The Vanagon rear brake self adjusters work by the movement "away" from the resting position of the shoes. As the shoes move out the cross bar loosens and that spring on the lever causes the lever to lift and turn the adjuster. As the brakes are released and the shoes move back in the lever gets pushed back down to get another garb on those teeth so that it can turn the wheel next time.  This is why it is so important for the wheel to turn easy and for the parking brake lever to not be set against the rear fork. 
 
Dennis

 
> Date: Fri, 13 May 2016 07:05:55 -0700
> From: jrasite@EONI.COM
> Subject: Re: Rear brake adjustment wheels?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Actually, the way self-adjusters work is based on the rotation of the shoe assembly when one brakes while backing. To adjust, back slowly and tap the brakes half a dozen times. (At least that's the way American self-adjusters work. I assume that VW�s are the same. I�m sure Ken will correct me if I�m wrong.)
> 
> <http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/drum-brake-self-adjusters-understanding-these-ancient-devices/>
> 
> Further research indicates that VW & Japanese drum brakes self-adjust by parking brake application. (Google is your friend.)
> 
> <http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2278383/fixing-drum-brakes-by-backing-up>
> 
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> > On May 13, 2016, at 6:15 AM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> > 
> > Aren't these self adjusting, by pumping the brakes multiple times?
> > 
> > John
> > On May 13, 2016 08:02, "Don Hanson" <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
> > 
> >> Can anyone suggest an easy way to keep straight which direction to rotate
> >> the brake-adjuster wheels on our vans?  I always seem to get confused while
> >> moving from r-side to l-side wheel.  Not the easiest drums to adjust, are
> >> they?
> >> 
> 
> �All journeys end when we reach our destination but the journeying remains a thing apart, unique unto itself. Most of us make life�s journeys without understanding that the journeying is a separate thing.� 
> Bob Hoover - The Grendel Saga