I have a 99 Civic VP with 84,000 miles and can't keep the rear brakes in adjustment.

After I adjust the rear brakes (and emergency brake), the brake pedal is perfect.

As I drive the car, the pedal slowly gets lower.

I drive the car in reverse, pump the brake pedal and pull on the emergency brake, but the pedal doesn't come up.

The emergeny brake stops after 5 clicks, so I know the adjustment is good.

I pulled the drums and inspected the rear brakes, but everything seems assembled correctly.

I lubed the adjuster and backing plate points when I installed new brake shoes 5000 miles ago.

What is the trick to get the rear shoes to adjust automatically?

 

Not sure what you're saying here. If the hand brake still has normal travel and can stop the car, the rear brakes are in good adjustment.

Swapping parts left for right is a common mistake with drum brakes. Also when you buy a kit of parts don't count on them supplying a proper paired set.

 

I would apply foot brake while the car is standing still with no e-brake. With constant pressure to the pedal, if it goes "lower, slowly", I suspect a bad brake master cylinder.

If the pedal feels firm, I would let the car roll forward slowly with no foot brake applied. Upon reaching 5 ~ 10 feet of travel, apply the foot brake. If the pedal traveled more than when parked, I suspect warped rotors or drums. Also, I wold check for loose wheel bearings, axle nuts and lug nuts.

I don't know if there is any trick to adjusting e-brake since it is supposed be self adjusting if I am not mistaken.