Soft braking question

[chitwnvw]

My symptom is this: If I've been driving for awhile, the first time I hit the brakes it's abnormally spongy, and the stopping power isn't what I know it can be. If I break again, soon after it's fine.

Thanks.

[hambone]

Maybe your master cylinder is getting old? They tend to seep when they do.
I would recommend bleeding your brakes, and checking all the lines for any leaks. Do you have to add fluid to the resevoir frequently? Should only need topping off less than once a year.

[RussellK]

^^^
Like Hambone said. It could be air in the lines. Was the change sudden?

Has anyone ever used solobleeders?
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... ?id=515354

[spiffy]

I've heard of those bleeders as well but haven't used them.

I would bleed them and then do an adjustment, your issue does sound like air in the lines.

[vdubyah73]

Ive used the solo bleeders, they work. Put some hose to a bottle with brake fluid in it, enough to cover the bottom of the hose. Crack open the bleeder. and pump the pedal a few times. Move to the next wheel. Constantly check your reservoir, if you run it out of fluid you will be starting over. If you have a lot of air in the system you may have to go around twice.

Bill

[Amskeptic]

My symptom is this: If I've been driving for awhile, the first time I hit the brakes it's abnormally spongy, and the stopping power isn't what I know it can be. If I break again, soon after it's fine.

Thanks.

(see me after class)

That symptom is often just a lousy adjustment. Adjust your rear brakes until the wheels can't turn, not crazy tight but tight. Stomp on the brake pedal and apply the ebrake a few times then release. Now go back and try to get your wheels turning freely about half of their rotation with a scrape sound and maybe a little bit of drag the other half.
Check back. Here.
Colin

[chitwnvw]

(see me after class)

That symptom is often just a lousy adjustment. Adjust your rear brakes until the wheels can't turn, not crazy tight but tight. Stomp on the brake pedal and apply the ebrake a few times then release. Now go back and try to get your wheels turning freely about half of their rotation with a scrape sound and maybe a little bit of drag the other half.
Check back. Here.
Colin

I remember your tutorial well. I'll do as you say.

I'll also do as the Harley guys I work with say and check the lines and cylinder. Because I checked the reservoirs level and it was fine, so I wonder where the air is getting in!