The light turned green and I moved with caution..my right hand would reach for the parking brake (and stay there) immediately after changing the gear while I scanned ahead for any reasons I may have to stop in an emergency. I tried braking again when the road was clear with the same results as the last time. The braking power was almost non existent and I could only manage about 20% with raid pumping and another 20% with the combined use of the parking (hand) brake and gears. I drove around the block and returned Billo to the safety of our driveway.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" /><o:p></o:p>
I checked the brake fluid reservoir and as expected it had the right level of brake fluid. The only other thing would be the brake bleeding. I had asked my neighbour to help me with the job and had him sit in the driving seat while I had bled the brake. I had adjusted the brake myself..first tightening it all the way then loosening it an equal two clicks on each side. I had adjusted the hand brake too so what could it be?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I jacked up the car and turned the wheel with hand. It spun freely half a turn then slowed down the rest of the turn..clearly the brake shoes were not centred. It was the same situation on the other side. After the near disaster a short while ago I made a quick decision to seek professional help. Brakes are something I don’t recommend you monkey around with unless you are absolutely certain of your abilities. I have to admit I’ve flunked in that department royally.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I called the mechanic who said he can accommodate me if I got the car over within an hour. The tow truck took 20 minutes to arrive and another 20 minutes later Billo was up on the hoist in the workshop. Undoing the axle nuts is a breeze if you are using an air tool. They took everything apart leaving just the brake cylinders on and then put everything back on, adjusted the shoes, torqued the axle nuts, bled the brakes, re-adjusted the parking brake, took her for a spin, came back and parked.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
10 minutes later I was handed the bill.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Now back to the question I asked a short while ago.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
How much is a B/job? I meant to ask How much is a brake job? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Well I found out first hand that it is $487.03..<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
And stop smiling..cuz I am not!<o:p></o:p>