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crowther Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Central Virginia
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject: Trouble adjusting front brakes; 63 bug |
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I just bled the brakes to see if that would correct the squishy pedal and uneven braking (pulling to left). It greatly improved the pedal feel but still pulled, so I began the adjusting process. Worn adjusters probably made the job a bit more frustrating, but I followed standard procedure. Did each adjuster (2 per cylinder), tightening till slight drag, then back off a couple clicks, for each shoe. Thought I had it right, but now pulls to the right. It was late so I quit there.
This could go on and on. Is there a trick to getting better adjustment w/o doing it over and over? Last time I did brake work ona car the drum brakes had self-adjusters and I was spoiled. _________________ Paul
63 Bug, just because
57 MGA for the sunny days
82 911SC daily driver
12 MiniCooper ALL4
04 F150 for big jobs
2 car garage for all of this |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24757 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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No. You just have to adjust them correctly, or get someone else to do it for you. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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Egorspyle65 Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2009 Posts: 249 Location: Easley SC
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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Ive always been told you have to adjust drum brakes till they have a very slight drag. Its always worked for me. Was told this by a very reputable VW shop nearby. |
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drscope Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007 Posts: 15273 Location: Baltimore, Maryland USA
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:50 pm Post subject: |
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Adjust until you have a slight drag and then back it off ONE click - not a couple clicks.
Pulling can also be caused by oil, grease or brake fluid leaking into the drum. This may also explain your squishy pedal.
you may want to pull the drums off and take a look inside.
And if you don't know how old your rubber flex lines are, it might be time to replace them. They can also make for some strange brake habits when they start to go bad. _________________ Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch! |
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vdubmyk Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2008 Posts: 508 Location: Corona, CA
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:47 pm Post subject: |
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always adjust first and then bleed the system. If your brake hoses are collapsed it will definitely pull one way. They might "look" ok but they fail internally. If they look old, peace of mind will say replace them. One way to tell of a collapsed line is to raise the wheels off the ground and have a buddy hold the pedal down while you try to spin the wheel. If you cannot spin the wheel then you have good pressure and have him/her release the pedal, as you are trying to spin it. It should release right away, if it takes a second or two, your lines are probably restricted and need replacing. This is good for all four wheels. When I worked at a VW shop, that is how we checked them. _________________ 64 stock bug, 12V (converted 6v unit), 40 hp, all documents even sales contract and dealer window sticker! |
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79SuperVert Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2002 Posts: 9758 Location: Elizabeth, NJ & La Isla Del Encanto
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Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:18 am Post subject: |
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What worked for me was first adjusting them first until they don't move at all, then pumping a lot, bleeding, and then adjusting for a slight drag. _________________ Central Jersey VW Society
Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt. |
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Itawayoflife Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2006 Posts: 1181 Location: Buena Park,CA
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Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:58 am Post subject: |
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I think everybody has their own method. I adjust the pads until they can't go anymore, pump the brakes a couple of times and then back them off 1 or 2 clicks or until I get one full rotation when I spin the wheel. _________________ The quest continues... |
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