Date:         Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:17:23 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Rear brake shoe replacment= crappy pedal now
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

I replaced the rear shoes on my 84. SBS shoes now.  Had the drums turned,
they are within spec.  Replaced one wheel cylinder that was weeping.  Bled
the new wheel cylinder (LR), unhooked the Ebrake and adjusted the shoes so
that I could just get the drums back on.  Stamped on the brake pedal to
center the shoes and did the adjustment again.  Re-bled the right RR wheel,
then the Left again. Re adjusted the Ebrake cables. Went on my local "test
track" and did some slow downs, then some harder stops, wanting to 'run-in'
the new brake shoes.
   So, a few stops felt ok.  Maybe not very effective stopping, but I sort
of anticipated that with the new brake shoes. Then, after a few harder
stops, the pedal went lower, and the braking action now seems a bit
inconsistent.  I can feel +some+ braking action right from the top of the
pedal stroke, but somewhat normal feeling braking gets going about 1/2 way
down the pedal stroke.  If I give a few pumps, that +somewhat normal+
braking action moves up the stoke of the pedal to the top.  When I returned
to the shop...that first test drive and again after a longer drive
yesterday, the back wheels were hot.  Sticking your finger through the holes
in the rims to the drum....Too hot to touch, after no braking action...Brake
shoes are keeping some contact with the drums, me thinks...
  I then took the drums back off and re-checked my work.  All looks exactly
right. (I did one wheel at a time to keep the springs and stuff straight)
The new shoes had a few spots where they'd 'burnished themselves', looking
almost chrome-plated.  The rest of the shoes were covered with brake
dust...Not making very good contact..The drum turn job:  They show no real
indication of being smoothed by the shoes yet.  Re-bled all four wheels, and
re-checked the shoe adjustment...still some contact with the drums and when
I move the adjuster wheel one or two clicks, that drag becomes quite strong,
so I backed em off a couple of clicks and....
  I am kinda stumped.  I push the brake pedal down and it feels like I have
partial braking...enough for normal stopping...But when I stop aggressively,
the pedal goes too far down before I get full braking..Something isn't
right, me thinks.
  I expected better braking and a "good pedal" after doing the work, instead
I got crappy brake action...inconsistent and hot rear wheels even without
using the brakes...Anybody?
  PS: My brake MS is relatively new..last March..My fluid was replaced at
the time of the new brake and clutch cylinder..

  Don Hanson