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Releasing the Rear Brake Shoes on a Front Wheel Drive VW

If you are replacing the rear brake shoes on an '80s to '90s Volkswagen, you may have difficulty getting the brake drum off because the brake shoes are catching on the ridge left on the brake surface of the drum. First make sure the park brake is released. You should be able to tug on the cable from underneath at the wheel, the cable should be loose, not tight. Back off the adjustment nuts at the brake lever if necessary.

You can release the adjustment mechanism with a screwdriver though the wheel bolt hole.

Put your screwdriver into the wheel bolt hole nearest the front of the car. A flashlight will help you find the spot under the adjustment wedge. It just takes a little push down on the screwdriver to lift the adjuster.

This photo with the brake drum removed, shows where to place the screwdriver tip. Lift the adjustment wedge to release the brake shoes.