[T3] Update and next issue . . . brakes

[Jacob Adam Schroeder]

Surface rust could be the problem.  My disks have a fair amount of surface
rust on them and I can see where some of it is starting to come off after
my quick spin around the neighborhood.  I imagine with some use this will
wear off further and the brakes will feel more responsive.  I think I'll be
making a trip to the DMV to get the tags updated so I feel comfortable
leaving the neighborhood.

The fluid level is filled to the seam and my pedal travel is relatively
low.  I can depress the pedal only about an inch or so before I begin to
feel resistance and then, when I press down as hard as I can, it only gives
maybe another 1/2 - 1 inch.

I'll take it out on another spin and check the temperature of the
rotors/drums to see if anything feels excessively hot.

Jacob


On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 2:56 AM, Dave Hall <dave at hallvw.clara.co.uk> wrote:

> Surface rust?  It may clean off quite quickly - check the discs don't look
> too rusty.  As Jim keeps saying, drive it!   You're right that brakes on
> modern cars tend to feel crisper, but that's probably the servo system.  If
> pedal travel is too great, you may have a bit of air in the system.
>
> Dave.
> UK VW Type 3&4 Club
> ===================
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
> [mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Jacob
> Adam
> Schroeder
> Sent: 06 September 2012 05:37
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Subject: [T3] Update and next issue . . . brakes
>
> So just to provide an update, this is where I stand with my 1972 Squareback
> (which has sat for approximately 7 years):
>  - The engine starts and seems to run great (fuel lines replaced, new
> plugs,
> valves set, timing & idle set)
>  - I took it out for a short drive (see below) and the engine seemed great
>  - I sprayed the clock down with electronics cleaner & a mild silicon
> lubricant -- it now runs again and keeps time
>
> The next issue on my agenda, and the reason my drive was cut short, was
> because the brakes felt a little unresponsive to me.  It could be that I
> have been spoiled over the intervening 7 years with modern brakes, but I
> don't think I have become that soft.  It just seemed like it took longer to
> come to a stop than it should have and that I had to press harder than I
> felt I should have to get there.  Otherwise, the pedal felt solid.
>
> So, how do I go about testing the brakes to see what could be responsible
> for this?  Probably about 8 years ago, I had new front brakes installed
> (rotors & calipers) and I had new shoes put on the rear.  Is there
> something
> I should be looking at that could have gotten worse after sitting around?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jacob
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