Date:         Wed, 28 Nov 2001 10:07:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Vanagon Man <puzerewski@MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Vanagon Man <puzerewski@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Brake problem continued

Hopefully a few of you are still following this...........

Currently, I have  the booster vac line plugged to get an accurate feel of
the brakes while diagnosing.........

Pulled rear drums and hubs today.  Looked at adjusters and seemed to be
correctly installed.  Thru the brake adjuster hole on the backing plate,
down on both sides tightened the shoes to the drum.  Both sides needed
several clicks, then i pulled on the hand brake several times and readjusted
to when the rears had a slight drag.  No evidence of leaking rear
cylinders...shoes and springs in good repair....drums were new when
installed.  But I could tell, for some reason, that the shoes were not
wearing evenly.  The top part near the wheel cylinder showed the majority of
wear whereas the remainder of the shoes were barely worn.

Took for a test spin and improved braking somewhat.  Reconnected vacuum line
to the booster (after adjusting valves per Boston Bobs website) and took for
a spin.  Better, but still not great.  I want perfection on the
brakes...lord knows i have invested too much money and time to have anything
less.  I visit a friend in Asheville once a month and come down his driveway
(very steep) with a Rosary in one hand and my foot firmly on the pedal.

When i press the brakes now( with vacuum booster attached and rears
adjusted) sitting still.  The pedal travels down to the same spot every
time.  I do not have a hydraulic issue i do not think.  How could i test
vacuum in the vacuum line from the motor cavity to the booster?  I have a
Mityvac and a vacuum gauge, but cannot think of a way.  I figure I must be
leaking vacuum, or i should just touch the pedal and stop.

All thoughts are appreciated.

Adam P
81 westy (3 of them)
74 beetle
73 Transporter (at paint shop!)
70 Single Cab  "Whitey"
Vanagon Partsmobiles