would be well served to bed the brakes in with a series of moderate, then firm stops from that kind of speed to achieve this proper bedding. It helps the pads match the rotors and a mismatch is often the reason for the squeal.

Doug
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader