Squeaking from the back end..

[Ben C]

Afternoon all,

Myself and my girlfriend have just bought a 1983 1.9DG viking conversion about a week ago.
We've had it checked over at Brickwerks who ended up replacing all front upper wishbone bushes and a balljoint after saying they only had enough time to squeeze me in for a check over (Top chaps!! You all know already, but they really were great). It's had a clean bill of health for the time being with all bearings appearing to be ok.

However, there's a squeaking coming from the back end. I think it's brake related as it seems to go away when the brakes are applied. It started off as being intermittant from one side but is now more regular and from both sides. Are there any common causes for this? The van hasn't done many miles in recent years (about 150 in the last 2) and so far I've racked up about 300. In the meantime I've ordered a new set of shoes and a service kit with all the springs etc. but is there anything in particular I need to look out for? I've played with most aspects of cars and bikes before but have never had reason to delve inside a drum.

Thing is, we're due to set off in 7 days to stop off at my brothers wedding in france before carrying on towards Switzerland and Germany. Need to get it sorted!

If I get really stuck, are there any members anywhere near Leeds?
Oh yeah, sorry for lengthy 1st post!!

Cheers, Ben

[fairwynds]

Hi, and welcome to the site.
You said the squeak dissapears when you apply the brakes.... (altho you dont say how hard!), so sounds like the rear wheels and drums need taking off and a good clean up inside. Copper slip or a proprietary brake grease on the moving bits (keeping it to a bare minimum and AWAY from drum and pad surfaces!) Adjust the rear shoes properly (easily done) and Bobs yer uncle! If the shoes and drums (and springs/adjusters etc) all look in good order, then often all that is needed is a pray of brake cleaner and a light sanding/deglazing of the shoes surfaces, oh and same for inside the drums.
If the vans not had new shoes for ages be particularly careful of the disturbed brake dust as the old shoes might still be the ones containing asbestos particals.....not nice, wear a dust mask.
You might well fine spiders and all sorts in there!
Good luck and let us know.....
FW

[Red Westie]

I think by the time you have stripped, cleaned, lubed (the back plates and pivot points on the shoes) re-assembled and adjusted your rear brakes... chances are your noise will have gone.
Martin