Re: Type 3 Brakes :(

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm2.hf.intel.com>]

For saving money rebuild the calipers yourself.  I've done it and it's easy 
(but a tad messy).  Schedule yourself about 3-4 hours per caliper, just in 
case.  Sounds like what's happening is you're only braking with the right 
side caliper.

Also, make sure there is the ever-so-slightest wobble when securing the 
rotors to the spindle.  It's this wobble that "spanks" the disc pads back 
into the caliper and keeps them from constantly rubbing.

As for the right side being way lower than the left, uh, sounds like your 
torsion bar for that side is broken or severely fatigued.  If so it needs 
to be replaced and if you're gonna do one you might as well do both!  How 
is the shock absorber?  Push down on the fender forcefully and quickly let 
go.  If the side bounces more than two times it means you need a new shock 
absorber.  Do this to each corner just to check.

It may sound silly, but are the front tires the same size?

You're correct about doing the work yourself; it is much more satisfying and 
accountable.  To help you out, though, you MUST get yourself a manual.  First 
one to get, since it sounds like you're new to all of this, is the Idiot's Guide
by John Muir -- it'll help you out soooo much!  Your next serious manual 
purchase should be the Bentley and/or Haynes.  The manuals are a must, okay?!

     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
     '75 Porsche 914 stock 1.8L for sale
     Portland, Oregon, USA

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Type 3 Brakes :(
Author:  type-3-errors@umich.edu at SMTPGATE
Date:    4/20/97 4:36 PM


     My 71 Squareback is giving me a devil of a time with the brakes.  Please
bear with me if my account seems tedious.  I am new at this, and have no
intentions on giving up on this car.  My girflriend bought the type 3 a few
years ago, but never got around to do much to it.  Over the past year, I have
fallen in love with it and want to see it running (healthy) again.  Our first
problem is the brakes.  Ever since it was purchased, the car veers to the
right.  The brakes were done and redone, but it did not change.  They were
not done by a certified mechanic , but they guy seemed to know what he was
doing.
     For the past month I have been working with a mechanic friend of mine on
the brakes, and he has done a good job of ruining the car.  After his first
brake job, we test drove the car, only to find smoke coming from the left
side.  The spindle and bearings ceased.  Got a spindle from a junk yard and
redid both sides (just in case).  Drove it around town and about 5 minutes on
the freeway, with no problems.
     Next day, my girlfriend drives it for only 15 minutes on the freeway,
and when she arrives, there's a LOT of smoke, and a bad burning odor coming
from the same side.  Thankfully, the bearings and spindle are OK.  However,
the brake shoes (pads) are getting stuck to the rotor.
     I have been told I need a new caliper, and wonder if I should go new, or
get a rebuild kit.  Also, the veering to the right problem is concerning me
much.  I do not know if it is important, but the right side of the car is
much lower than the left.  I have no clue how to fix it, what causes it, or
if it is somehow related to the car veering right.
     I am sorry about my diatribe.  Both of us are students and in a very
tight budget, so any solid advice will be appreciated.  Also, after our
experience with our mechanic friend, we feel it is better to learn to do the
job ourselves and do it right.
                                                            Thank You
                                                            Patrick Allen

                                                           paddy01410@aol.com