Help needed (hints) on rear drum brakes..

[ajrn]

Hope someone can help me..

I pulled the rear brakes off my g/f's 87 Cabby.. I assume it's still an A1-- since it is "a Rabbit" sans roof..

I had a leaking brake line, and had intended to drop the rear axle to remove the tank (a different thread here) but thought-- well-- you've done the front brakes, might as well do the rears, and be DONE with it..

I will point out, that I've done dozens of DISC brake pad replacements, caliper replacements-- etc.. But have made a conscious effort NEVER to touch drums-- NOW I know why!! :roll:

I'm going to do a total refurb.. I bought new wheel cylinders (Meyle) speedbleeders to fit, and FEBI/Bilstein shoes.. Even bought new spring sets.. DID I MENTION I BELIEVE IN DO IT ALL-- and be DONE with it?? I pulled them off the stub axles-- after determining the brake cables were there, in "spirit" only.. 8O

I was SMART enough, to only disassemble one, so I'd have a "representative sample" to try to put the first one back together with..

I'll admit-- I gave up, after about 20 minutes-- mainly because I knew I was already tired, and my frustration level had climbed to a point I wanted to use a hammer..

ANY GOOD "hints" on how to get these back together.. I've got a 3 day weekend and want to get the axle down, tank up, and get this girl on the road.. This is something I can do, when my daughter's awake-- I can't be under the car all weekend..

I "could" take it to a brake shop, suffer the indignity-- and pay the price.. But I'd really RATHER learn how to do this... I've got a CADDY, that'll need 'em done sooner or later.. :cry:

AJ RN

[burn_your_money]

Brakes are the only thing on a car I haven't tinkered with (yet)

Best of luck

[stinkysGTI]

so you're just trying to change out the rear drum brakes? or the entire drum assembly itself?

it was just hard for me to follow where you are exactly in the process, but i have changed quite a few drums so i might be able to help ;)

and good idea leaving one intact. i made that mistake once 8O

[GoodDayForADrive]

If I were doing it I would've just bought a rear disc conversion. I'd love to help, but I have front and rear disc brakes.

[ajrn]

I'm replacing the cylinders and shoes in them both.. I've bought all new hardware, as well..

I've got one totally apart, and the cylinder replaced.. I'm just trying to get the springs, and pads, and "adjustment" system back together.

Like i said-- I kept one side "together" so I've got one to look at-- but I'm trying to decide if there's a specific order to get it together..

AJ RN

[GoodDayForADrive]

Do you have a Bentley manual? Those things generally tell you everything. If you don't have one, I'll check mine tonight to see, but I have the mk3 version, so the drums may have changed since back then.

[burn_your_money]

I have a mk1 bentley and I'll take pictures of it if you don't have one

[ajrn]

The problem wasn't "knowing" what to do- I replaced all the springs with new ones and... Uh-- I was having a devil of a time getting them ON..

They're all back together..

I do have another question--

What do you call the metal 'spring clip' that goes over the union between the brake line and brake hose?? I had to cut one, and one was pretty rusting-- so I've got to replace them..

AJ RN