Date:         Fri, 6 Mar 2009 08:32:33 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Lack of brakes long version saga actually
Comments: To: A J I <flavanagon@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <61bf971e0903052201u7e7a5aa2g5f282dffc7e1fe9c@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

A J I wrote:
> Is there an adjustment hole in the backing plate to adjust the rears?

On a Vanagon, there is an adjustment hole on each backing plate.  The
hole is not centered behind each wheel's adjusting star, though.  Yours
may not be readily noticeable if the rubber plugs are still in place.

To move the adjusting star, you'll need a small "European" brake
adjusting spoon or maybe a screwdriver that has been bent at the end.
Standard size adjusting spoons are simply too large.  I use the small
Euro spoon available at most FLAPS.

Insert the adjusting spoon into the hole with its tip facing more toward
the front of the van (not straight in)  The tail, where your hand is,
will face the rear somewhat.  To tighten the shoes against the drum,
your hand will move downward as the tip of the adjuster lifts on the
star.  One side of the van has a star that is threaded left handed and
the other side has one that is threaded right handed.  Because of this,
the adjusting motion I described above is the same for both sides.

Mike