John,

You need a tool called a brake "spoon" to get in the hole and still have
clearance with the springs, etc. inboard of the brakes.

I basically made one by heating a screwdriver till it was cherry red and
then putting a 60(?) degree bend in it about two inches from the tip.  I
then had to take a hacksaw and remove most of the handle, too.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Baker" <abusguy2@SPRINGMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2001 7:54 AM
Subject: Whats the trick??

> OK, what's the trick for getting to the brake shoe adjusting stars on the
rear brakes on my 83??  I took the wheel off, found the hole with the "star"
behind it, but with the axle and all the other hub connection stuff there I
found it virtually impossible to get anything in the hole to get to the star
without the other stuff getting in my way.  I could have probably adjusted
one way (pushing the star down) but I don't see any way to adjust it the
other way?  I'm afraid if I adjust this way, I'll get the brakes locked and
be unable to back them off the other way.
>
>
>
>
>
> Peace, JB
> '66 Split Window Camper
> '83 H20 Vanagon
>
> "You cannot simultaneously work for peace and prepare for war..."