IMHO, the rear brakes do not "self adjust" = the way the Bendix brakes do.  You really have to get them close = by hand after installing everything.  With a 2WD you can at least = rotate one tire while adjusting the brakes in order to feel when they = begin to drag.  (unlike a *^%* Syncro where the entire drive train = wants to turn)  Also, I have been told that it is best to loosen = the parking brake all the way before adjusting the brakes.  = Otherwise you end up adjusting against the parking brake tension = instead of 100% against the brake drum.

To do this you will need to get a regular "brake = spoon" and grind one end of it narrower so that it will fit into = the tiny hole in the Vanagon backing plate.  (A normal Bendix = spoon will be too wide).

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.C= OM]On Behalf
> Of John W. Parkins
> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 11:48 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: New drums, now brake pedal goes to = floor
>
>
> I replaced the brake drums on my '87 Westy. I = loosened the
> brakes up to get
> the new drums on.  I figured applying the = brakes would cause them to
> self-adjust. The pedal now goes almost to the = floor when I apply the
> brakes. The brakes are working, as I jacked the = van up and checked.  I
> tried to get the new drums off, but they were = pretty well
> stuck on.  Any
> thoughts?  Could the self-adjustment = screws be on the verge
> of ratcheting?
>