Stefan-

Sounds like you need two things...new rear shoes/hardware, and some
lubrication/movement in the parking brake cables. It sounds like the cables
are pretty corroded/stuck in their housings. Slick 50 Spray, and some
working them back and forth should loosen them up. Follow the cables under
the van to where they go into the housings. Spray there, and work the brake
up and down.

It also sounds like one or more of your brake shoes may have separated or
has fused to the drum (not un-common if stored with the brake set).

Plan on $100+ for shoes, hardware, and possibly drums. MAKE SURE you drain
and pump out all of your old brake fluid, (and clutch fluid) and
re-fill/bleed in new. The old stuff is full of water by now, and has
probably started you brake parts toward rusting. SWAP YOUR FLUIDS.

Cheers.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Stefan Weir [SMTP:WEIRSTEF@CS.COM]
Sent:   Monday, November 22, 1999 6:51 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        HELP!! Big Bad Brake Clunking Noise

As some of you know i recently replaced the engine in my '82 Diesel and it
was in storage for almost two years.  The brakes *seemed* fine for a little
while, but now when i back out of my driveway there is an awful clunking
noise when I hit the brakes.  I can also feel a vibration in the pedal.  At
times the pedal feels soft and other times it is very hard.  The noise
appears to be coming from the driver's side rear wheel.  It is dark now and
I
will look it over tomorrow.  Just wanted to see if anyone had had a similar
experience.  Also, probably related, sometimes when i go to release the
parking brake, it doesn't release.  I have to give it gas and then a POP!
and
it is released.  I hope no one tells me I need to replace all my rear
brakes...I am a college student who just paid for a new diesel.....

....but I do like to stop.

Thanks
Stefan