The best shoes available are those from the dealer.  The are the only
metallic linings available and they have the correct dimensions.
Unfortunately they are also expensive at over $80 for the set.  The spring
kit is also available from the dealer at ~$16.00.  They fit.  For the wheel
cylinders, I would find a foreign parts place that will get you the original
ATE's.  The dealer is now re-boxing Brazilian crap. The big difference is
the spring that keeps the pistons pushed out.  To get better wear on the
shoes, I remove the lower shoe mounts and add three 15mm snap rings to each
one.  This even fits with new drums.  Make sure the drums are within spec
and check the cables.  Lubricate the arm for the hand brake on the shoes to
make sure there is no binding.  Hope this all helps.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Marilyn Nelson-Ehret <ehretrm@SEANET.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 1998 10:46 PM
Subject: REAR BRAKE SHOE REPLACEMENT

>Need some tech assistance please!
>
>On my 90 Vanagon Syncro, do I have to remove the rear wheel hub, as
>indicated in Bentley, page 46.6, to replace brake shoes, wheel cylinders
>and all the brake hardware?
>
>Any recommendations on brake shoes?  I have a Westy, carry weight and
>drive mountains.
>
>Thank you.  Since I am presently signed off, please respond directly to
>my e-mail address above.
>
>Roger Ehret, Gig Harbor, WA