How to bleed brakes on a VW Splitscreen Kombi

Introduction

Maintaining the braking system of your VW Splitscreen Kombi is essential for safe driving. Over time, air can enter the brake lines, leading to a spongy pedal feel and reduced braking efficiency. Bleeding the brakes removes this air, ensuring optimal performance.

Step-by-Step Brake Bleeding Process

Follow these steps to bleed the brakes on your VW Splitscreen Kombi:

1. Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface and secure it with wheel chocks. Ensure the brake fluid reservoir is filled with the recommended DOT 4 brake fluid.
2. Adjust Brake Shoes: Before bleeding, adjust all brake shoes so they slightly drag against the drums. This ensures the wheel cylinders are properly positioned, facilitating effective bleeding.
3. Bleeding Sequence: Begin with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and move closer. Typically, the sequence is:
   1. Right rear
   2. Left rear
   3. Right front
   4. Left front
4. Bleeding Procedure:
   1. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder valve of the first wheel, submerging the other end in a container partially filled with brake fluid to observe air bubbles.
   2. Have an assistant press the brake pedal several times and hold it down.
   3. Open the bleeder valve to release air and fluid; close it before the assistant releases the pedal to prevent air re-entry.
   4. Repeat until no air bubbles are visible in the fluid exiting the hose.
   5. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir level throughout the process, topping it up as needed to prevent air from entering the system.
5. Final Checks: After bleeding all wheels, test the brake pedal for firmness. If it feels spongy, repeat the bleeding process. Once satisfied, adjust the brake shoes to their proper positions and ensure all bleeder valves are securely closed.

For a detailed discussion on the brake bleeding process, including tips and common issues, refer to this thread on TheSamba forum.

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