[T3] Pressure in the brake system

["AdamVW" <adamvw@cox.net>]

Hi all!

I've gotten some great advice here in the last couple of weeks.  Things have
been busy, so I haven't been able to put it all to good use yet, but I'll
report back with results ASAP.

Anyway, a problem has come up that I think requires more immediate
attention.  There is virtually no pressure in my brake system.  Just
pressing the brakes causes them to not quite go to the floor, but hit what I
think is the end of their travel.  Pressing them in this way does slow the
car down a bit (with some significant pushing of the pedal), maybe slowing
to a complete stop from 20mph in 10-15 seconds.  Pumping them improves this
a bit, I can feel slight pressure, but it still feels more like a suggestion
than a command.  I've bled the brakes twice already, once with a helper and
once without.  The system does not seem to be losing fluid, and I don't see
any leaks anywhere.  Here are the steps I'm planning to take later on,
please let me know if I've goofed the order or if I've left something out:

1. Bleed brakes again.  I'll try to use the "open valve, have someone slowly
depress pedal, close valve, have person release pedal" method.

2. Drain and replace fluid.  Do step 1 again.

3.  Replace rubber hoses that go from the metal lines to the actual brakes
(can this cause my problem?).

4. Replace Master Cylinder.

5. Give up.

Any advice you all have is appreciated.

Thanks!

Adam
1970 Squareback
AT, Dual Webers =(

ps- If I have time tonight I might try to tighten up my steering wheel (a
job that doesn't take a second person).  Am I correct in assuming that the
housing that holds the ignition switch and the turn signal lever (in front
of the steering wheel) should be able to travel the full length of the 2
slots on the underside?  There are 2 bolts there (hex heads on mine) which I
think are to adjust how far out the steering wheel protrudes.  Mine seem to
like to loosen up so the wheel moves a bit from side to side.  Right now,
the adjustment is at the end where the wheel is closest to the driver.  I
think that if I move the wheel as close to the dash as possible, there will
be less stress (and less loosening?) on these bolts, from a leverage point
of view.  However, I recall that when I tightened these the first time the
housing didn't seem to want to move forward on the column that much.  Just
wondering if anyone has any insight on that.

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