Terry,

You have warped backing plates which are forcing the shoes to hit the drums
at an angle.  I do, too, and have been to lazy or cheap to replace them.
I'm pretty sure I bent mine by using them as a fulcrum when trying to remove
a couple really stubborn drums.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Terry Kay" <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2001 9:47 PM
Subject: Rear Brake Saga Pt. 2

> Moms and Dads,Boys and Girls,
>
> This one is hard to believe, even for me.
>
> I removed the rear drums today and sent them out to be cut.
>
> Now mind you that these drums and brake shoes are not more than 6 mos
> old, purchase from a reputable (?) on line VW source.
>
> I get a phone call about an hour later from the machine shop, who is
> doing the cutting, and tells me the drums are junk.
> Of course, I tell them in so many words that their nuts.
>
> They tell me that these cheap drums are so thin and warped that there is
> no more cutting to be had.
>
> I make a phone call to my local VW dealer, and order a set of rear
> shoes, and drums, which they get to me this afternoon.
>
> I take them to the machine shop and tell the guy, to make a first cut in
> the drums.
> Don't just make a thin pass, I want them cut.
>
> I get them back, and match the inner radius of the drums to the shoes,
> which is perfect. ( Thanks Rich)
>
> Upon, removal of the shoes on the van, I noticed that the inner most
> portion of the shoes, was thin and the outer was thicker.
>
> The mail-order / on line drums had a taper to the inside !!
> I can't figure out, this phenomena, because I had the drums "trued"
> prior to installation.
> I remember telling the guy at the auto parts store to just make clean up
> pass, no deep cuts.
>
> So I screwed up, by not taking a deep cut.
>
> I know I received sub standard parts, as I never had to cut
> drums---ever, prior to installation.
>
> Now they are as sweet as new, and after unloading my wallet twice, The
> job is done, perfectly.
>
> So, listen my children and you shall hear, of this dismal time in my
> Vanagon repair career. ( ? )
>
> Take nothing for granted, Don't expect the best,
>
> When your buying the stuff, from some on-line express.
>
> New resolution------ And advise for all,
> Always take a deep first cut on any brake drums, and /or rotors prior to
> installation, and make sure they are true, and match the shoes to the
> inner radius of the drums.
>
> And don't buy cheap---It will turn around and bite you in the ass every
> time !!
>
> Thanks to all who contributed with helpful suggestions, yesterday and
> today.
>
> Later,
>
>   ______________
>  |[  ] [  ] [ ]\
>  |    |    |    |
> ||-(())----(())-|
>
> Terry 85 GL