i have a 73 vw super beetle (with all wheel drum brakes) and they are out of adjustment how can i do fix them?

Question

ok so i have all wheel drum brakes on my 73 super beetle and they are way out of adjustment. im not sure how to go about fixing them my father in law says there is an air leak but there are no signs of a leak. then i found out they were out of adjustment the pedal goes to the floor. i had a friend adjust the front brakes a little it helped a little but how do i fix them all together?

Answer 1

Here is a link for how to adjust the brakes. Its really simple, I need to do mine today actually. THe 1st time is fustrating because you may do them backwards (meaning loosen them) But I will provide a picture on how to make sure you dont loosen them.



How to adjust:

http://www.vw-resource.com/adjust1.html



Direction of the stars to tighten/loosen:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/64bugowners/page_68.jpg



The arrow on top of the pics represent pointing to the front. Hope these help

Answer 2

This is a manual adjustment. not stopping you very well, does damage to the drum.). Consider doing both sides(drivers and passengers at the same time).

Anyways, as you realize this is a lay under the car job.

You might be at the point at which it would be easier to inspect the whole darn thing.



You know, all this information is in a "repair you VW book" if you would go to a second hand store or the public library with pictures" Much easier. If it is drums all the way around then any old aircooled VW repair manual will do(of any year) because nothing much changed. Assembly is all the same. Beetle, van,Type 3. In many cases you can approach another beetle owner and ask them directly if they had ever done it. A young guy has more than likely done it.



You may be having more problems than unadjusted brake shoes...I am thinking air in the brake lines(meaning something is leaking brake fluid.) That is a concern. Because that means no brakes. And that comes without warning(well, you got some warning, like right now)If the pedal goes to the floor, it needs a mechanic if you are not one to inspect and repair it. That is, "if" you value your pretty face or your life.?

Answer 3

Paul as owner of many kinds of VWs this sounds more like the master cylinder.The adjustment would have some effect but not one that last. After the repair did the peddle go to the floor ? if so then it's the master.

The adjustment would have been held at the top for a few seconds. Then slowly goes down ? Master.

If the above was correct as far as what the peddle is doing then "Master"

There would be no air leak without fluid squirting from the spot.

Best bet if your not mechanical is have it done, go to the local VW shop. This way you can get the wheel cyl's checked as well.

Answer 4

if memory serves me correctly, the old beetles have "star adjusters" on all 4 wheels. they have one "star" for EACH shoe. you have to either go from the rear of the backing plate or thru the front of the drum with a "brake spoon" to adjust each shoe independently. if the adjusting slot is on the front of the drum, there should be a small round rubber cover thats pressed into the drum. you have to remove it to see the "star" adjusters. the covers are either on the front of the drum or on the back side of the backing plate.



if this dosent help the problem, you MAY need to check further, (check the wheel cylinders, steel brake lines AND the master cylinder). if you DO have any leaks and the brake fluid is on the shoes, you MUST replace them. they are contaminated and will NOT work any longer. do NOT try to sand down the shoes to get the fluid off them, as this will NOT help. once fluid is on the shoes, it seeps all the way thru the shoes to the metal backing........ again, you MUST replace the shoes.



hope this helps.

Answer 5

Sounds like you have a brake fluid leak.I would have the car towed to your mechanic.If you are not sure about the adjustment you will not be able to repair the leak yourself.If the pedal is going to the floor do not chance driving it for your own safety and that of your fellow motorists.

Answer 6

Did you bench bleed the master cylinder? If you didn't, take the master cylinder off and bleed it. You should have gotten some instruction when you bought it. The autoparts store where you got the MC from should be able to give you some instructions.