Cracking shoes is a sign of overheating. This can be caused by a number of
thing including poor shoe contact patch which is also caused by oversized
drums or under sized shoes. Proper shoe lining material thickness starts at
6mm and the original linings were riveted in place. Also see my earlier
posts about moving the lower shoe mounts to get better brake shoe contact.

Want good rear brakes? Get the shoes from the dealer (now $60 list) along
with the spring kit ($22) and ATE wheel cylinders. Make sure the drums are
in spec, less than 9.980" diameter.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil N
Sent: Saturday, September 05, 2009 12:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: *Sigh* Leaky Wheel Cylinder (PICS)

On Sat, Sep 5, 2009 at 7:41 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> Yes they should last longer but intermittent use allows for some rust to
> form in the cylinder barrel between the piston cups and outer boot. Then
> when the piston does move the leaks begin.
>
> Also depending on brake shoe material you may be ready for brakes anyway.
>
> Dennis

I understand what you mean. Just didn't know. Hence my "*sigh*". Just
was miffed. Figured they should last if not used that much.

True to my MO, my Westy gets used on a few random short trips between
longer camping trips. Plus I used the brakes as little as possible. I
can see how that likely affected the cylinders. The shoes are fine and
wearing well. (faulty ones replaced... were cracking)

Good news is long brake line came out in one piece, and I'm half way
to finishing that job!

Thanks Dennis,

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engine
s