Hi folks.

First of all, thanks for all the help with rear axle nut stuff and rear brakes.
The tip on "swapping" out new for old grease at the rear axle bearings
is a great tip.
Fun image showing grease: http://tinyurl.com/zs8fsfj

What I installed: new axle seals, nuts/pins, new backing plates,
e-brake cables, upgraded to newer style e-brake lever, new shoes drums
and hardware except for
the adjuster bar. Lubed all parts where needed, bled brakes.
Before adjusting the e-brake cables, I took my Vanagon for a short
drive around the block to settle the shoes in before making final
small shoe adjustments
and adjust e-brake cables.
To my eye, the initial wear marks on the shoes indicate they should
wear fairly evenly
from the get-go, that they're "floating" as they should, and that as Dennis
and others may have commented, it appears these
GoWesty shoes (6 mm lining) don't need shims at the lower anchor.

It sure feels good to have those backing plates replaced.

Some images showing initial shoe wear

http://tinyurl.com/z8kmh59

The drums weren't hot after driving a KM or so but were fairly warm
when I got home.
As I drive the bus, it seems like I can feel the shoes bedding in. (improving)
No pulsing and so far, pedal height is much better. We'll see how it
is in the morning.
e-brake stops drums from turning in first few clicks and holds great.

Neil.

--
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

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1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>