Drum-brake Wheel Cylinder

How To Replace A Drumbrake Wheel Cylinder?

When newer ones substitute a spilling or sticking wheel cylinder on a drum brake, the hydraulic fluid is usually substituted.

Nevertheless, if the fluid has recently been updated or it is inconvenient to substitute it, you could indeed take steps to minimize fluid loss when you choose to replace a drumbrake wheel cylinder.

Such safety measures also make it a lot easier for bleeding the breaks or the framework once it has been refitted.

Separating The Cylinder

Remove the master-cylinder storage tank cap and, if necessary, replace that with a layer of clear plastic extended over the reservoir’s face.

The plastic layer frames the breather opening in the lid whenever the liquid pressure drops and produces a vacuum, restricting all but a small volume of liquid from getting away.

If there is indeed an adjustable hose contributing to the braking system, use a brake-hose buckle to secure it while being careful not to lose the hose.

When using rear brakes on a live axle, fasten the flexible hose(s), connecting the brake tubing on the chassis to the one on the axle.

Take out the drum brake and shoes. Before actually detaching the brake tubing from the wheel cylinder, unscrew the brake-pipe union at the backside of the wheel cylinder and unscrew or detach the wheel cylinder.

The technique differs depending on the category, but fasteners with studs or nuts are probably to be stiff, so apply penetrating oil with them a couple of hours ahead of time. Make certain that none gets into the drum brakes.

Taking out an E-clip, as well as single and double bolts

If the cylinder is held in place by only one stud, you only have to eliminate one bolt and plug the washer to free it. The cylinder has forecasting that fits into the backplate to prevent it from turning.

If the cylinder is kept in place by two bolts, detach both.

Perhaps there is a gasket between the cylinder and the backplate; the gasket must be replaced; a new one can be included with the purchase of a new cylinder.

The cylinder’s spherical base protrudes through into the backplate. It can’t turn because it’s held in place by a pin. A spring piece formed like a round capital ‘E’ fits around for a groove in the projection from the outside backplate to retain the cylinder in the spot.

Substitute both the frame and the gasket beneath the cylinder: replacements should be included with the new cylinder.

After installing the new cylinder and gasket on the backing plate, push the new clip onto the forecasts with an appropriate socket and push it down with a hammer. The clip’s concave part is placed beside the backplate.

Taking out a sliding cylinder

The cylinder’s base protrudes throughout a slot in the backplate, allowing it to slip right freely.

Outside the backplate, two interconnected jump pins pressed on different sides of the projection keep the cylinder inside the slot.

There may be a single spring plate with two separate frames. A sand cover is generally used to wrap the slot.

Remove the dust shield. Since there are two spring clips, remove the upper one by pressing each of its two supports alternately with a wrench and hammer for a small distance.

Remove the internal clip by squeezing it in the reverse direction. Sometimes you have to consider removing or adjusting the handbrake pulley arm to make space for one of the clips to be removed.

Whether there are two clips underneath a spring plate, slip right the clip closest to the handbrake handle as far as it will go.

Press the other clip in the same position before its end fits underneath the spring. Move the first clip down to remove the spring from the second clip. Remove the plate and the first clip by pulling the second clip loose.

To loose the cylinder from the backplate, you may need to eliminate the handbrake-lever arm or bleed nips once more. You can check out this guide if your brake fluid is not coming out while bleeding.

Taking out the brake pipe

Unscrew the union bolt prior to actually extracting the wheel cylinder when separating the brake pipe.

Just use the cylinder to lift an extra inch of brake pipe through to the backplate once it is totally independent.

With a wrench, secure the union nut and loosen the union by trying to twist the cylinder. This technique of separation prevents the brake pipe from being twisted, avoiding damaged brake light circuits.

Unions are often rigid and rusted. Apply penetrating oil some few hours prior to actually loosening one to ensure that no oil gets into the drum.

Take better care not to spin the pipe or nozzle when unscrewing the union nut. When using a metal pipe, make absolutely sure the nut is rolling on the pipe rather than twisting it.

Briefly wrap the end of a detached pipe or nozzle with a plastic plug or a polythene pouch fixed in place with an elastic band. Do not apply any pressure to the braking system.

If a nut seizes, don’t really attempt to force that off with a pipe wrench; you will ‘roll’ the edges, making it even more difficult to flip, and the wrench will slip.

Rather, apply penetrating oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then use a self-locking wrench.

Putting the cylinder back together

Wash the backplate, as well as the pipe union(s) and bolt with a stiff brush (s). Completely erase grit and rust clumps.

Screw the unions together tightly, taking care not to cross-thread.

Replace the cylinder by following the same steps you used to eliminate it. Toughen the union(s), taking care not to spin a pipe or hose.

FAQs

Is it possible to replace a wheel cylinder without trying to remove the shoes?

Substitute the brake wheel cylinder without already having to replace the brake shoes and having to turn (or replace) the drum brakes, as this may end up causing the brakes to wear irregularly or cease.

What is the cost of replacing a brake wheel cylinder?

The typical cost to replace a brake wheel cylinder is somewhere between $157 and $191. Union costs are projected to be somewhere around $95 and $120, with parts costing among $62 and $71.

This variety doesn’t include the taxes or fees, and it does not take into account your specific vehicle or position. Repairs to related systems may also be required.

Bottom Line

A car’s brakes are indeed an important preventive measure. Whenever an issue with the brake wheel cylinder takes place, it really should be replaced by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible.

The braking system on today’s modern vehicles is made up of highly developed and effective anti-lock braking systems, which are frequently applied via disc-brake pads. Also, check this guide explaining the best types of grease for brake pads.

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