Tom,

I may be way off here since I don't remember how the Vanagon rear self
adjusting brakes work but ...

In other cars the adjustment takes place when stopping in reverse.  The
action is that the brake shoes wobble enough to move a ratchet that turns
the adjusting star wheel.  If the brakes are adjusted well, no wobble, and
no turning of the wheel.  A simple system that works well except when a
brake mechanic puts the adjustment mechanism in upside down.  Then the
wobble backs off the adjustment rather than tightens it.

I've had this problem several times when I've let others work on my brakes,
but as I said above, I don't know whether the Vanagon uses this method or
not.

Mike

Michael A. Radtke  -  Z74               Voice: 602-862-4897
Bull                                      FAX:         4853
13430 N. Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, AZ  85029                      Email: m.radtke@bull.com