Date: Fri, 20 May 2016 12:00:26 -0700
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Setting E-brake causes adjuster to adjust? Hot Drums.
In-Reply-To: <CAHTkEu+PjWrODsAstYwNCBN8T74m1yzMRC6u-dpy0MnV7tti-Q@mail.gmail.com>
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Thanks Don.
Yes, it's possible I worry too much. (what me?)
Of note, I upgraded to the newer style e-brake handle on this last brake job.
Another theory: in 2008 I replaced the brake booster. 46.10 in Bentley
shows spec for
push rod adjustment. I recall checking this adjustment, but IF I
adjusted that push rod too
long, when the hydraulic system is at rest, this might cause the brake
hydraulics to keep the
wheel cylinders out too far thus keep shoes too close to drums
regardless of the adjuster
being "slack"?
There's SO many factors involved, so this is a pretty huge blanket statement,
but the early style brakes (fronts) are not that great. As such, I
really want my rear
brakes to be as good as possible.
Your comment on pedal height is helpful. The pedal on my '88 sits higher,
the e-brake is perfect, brakes work great.
Rear brake work was done by a shop. I had that shop check
my previous rear brake work they found nothing wrong with it.
Neil.
On 5/20/16, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
> I think you have them working about as well as they will work. I'd back
> off the adjusters until the rears turn freely every time and call it good.
> Rear brakes on the Vanagon aren't that great anyhow. Making the parking
> brake tight enough to actually hold the vehicle on a hill, that almost
> always results in them being too tight for going forward in everyday
> driving, at least in my experience. I've converted to the newer style E
> brake lever, and that did help, but to get holding power on a slope, you
> still have to pull the handle so hard I am afraid I'll pull it through the
> floor, because the shoes want to let go, by design, when you roll
> backwards......
>
> Rear brakes aren't a big player in stopping vehicles anyhow...As you
> apply the brakes, the vehicle's traction (weight, momentum) is transferred
> to the front wheels and tires....almost no traction remains at the rear
> wheels, You could have Porsche Big Red Brembos on the rear and 12" NASCAR
> racing slick tires, you wouldn't stop much shorter than with stock drum
> brakes.....
>
> I've just put my van back in service after a transmission rebuild and I,
> too, have been fiddling with the rear brakes, clutch, and hydraulics to get
> a firm high pedal...three times around, bleeding everything, adjusting the
> shoes a couple of times (thanks for the tip on which way to turn the rear
> adjuster wheel) fresh fluids and the pedal is still lower than I'd like,
> but it stops fine on the highway and it holds on my driveway hill and the
> drums stay cool so the rears are not dragging....
>
> On Fri, May 20, 2016 at 12:01 AM, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Theory: setting e-brake pushes shoes closer to drum than foot pressure
>> on pedal during
>> normal driving, which in turn allows the adjuster to adjust shoes too
>> close to drums
>> which causes the drums to heat up even when brakes aren't being used.
--
Neil n
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