Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement
How are brake wheel cylinder issues diagnosed?
Upon a visual inspection, the servicing technician will notice the brake shoes are severely worn on one wheel, the wheel cylinder does not provide sufficient clamping force to stop the vehicle, or brake fluid leaking out of the brake drum. The wheel cylinder in question will be inspected to verify a reliable diagnosis has been reached.
How is a brake wheel cylinder replaced?
Replacement requires removal of the wheel and tire, brake drum, brake shoe hardware, and brake shoes. Then the brake line is disconnected from the wheel cylinder, and the cylinder is unbolted and removed. Once the new wheel cylinder is installed the brake shoes, brake shoe hardware, brake drum, and wheel are installed. The brakes will then be flushed, bled of air, and adjusted prior to placing the vehicle on the ground and tightening the wheel nuts to proper specifications.
RepairPal Recommendations for brake wheel cylinder issues
When a wheel cylinder fails, the brake shoe friction linings on that wheel may become contaminated with brake fluid, or worn excessively. This will require replacement of the brake shoes, brake shoe hardware, and brake drum, through the drum may be eligible for resurfacing. Although the corresponding brakes on the other side of the vehicle may not have been affected, the shoes on both sides of the vehicle must be replaced, along with the brake drums to maintain even braking from side to side. If the faulty wheel cylinder is in the front of the vehicle, the rear brakes do not require replacement. Likewise, if the faulty wheel cylinder is in the rear, the front brakes do not require replacement unless faulty.