Introduction
Maintaining the braking system of your VW Baywindow Bus is essential for safety and performance. Over time, brake shoes wear down and require replacement to ensure optimal braking efficiency. This guide provides a step-by-step process to replace the rear brake shoes on your Baywindow Bus.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
Follow these steps to replace the rear brake shoes:
- Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface and secure it with wheel chocks. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly.
- Raise the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the rear of the bus and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels to access the brake components.
- Remove the Brake Drum: The brake drum may be held in place by retaining screws or may be rusted onto the hub. If it's stuck, gently tap around the drum with a rubber mallet to loosen it. For detailed guidance on drum removal, refer to this discussion on TheSamba forum.
- Inspect Components: With the drum removed, examine the brake shoes, springs, and wheel cylinder for wear or damage. Replace any components that show signs of excessive wear or corrosion including leaking wheel cylinders which are very common.
- Remove Old Brake Shoes: Carefully detach the return springs using brake spring pliers. Remove the retaining clips or pins holding the brake shoes in place, then take off the old shoes.
- Install New Brake Shoes: Position the new brake shoes against the backing plate. Secure them with retaining clips or pins, and reattach the return springs, ensuring all components are properly seated.
- Reassemble and Adjust: Reinstall the brake drum and adjust the brake shoes so they slightly drag against the drum. This ensures proper contact and braking efficiency.
- Final Checks: Reinstall the wheels, lower the vehicle, and test the brake pedal for firmness. If necessary, readjust the brake shoes to achieve the desired pedal feel.
For a comprehensive visual demonstration of this process, refer to the video tutorial above:
Find the Right Parts Below
We offer a wide selection of high-quality rear brake shoes and related components suitable for VW Baywindow Bus models. Browse our inventory below to find the perfect fit for your vehicle.
