Volkswagen: 1977 VW Bus Brake warning light, brake warning light, bleeding brakes

Question
Hi Ron, I have a 1977 VW Bus. I had the clutch replaced but now the brake warning light on the dashboard comes on every time I brake. The service books says that it could be a hydraulic problem but the brakes seem to work fine. Any idea what it could be. Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi Leon,

Assuming there are no electrical problems....

The brake system on your VW is designed very well.  Your '77 has a dual-circuit brake system.
Typically, if this light comes on while pressing the brake, one of the circuits has failed.

I would check the reservoir, located under the front seat.  Make sure that there is fluid in there.  If it is low, top off and see if this helps. (you may need to bleed the system).

If the fluid is fine, follow the procedure for bleeding brakes in the Bentley Manual or similar.

If, after both attempts, the light still comes on, the master cylinder probably needs to be replaced.  That part runs about $40.00 from www.gowesty.com