Rear brake adjustment

[KINGPRAWN]

Recently had both rear wheel bearings replaced for MOT , obviously the whole brake set up had to be removed so all adjustment has to be redone. Driving away from the garage I can feel the pedal pulsing when my foot is on the pedal. Mentioned it to them and they thought that being self adjusting it would correct while driving.... Well it got better but still isn't right. They said to return but I would rather have the procedure to give to them... So does anybody know how??? '87 14" syncro.. Thanks

[lloydy]

Same as any drum brakes really, so garage should know.. they don't really self adjust either. just need to wind the shoes out til they hit the drum, then back off 3-5 'clicks'
as long as the adjuster is not seized its a pretty quick job and makes a massive difference to pedal travel

[KINGPRAWN]

Thanks lloydy.. Can it be done without removing the wheels with the special tool???

[lloydy]

much easier with the wheels off, i've tried with them on, gave up and took them off

[KINGPRAWN]

But no need to remove the drum?

[lloydy]

No, dont remove the drum..
1, remove wheel
2, through access hole in brake backplate wind shoes out til they won't go any further
3, tap/hit face of drum with hammer or similar then see if they will wind out more (might get i more click, maybe not)
4, now move the adjuster the other way, it will twang every now and again. between 3-5 twangs will back the shoes off enough. you basically want to be able to rotate the drum, but 'feel' the shoes rubbing slightly
5, that should be it, do both sides before touching the brake pedal
it will also make your handbrake feel a lot better

[KINGPRAWN]

Thanks so much for your time.... Andy

[AdrianC]

If the pedal's "pulsing", then that's not adjustment - that's either warped front discs or out-of-round drums. If the footbrake works without disappearing towards the headlights and the handbrake works without having to put it somewhere in the back of the van, then the rear brakes are adjusted.

[KINGPRAWN]

If the pedal's "pulsing", then that's not adjustment - that's either warped front discs or out-of-round drums. If the footbrake works without disappearing towards the headlights and the handbrake works without having to put it somewhere in the back of the van, then the rear brakes are adjusted.

Thanks but I have to disagree .. When I last had the rear shoes replaced I had the same symptoms and sorted it myself but didn't really know what I was doing.. Just hit it lucky. Same symptoms this time, all was well when driven in and not when driven out, so can't see how discs or drums could of changed!... Although as you say you would think.