Scudo (Expert/Dispatch) Rear Shoe Auto Adjuster Questions?

[ReganAndCarter]

Time to replace the rear brake shoes on my 2004 Mk1 Scudo 2.0 Jtd van. Unfortunately all the brake shoes I've replaced in the past have been manual adjusters on the back plate - had no experience of auto adjusters. I have a few Qs for the experts -

1) Would I need to replace the adjuster (van on 108,000 miles - don't know if original, but not been replaced in my 17 years of ownership)?

2) Or do I just need to clean adjuster and lube - copper grease, etc?

3) When it all goes back together, what do I need to do about adjusting the shoes? Do I leave the shoes in a bit so there's a gap to get the drums back on and drive it like that and let the adjuster move the shoes outwards to where it wants them? How long would it take the adjusters to make the shoes move outwards to the correct gap from drum?

4) Or do I need to put drum back on then turn teeth on adjuster so shoes are almost touching? Presumably in this case there's an access hole in backplate - I haven't looked?

5) Lastly, would it be necessary to renew the springs - think you can get them as a kit?

Thanks to anyone who has any help and advice they can give me (except "scrap the thing!" ).

 

[carmanmemoranda]

1. No if it all works, not broken
2 yes if it all works. But just the lightest smear of copper grease. You don't want any near the actual brake material, or fluid, or cylinder rubbers
3 if the drum has a lip on it it needs grinding off. Adjust so the drum just slides on. Once the drums are on, if the adjuster works ok, then several presses of the brake pedal will take up the slack. DO NOT use the handbrake until ALL adjustment is done
4 no access hole I know of in your setup.
5 I always replace springs, as a fitting kit, but many don't. They've worked hard though

Or 6. Just scrap the thing