<VV> Brake system questions

[Bryan Blackwell]

Answers in line:

On Apr 13, 2008, at 10:12 PM, Dave Thompson wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
< snip unfortunate past :-) >

> Upon disassembly, I found that the right front, front shoe had a  
> crack all
> the way down the center of the shoe lining with large chips  
> missing. One of
> the rear axle shoes (I can't remember which) have some chips out of  
> the
> lining. All other shoes look new and are in good condition.  All 8  
> shoes
> have a red painted "Bob's Brakes" on them. I see gobs of "glue"  
> squishing
> from under the linings from the bonding process (Poor quality
> remanufacture?).  The drums all look newly turned and are in great  
> shape,
> well within the specified thickness.
>
I think you're right to suspect Bob's workmanship.
>
> I will be replacing all four shoe sets, including new spring  
> hardware kits
> using a major name brand manufacturer. The rest of the system was  
> re-built
> by the previous owner a year or so ago. All the wheel cylinders  
> look new
> with good rubber and no leakage. The updated dual master cylinder was
> installed with good craftsmanship and the fluid looks new. All the  
> steel
> body lines and rubber body to wheel lines look new.
>
Sounds like a good plan.  If the fluid is normal DOT 3 or 4 you might  
want to flush it every couple years.
>
<snip>

>  I am unable to find any pictures of the parts
> breakdown.

I think you can find a good drawing in the assembly manual.
>
> Do I just put the "T" cup on the shoe with the adjuster and nothing  
> under
> the other hold down spring?
>
Stock as I recall is the T cup for the adjuster and an ill-fitting  
washer under the other side.
>
> What is the possible cause of the shoe lining cracks and chipping?  
> Poor
> quality shoe lining?
>
I'd suspect that.  The lining has been overheated, and usually cheap  
linings overheat.
>
> What lubricant should I use between the shoe and backing plate? I  
> plan to
> sparingly use white lithium grease.
>
I use disc brake grease.
>
> Sometimes when I drive away after having the E-brake on, the rear  
> brakes
> seem to drag for a half a mile or so. If I stomp on the brakes they  
> retract
> and do not drag. Will the new spring kits fix this or is there a  
> return
> E-brake spring that I haven't found yet that needs to be replaced?  
> I will
> follow the "green book" to properly adjust the E-brake when I do  
> the job.
>
I think the new return springs will fix that.  It could also be the  
cable needs lubricating.
>
--Bryan