Bill,
    Sometimes the rear brakes do need adjusting.
It is true they are self adjusting but the mechanism
is not reliable for self adjusting.   It becomes rusty
and will not advance.   It is always good to pull the
rear drums and take a peak before doing anything.
Afterwards the rear brakes should be readjusted and
the hand brake should be also adjusted in needed.
Adjusted so about three clicks will grab.
        gary
Date:    Mon, 27 Oct 2003 12:52:38 EST
From:    Bill Marshall <Willolyn99@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Spongy Brakes + adjusting handbrake

Late response, I know, but busy this weekend.

If I recall correctly, adjusting the brake lever is
like adding brake
fluid
-- it means something else is wrong.  Don't do it.

If your brake fluid is low, either your pads are worn
or you have a
leak,
everybody knows that.  Closed system.  Same deal with
the handbrake -
either your
brake shoes are toast, or (more likely) your brake
adjusters aren't
adjusting.  If you go back and adjust your brake shoes
properly, the
handbrake will be
fine.

The self-adjusters on brakes are notorious for getting
grimy and not
working.
 Clean up the threads, and make sure the star wheel
isn't worn down.
Or
spring for a new one.

Bill Marshall
85 GL Tiico "Pandora's Box"
Aurora, IL

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