Seems to rotate back and forth ok, not sure which way is open and which way is closed.

from memory ...with all 4 wheels on the ground , normaly loaded boot etc , the spring should have a little slack , so that when you do load the car /boot the spring will make contact and work the valve gradually

Just wanted to say thanks all - car passed mot.

 

In the end I did the following jobs with the help of a friend:

- Stripped and cleaned drum mechanism, in-particular ensured wedge was clean (citric acid to the rescue)

- Free'd up wheel cylinders, they were in good shape, but had gone a little sticky, rolled rubber back and cleaned up.

- Free'd up hand brake pivot - this was almost seized solid in the off position, lots of gt85 and wiggling required.

- Fitted new rear wheel bearings

- Fitted new discs (as one disc was distorted)

- Deglazed pads, shoes and drum

- Bleed brakes (they didn't really need it though)

 

The stats improved a lot - went from 60kg combined rear braking force to almost treble that of 170kg - all from mechanical skill and cleaning!

Which is approx. 17% braking so just above the 16% threshold needed to pass mot!

 

I imagine that figure will improve as the brakes bed in more and more.

 

Finally a shout out to vwspares who sorted out parts and gave me advice:

AVS Car Parts - [The VW - Audi - Seat - Skoda Parts Specialist] (vwspares.co.uk)

 

Edited 4 March, 20215 yr by mk2 polo power

Nice photo of cleaned adjuster wedge - showing all important micro serrations.