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.COM]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?
>

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