Brake wheel cylinder failure occurs in two different ways, with two opposite symptoms. The wheel cylinder can become seized, in which case it will not release the brake shoes from the rotor. The seized cylinder will cause the vehicle to brake constantly on one side of the vehicle, forcing the vehicle to move toward that side. Also, this pulling will be accompanied by a strong odor from one wheel. Another way wheel cylinders fail is by leaking. If there is a leak, the brake pedal will be noticeably easier to push, and will sink all the way to the floor when held. After only a few repetitions of pressing the brake pedal, the braking ability of the vehicle may become completely compromised. There may also be brake fluid leaking onto the wheel.
