VW beetle brake problem

[AsadIshaque]

I am posting this on behalf of a friend in USA. Any suggestions to point to the problem are welcome.

Quote:

  ''My 70 bug brakes (I own 2 bugs as well as my Westy)

work fine, all redone with new hoses etc., except
for one thing. I did not replace the master
cylinder. Now when I use them, the car will have
brake drag unless I reach down with my foot and lift
the brake pedal up the last 1". Then there is no
drag. The pedal does not appear to be returning that
last 1" of travel to the top. If I do it manually,
it will work fine. I would appreciate any clues on
this? Is there a return spring in the MC that is
tired and needs to be replaced? This is what it
seems like.
Thanks for any help on this, it's weird. The brakes
work great other than my "built in" hill holder.
Courtney''

End Quote.

Thanx!!

[FLi_GTi]

Replace the Throw rod for the MC. A shorter rod should remedy it just fine.

[AsadIshaque]

How will this help??

Can you please elaborate?

[FLi_GTi]

The master cylinder piston must fully retract. If the master cylinder piston is not allowed to fully retract when the brake pedal is not applied, the primary inside seal will not return past the small pressure relief hole (visible within the master cylinder reservoir on some master cylinders). This can cause excessive residual line pressure and contribute to brake drag and an overheating. So you either repostion the master using washers to take up the slack or use a stronger return spring.

[AsadIshaque]

FLi_GTi!!

This was a secret test from my side to check the knowledge of PW experts.

You pass with good marks!! Tho you said the opposite ie to lengthen the pushrod and not to shorten it. And its not replacing, its adjusting.

But Im really really impressed!!

Congrats on passing the test!!!

[FLi_GTi]

My bad, i was thinking something else. Apologize for the typo (corrected). Have never worked on beetles so wasn't sure if the there was a adjustable return stop for the brake lever.

[AsadIshaque]

No probs bro!

But this makes me really really positive that the future is bright for this forum with people like you around!

Regards.