Someone talk me out of scrapping the 411

Discuss with fans and owners of the most luxurious aircooled sedan/wagon that VW ever made, the VW 411/412. Official forum of Tom's Type 4 Corner.
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Chris Percival
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Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2000 12:01 am

Someone talk me out of scrapping the 411

Post by Chris Percival »

My front calipers have seized up again. I took her to a show this weekend, not too far away, but the front brakes got really hot.. I rebuilt them about a year ago, as they did the same thing then.. Also on the way to the show the brake pedal went to the floor a couple of times. I don't know if this is connected, but its not done it before. I am sure its only a matter of time before I need to rebuild both master cylinders.. :( Also the dreaded tin-worm is getting her around the bottom of the doors and the sills.. I could use the engine in the bug (which does not get enough of my time).. If I could sell her for a resonable amount I would, but I don't think there is the demand.. I would love a camper van..

Chris
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raygreenwood
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Post by raygreenwood »

Yep, it sounds like the rust ridge syndrome in the calipers. The master cylinders get them too. Use phosphoric acid to kill the rusteverywhere. Put the engine in a van. Drive that for a while. But do not get rid of the 411. Just preserve and park it for a while. They get under your skin...you will wan't it back. Ray
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Chris Percival
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Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2000 12:01 am

Post by Chris Percival »

Its really annoying, I made sure they were clean and smooth inside the calipers, and made sure I sealed them well with new outer seals so muck and moisture wouldn't get in.. Are new calipers still available as far as you know?
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raygreenwood
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Post by raygreenwood »

Yes, they are pretty common. What type of brake fluid are you using? Silicone based or mineral oil based will do this very thing. Ray
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raygreenwood
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Post by raygreenwood »

Also, if the brake pedal is not properly adjusted on the 412..the piston will cover the compensating ports casuing residual pressure and overheating. Also accidently pushing the grommmett for the brake fluid line in too far can block the return port and casue this. Ray
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Chris Percival
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Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2000 12:01 am

Post by Chris Percival »

Just the usual dot4 stuff. Mineral?

Well I haven't touched the brake pedal since I put the car back on the road several years ago, and I have done thousands of miles since then with no problems (up to now)..
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