1974 Volkswagen Beetle REAR BRAKES

Try the adjustment between the brake peddle and the master cylinder.

Good luck

Also, I think these bugs never had self-adjusters, which on newer drum brakes keep the linings close to the drum as they wear. You need to turn the star adjuster with a screwdriver through the little slot at the bottom of the back of the brake backing plate until the drum tightens up. Then back off a few turns until the drum turns freely. A little rubbing is OK. If your brakes haven't been replaced or serviced in a long time, the star adjusters may be stuck and you'll have to remove the drums, take the shoes and other hardware off and clean and lube the star adjusters.