[VB] [T2] BRake Shoes

[c.dreike]

Further information:

1. I took David's advice and tried to wear in the shoes by driving 
around the neighborhood in second gear and applying the brakes. Lots of 
heat. After cooling, they work much better and I would continue to use them.
2. I found that the new run in metallic shoes I removed were not fully 
engaged with the drums. Maybe 30% contact. That would make a huge 
difference in the stopping power. I should use them for a time and see 
if the braking improves. If the drums had some meat left, I would have 
them turned.
3. I installed the non-metallic shoes on the front. Braking is 
noticeably better, however the brakes squeal. I seem to recall replacing 
them some years ago for that reason. After driving around for a while, I 
returned home and parked in my garage. I checked the drums and found 
that the fronts were far hotter than the rears. The fronts had some 
smokey smell to them. I was not purposely using the brakes, just driving 
around normally. Due to the squeal I may swap back to the metallic 
shoes. These shoes make stopping feel as it did many years ago when I 
used the bus as a daily driver.
4. Followed Kevin's advice on adjustment and ended up about 2 notches 
tighter on the rear and the parking brake is working better.
5. I looked at my old shoes, front and rear, the shoes were fully 
engaged with the drums. Not happy with the braking, thus all the work 
and worry.
6. I suspect that freshly turned drums would provide better braking.

Since all but one of my drums is turned out to Max, I've decided that I 
should purchase new drums all around. Any suggestions?
I see several vendors show drums on their websites.  Ron at Bus Depot 
says he will have some nice ones in a few months.
Wolfsburg West has all drums (Brazilian or German) in stock as well as 
bearings and the front seals. German, not cheap, Brazilian, also not 
cheap but less.

I'll post again on this subject.
Chris

On 5/16/2017 6:49 PM, c.dreike wrote:
> Kevin,
> Thanks for the tip.
> That is exactly how I adjust my brakes. I still think that the 
> semi-metallic shoes don't have the friction that the older organic 
> shoes had.
>
> Chris
>
>
> On 5/16/2017 2:57 PM, Kevin Guarnotta wrote:
>>
>> Hi Chris,
>>
>> The fact that your parking/emergency brake doesn’t seem to work well 
>> indicates to me that your rear brakes need some adjusting.
>>
>> That might be all you need to fix them? I generally adjust my brakes 
>> until the wheels are scraping the drums a little bit. I figure 
>> driving will wear that little bit off, then my brakes are nice and 
>> tight. Anyone have a better method – I’m all ears.
>>
>> -Kevin Guarnotta
>>
>> ’65 Kombi
>>
>> ’69 Singlecab
>>
>> ’78 Westy
>>
>> Jamaica Plain, MA USA__
>>
>
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