Start with the adjusters all the way in.

Crank out the adjusters an equal number of turns until you can feel the drum
drag when you spin the wheel.

Then crank out the adjusters equally, 1 click at a time for each until the
wheel won't move.

Now crank out the adjusters one click at a time until they are tight.

At this point your shoes are out as far as they go & are snug against the
drum.

Start backing the adjusters off 2 - 3 clicks at a time until the wheel spins
free.

Do the same for the other wheel.

Thanks, Tom Hargrave
www.kegkits.com
www.stir-plate.com
www.towercooler.com
www.grow-sun.com
www.raspberryproject.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Dan Barrett
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 4:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: drum brake woes

Volks:

I've replaced my brake lines and installed new drums, shoes, cylinders, and
hardware on my rear brakes.  The hydraulic system is bled and there are no
fluid leaks.  But, the brake pedal goes almost all the way to the floor with
the engine on.  Pumping the brakes does not change the situation, so I'm
taking that as a sign that the hydraulic system is functioning as it should
and the problem lies in the rear brake adjustment.

I've tried spreading the adjuster arms until the outer center of the shoes
match the measurement given in the Bentley, but I can't get the drums over
the shoes at that width.  Cranking the adjuster down to narrow the spread
between the shoes either results in the shoes being too far away from the
drums (brake pedal goes to floor + parking brake is useless) or too close
(shoes rubbing the drums with the brakes off).

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Best,
d.

--
1990 GL