Backus, Brian G wrote:
>
> I've only done a rear brake job on my Vanagon once.  But you know it's
> been so long ago that I forgot,  How do you adjust the parking brake?
> And what is the proper way to remove the brake drums?
>
> Any theories?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brian G. Backus
> 86 Westy

Brian...
the proper way in the bentley is ok up to where they say to remove the
big axle nut and spindle.

you can remove the drum by removing the drum bolts (9 or 10 mm, I think)
squirt wd-40 or liquid wrench in there to help loosen the rust bond.
Then whack on it with a rubber mallet--i have a nice dead blow hammer
that works great.  Then work around the spindle, etc.   Oh, do the above
after you do the following:

releasing emerg brake tension:  Under the van, you'll see the emerg
brake equalizer:  one rod from the brake lever goes into a cross rod.
The emergency brake cables running to each drum brake are attached at
either end of the cross rod.  Loosen the nut holding the lever cable
under tension.  Then back off the adjusting wheel (i made that tool by
bending a used up flat head screwdriver).

killer tool tip (I think Mark McCulley passed this on to me):  buy a
spring grabbing tool, it'll save you hours of agravating fiddling when
disconnecting, reconnecting the 3 or 4 springs in each brake assembly.
The springs are tedious as it is and this tool makes the job sooooo much
faster.

later,
fred

PS while in there, gently peak under the rubber boots on the wheel
cylinders for fluid.  Maybe consider replacing if there is fluid
leaking.  R&R of whl cylndrs is whole nother procedure.  But peace of
mind is nice.  Bus depot was super helpful with all drum parts.
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