VW Vanagon Brake Parts

VW Vanagon Brakes and Fittings :  Ensure Safe Travels with Quality VW Vanagon Brake Components

In comparison to earlier van models the Vanagon Brakes are remarkably good, with the benefit of a servo being fitted and disc brakes on the front as standard. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proactive about maintaining what you have and inspecting the braking system at least once a year for signs of corrosion, or for items that may need adjustment.

Make sure your Vanagon Brakes work!

When you press that middle pedal, you want everything to work as it should… and why shouldn’t it, if you have looked after it.

Brake fluid is passed through the system, firstly in hard metal brake pipes, and latterly, as it arrives in each corner by the wheel, in flexible Vanagon brake hoses. Being hygroscopic, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, which can lead to a spongy feeling below the pedal. This is why it is so important to change the brake fluid every few years. 

On top of this, it is critical to ensure that no brake fluid is leaking from the system. This could happen from the brake calipers, if a piston seal has perished. Fortunately, we can supply replacement Vanagon brake calipers for the front. At the rear, Vanagon wheel cylinders are fitted, which operate the brake shoes inside the drum. Again, if these piston seals are leaking your brakes will be compromised. 

Are your Vanagon Brakes stuck on?! 

As much as having ineffective brakes is a nuisance, so is having your brakes stuck on, and this can happen for a number of reasons, especially if the vehicle has been sat for a long period of time. Brake calipers could seize on, brake shoes can lock themselves against the brake drum, something more common if the emergency brake has been left on, or the master cylinder could be faulty. 

Lastly, the inside of the Vanagon flexible brake hoses can break down, locking fluid into the brake caliper or wheel cylinder, as if you have your foot on the pedal. A new set of Vanagon brake hoses, ideally the stainless-steel version, will make sure that problem disappears fairly swiftly and unlikely to return. 

When should you replace your Vanagon Brake Pads?

With an older vehicle, there are no wear indicators, so you have to physically look if your Vanagon brake pads are worn. If you can’t see the friction material on the pad, it is time for a change. If you hear a metal scraping noise when you stop (this is the metal backing of the pad against the Vanagon brake disc) it is time for a change… 

And if the brake disc has a big lip at the edge (test with your fingertip, when the car is cold) then you should fit new Vanagon brake discs too!

The rear brakes on a Vanagon are of the drum variety and will last a little longer, but a similar principle applies. Check there is meat on the Vanagon brake shoes and listen for nasty noises. At slow speed, in a safe place (or on an axle stand at home) you can operate just the rear brakes with your emergency brake, to check if the noise is coming from there – you may need an observant passenger with good hearing to assist, depending on how noisy your engine is!

Vanagon Brake Fittings and Accessories

Along with all the usual components, we stock Vanagon brake disc backing plates for the front and Vanagon brake drum backing plates for the rear.  You’ll find adjusting screws, tensioning springs, nuts, bolts, T-pieces and many more Vanagon brake fittings on the pages above. 

As ever, any questions please get in touch with our team help@heritagepartscentre.com