Date:         Sat, 17 Aug 2013 17:45:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Dan Barrett <dbx@POBOX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Barrett <dbx@POBOX.COM>
Subject:      drum brake woes
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Volks:

I've replaced my brake lines and installed new drums, shoes, cylinders,
and hardware on my rear brakes.  The hydraulic system is bled and there
are no fluid leaks.  But, the brake pedal goes almost all the way to the
floor with the engine on.  Pumping the brakes does not change the
situation, so I'm taking that as a sign that the hydraulic system is
functioning as it should and the problem lies in the rear brake adjustment.

I've tried spreading the adjuster arms until the outer center of the
shoes match the measurement given in the Bentley, but I can't get the
drums over the shoes at that width.  Cranking the adjuster down to
narrow the spread between the shoes either results in the shoes being
too far away from the drums (brake pedal goes to floor + parking brake
is useless) or too close (shoes rubbing the drums with the brakes off).

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Best,
d.

--
1990 GL