2001 caravan brake problems

[yrman]

i recently had to change the brake shoes on my 01 GC. when i took it out for a test drive i noticed that the brake pedal would pulsate when pressed and the steering wheel would shudder also. a couple of my auto buddies told me the front rotors needed turned, so i took them to an auto shop and turned them and the problem still exists. Also, i had the drums turned when i changed the shoes. Problem is more noticeable at higher rates of speed. Any help or suggestios greatly appreciated.

[Anaudiophile]

The front end is certainly the pulsation problem if you can feel it in the steering wheel. This is usually rectified by machining the front rotors?? Assuming they've been machined properly you may have a bent axle/hub bearing??

[yrman]

how can you check to see you have a bent axle? It was also suggested that since i recently replaced the brake shoes that i re-adjust them. anyway i can adjust them without taking the drum off? any tips on how close to the drum lining they should be for a proper adjustment?

[Anaudiophile]

Also........if the pulsation is only there when pressing the brake pedal, the cv joints would not be the issue here.
Firstly, to adjust the rear brake shoes, place the rear of the van on stands and pry out the little rubber plug at the top of the backing plates. A medium sized flat screwdriver can easily access the self adjuster wheel through the hole in the backing plate. While turning a wheel adjust the adjuster until you feel some semidecent resistance when turning the wheel. That's it. If they are badly out of adjustment since replacing the shoes, you will notice the brake pedal feeling harder or have less freeplay.
Secondly, assuming you have had the front rotors machined properly. To check the front wheel bearings/hubs you'll need to remove the wheels, calipers and rotors. Then you'll need a dial indicator. Fasten the DI tightly to the steering knuckle and place the DI needle on the face of the hub. Be sure to clean off any rust/chips from the surface to make it fairly smooth. Then rotate the hub around after zeroing the meter. Check and measure the runout. Generally anything over 0.0015" is considered excessive, but if you're feeling it badly in the steering wheel you should be easily seeing more that that!!
Anyways, hope this helps. Personally I think the rotors aren't true cause you feel it when pressing the brake pedal!!!???