the wheel mounting flange..........held on by the big nut......
It's not absolutely required that you remove the flange.......
but it sure makes the shoes easier to replace.

I also believe it's nice to take things apart to be sure that they are not
rusted or stuck together........I want it 'workable on' as much as possible.
Things get dreadfully stuck or rusted together after decades of not being
worked on. ..........so my vote , or personal style, is to remove the rear
wheel mounting flange to replace rear brake shoes.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edward Maglott" <emaglott@BUNCOMBE.MAIN.NC.US>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:23 AM
Subject: remove rear hub to replace brakes?

>I will need to replace the wheel cylinder and shoes on at least one
> rear wheel of my '86.  Will I need to take the hub off to do that?  I
> can't remember and Bentley is not clear on that.
>
> Thanks,
> Edward