Jim,
Sounds like they probably fixed your problem.
A simple test:
Drive the vanagon, and then apply the hand-brake.
The vanagon should slow down and eventually stop,
if the rear brakes are working properly.
Also there should be no pulsating.

If they resurfaced the rear drums, the cable
has to be readjusted.
The hand-brake should engage positively after
4 to 6 clicks.
The rear brake drums can be a real pain to get
off sometimes, if they are rusted on. (very common)
To limit the rusting-on problem, I apply some anti-seize
compound on the mating surface of the rear wheel hub
before reinstalling the brake drums.
But be careful not to get any of it on the wheel studs.
Makes future maintenance much easier.
Harald
'90 westy

Jim wrote:
> Just got back from my FLATS.  Had new metal valve stems put in so I could
crank the pressure on my Mich MXTs up to 50 lbs.  While they were at it I
asked them to look at the brakes to see the condition of the linings.  When
I picked it up yesterday.  First time I hit the brakes it made a
"wacka-wacka" noise and I could feel the same pulsing in the pedal.  I took
it back today to complain and have them fix it.  Come to find out they
"heated it up" (I assume meaning the drum) to get it off to look at the
brakes.  Today they turned the drums (no charge) but said they'd replace it
if was still causing a problem.  I just drove it now and really can't
detect either the pulsing or the noise.  Should I be concerned about this
and make them pony up for the new drum or just be happy they got rid of it?
 Is there any long term concerns?
> TIA
> Jim in Iowa
> 91 Passat Wagon GL
> 89 Westy
> 66 Beetle