Hi,

I just replaced the rear drums and shoes on my 91 Westy.� �  I tried to
follow the Bently to measure the adjuster "preset", but I don't have
anything to measure it properly.

I played with winding out the adjuster until my brake shoes just rubbed
on the drum, then backed it off until they didn't rub anymore.�  Well, a
tiny scrape at one point where they are out of round a bit, but I figure
that will wear down shortly.

After doing this with both wheels, the parking brake feels very good,
similar to how it was with the old shoes/drum.

However, my brake peddle is soft, like there is air in it.�  The only way
I think this could have happened is if I let the slave pistons extend
too far while I was messing around putting the shoes on. Does this make
sense?

It is soft, and it does pump up, so I'm pretty sure it's air.�  But it
should only be in the slave cylinder.�  I checked the brake fluid
resevoir and it's above the MAX, which is what I would expect with new
shoes on and the pistons further into the cylinder.

I've never had to bleed the brakes on my westy.

I do have a generic "vacuum" pump (manual) that comes with a device to
capture brake fluid.�  Assuming I can get the bleed screw open, can I
just use that?

I am alone, so it's hard to do it how I used to (on other vehicles).�
Historically I've run a hose to a jar of brake fluid, had a second
person pump the brake pedal, open the bleed screw, let the air/fluid
escape and repeat as necessary.

Thanks for any input!

Cheers,
Steve Williams