Brakes won't stay adjusted??

AndrewM · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 6:28 pm Post subject: Brakes won't stay adjusted??

I've got a lowered 1960 standard micro. After taking it out of storage, tagging it, I drive it around for 2 weeks or so. I start to notice my brake pedal is progressively getting closer to the floor as the days go by. I also hear an intermitten rubbing sound from my front right wheel that stops when I push the brake pedal. I'm not losing brake fluid. I take my bus to the local VW mechanic expecting a bad master cylinder/wheel cylinder? Turns out the brakes are just adjusted all the way out. I ask the mechanic how that happened, his response was "some dumbass adjusted them wrong" So he adjusts them right, my pedal is back up top. I drive the bus about a week then I notice the rubbing noise is back and my pedal is now halfway to the floor. What the hell is up with my brakes not stayting adjusted??? Are the adjusting stars worn out? Return Springs? Any ideas would be great. Thanks

Lind · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 7:47 pm Post subject:

there is a little piece of spring steel that is on the backing plate that pushes out against the stars so that they can only be turned with a certain amount of force. like when you go to adjust them. it is possible that those are missing and the stars are just winding themselves in over time with vibration. if the stars don't click when you adjust them I would be suspicious.

sixfootdan · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 7:51 pm Post subject:

I agree with Lind, Those star retainer clips break off pretty easy.
_________________
Schrodinger's cat walked into a bar and it didn't.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Ian · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 9:09 pm Post subject:

And how does one go about fixing this problem as I KNOW I'm missing a few retaining clips. Thanks.
_________________
All your Buses are belong to us.
Love and good roads!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROB CRESS 1968-2012
**ACHTUNG DO NOT USE AA BRAND PRODUCTS OR BUY ANYTHING FROM PACIFIC PARTS INTERNATIONAL IN CALIFORNIA**

sixfootdan · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 9:37 pm Post subject:

You could change the backing plate or get some off any old VW plate and tack weld them on. I never did that but I think it would work?
_________________
Schrodinger's cat walked into a bar and it didn't.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Split Decision · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 10:57 pm Post subject:

I was hoping that someone would have a fix easier (and less expensive) than changing the backing plates. I have the same problem on my bay, but it's not that severe.

Has anyone ever drilled out the tabs and riveted in new ones?

Mike
_________________
In 1966 Volkswagen pinched my loaf.
67 Deluxe

On year seven of the "I'll get it done next week" engine rebuild.

sixfootdan · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 11:02 pm Post subject:

Are they riveted on?
_________________
Schrodinger's cat walked into a bar and it didn't.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Split Decision · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 11:08 pm Post subject:

It looked like it to me. I've thought about trying to fabricate a replacement and using pop-rivets to secure it.

Mike
_________________
In 1966 Volkswagen pinched my loaf.
67 Deluxe

On year seven of the "I'll get it done next week" engine rebuild.

Friedpotatoes · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 11:33 pm Post subject:

on my 65 thats how there held on little tiny rivits two on one clip i missing one so thats something i need to do
_________________
56- Wolfsburg Single Cab
57- Oval Window Bug (Agave Green)

Ian · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 2:23 pm Post subject:

We, as a community, need to find a cure for this terrible condition affecting hundreds of buses everywhere.
_________________
All your Buses are belong to us.
Love and good roads!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROB CRESS 1968-2012
**ACHTUNG DO NOT USE AA BRAND PRODUCTS OR BUY ANYTHING FROM PACIFIC PARTS INTERNATIONAL IN CALIFORNIA**

Split Decision · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 5:44 pm Post subject:

I'm really surprised that someone doesn't make the tabs.

Mike
_________________
In 1966 Volkswagen pinched my loaf.
67 Deluxe

On year seven of the "I'll get it done next week" engine rebuild.

edgy · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:11 pm Post subject:

You can try using gasket cement to hold them in place but still not like glueing them in.

Ian · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:34 pm Post subject:

I read somewhere that the 356 purist tabs can be successfully adapted. I'll figure out a solution.
_________________
All your Buses are belong to us.
Love and good roads!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROB CRESS 1968-2012
**ACHTUNG DO NOT USE AA BRAND PRODUCTS OR BUY ANYTHING FROM PACIFIC PARTS INTERNATIONAL IN CALIFORNIA**

TimGud · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 8:34 pm Post subject:

Sometimes all that is needed is to take out the adjuster and pull the metal retainer clip till it's back in the right spot to hold the adjuster put.

rusbus · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 2:12 pm Post subject:

This came up on the vintagebus list recently, and somebody reposted a great solution from the archives:

http://www.type2.com/archive/vintagebus/004143.html


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Split Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1