Thanks for all the suggestions so far... I forgot to mention that did a full
brake flush and bleed (as I do every 2 years) at all 4 when I replaced
calipers in the spring. I didn't open the rear hydraulics this time, so didn't
bleed anything as a result. I will do a quick bleed and see if it helps though.
I'm pondering replacing the cylinders anyway, even though they're not
leaking. Also, I did adjust manually before putting the drums back on,
making as tight as possible without dragging. Pedal feel is good after the
first pump - it's just the first pump if the pedal hasn't been used in a while.
The parking brake is properly adjusted and works great.

I'll bleed tonight and see if anything changes.

On 17 Sep 2007 at 22:25, Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Tonight I replaced the rear shoes on my '88 Westy, which were last done by
> the dealer about 100k km (60k miles), but more than 10 years ago. I have
> receipts from the PO showing all new drums, cylinders, shoes, etc were
> used. The rear wheel cylinders show a fair bit of corrosion, but no weeping
> under the seals, and they do seem to have the springs to prevent creeping, as
> they extended slowly on their own when shoes were removed. With everything all
> back together, I still have the soft pedal syndrome, where one or more pumps is
> required to get a firm pedal. I was hoping this was the rear wheel cylinders
> lacking those elusive springs. Front pads and calipers are new in the spring. So
> the problem must lie in the booster or the master cylinder, right? Tips on
> narrowing this down appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
> Shawn Wright
> http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
> '88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
> '85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA

Shawn Wright
http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
'85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA