Date:         Fri, 22 May 2009 22:31:01 -0800
Reply-To:     colorworks@GCI.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject:      Rear Brake PICS. Have Questions, Need Critique.
Comments: To: collum@MYFAIRPOINT.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252

neil N wrote:
> I noticed that my adjusting star is not centered at access hole.

I've done rear brake work on my '84 7 pass (years ago) and my '85 Westy
(less than one year ago) and their adjusters aren't centered on the
access hole.  They weren't before the work, either.  They're offset like
in the original poster's photo.  BTW, the brakes work fine.

Mike>>

When I changed out the top spring as per Mark's suggestion, this in turn move the entire star wheel assembly closer to that access hole. No, it's not exactly centered over the hole, but certainly very easily accessible compared to where it was before. Mark made a good point that it is important for both of those hooks at the springs' end to face upward or else it interferes with the self-adjuster. My old brakes have been incorrectly installed for years now, yes they still work, but certainly not like they were supposed to. I'm in the process of putting on 16" wheels at the moment, longer studs, etc. , so haven't had a chance to test drive my vehicle as the rear axle nuts are still not tight (need to rent a socket tomorrow), so curious how this improves the brakes. I added two, 1 mm spacers at the bottom pivots, so hope it helps with wear and pedal height. Ultimately I want to put disc brakes in the rear, but that's another thread....  BTW, if one buys a new spring kit, it's one blue and one brown that go up top. The retaining pins are too short though, had to use the old ones. 

Troy