rear drum brake cylinder replacement

Rear Drum Brake Cylinder Replacement A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing the rear drum brake cylinder is a crucial task for maintaining your vehicle's braking system. Over time, brake components can wear out, leading to decreased performance and safety risks. This guide will walk you through the essentials of replacing the rear drum brake cylinder, providing you with the knowledge to tackle this repair yourself or understand the process when seeking professional help.

Understanding the Drum Brake System

Before diving into the replacement process, it’s important to understand how drum brakes work. Unlike disc brakes, which use hydraulic calipers to squeeze brake pads against a rotating disc, drum brakes rely on a set of shoes that expand against the inner surface of a spinning drum. The hydraulic brake cylinder, located inside the drum, plays a pivotal role in activating the brake shoes when the brake pedal is pressed.

Signs of Brake Cylinder Failure

Identifying the signs of a failing brake cylinder is crucial for timely replacement. Common indicators include

1. Leaking Brake Fluid A puddle of brake fluid under the vehicle often signifies a failed cylinder. 2. Poor Braking Performance If you notice a decrease in braking power or a spongy brake pedal, it may result from a failing cylinder. 3. Uneven Brake Wear Inspecting the rear shoes may reveal uneven wear, often caused by hydraulic issues.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before beginning the replacement, gather the following tools and materials

- Brake cylinder replacement kit - Wrenches and sockets - Brake cleaner - Brake fluid - Screwdrivers - A jack and jack stands - Safety goggles and gloves

Steps to Replace the Rear Drum Brake Cylinder

1. Prepare the Vehicle Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.

2. Remove the Rear Wheel Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the drum brakes.

3. Take Off the Brake Drum Depending on the vehicle, you may need to remove retaining clips or screws holding the drum in place. Gently pull the drum off. If it’s stuck, tap it lightly with a hammer.

4. Inspect Brake Components Once the drum is off, inspect the brake shoes and hardware for wear. If these components are worn, consider replacing them as well.

5. Remove the Old Brake Cylinder Locate the brake cylinder attached to the backplate. Disconnect the brake lines carefully, as brake fluid can damage paint and other surfaces. Remove the mounting bolts to free the old cylinder from the backplate.

6. Install the New Brake Cylinder Position the new cylinder onto the backplate. Secure it with the retaining bolts and reattach the brake lines, ensuring they are tightly fastened to prevent leaks.

7. Reassemble the Brake System Reinstall the brake shoes if you removed them, following the configuration and orientation observed during disassembly. Ensure everything is secured and aligned properly.

8. Reattach the Brake Drum Slide the drum back onto the hub. If it doesn’t fit easily, double-check that the shoes are properly aligned inside the drum. Secure any retaining clips or screws.

9. Reinstall the Wheel Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle off the jack stands.

10. Bleed the Brake System To remove any air trapped in the brake lines, bleed the brakes by having an assistant pump the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder valve on the new cylinder.

11. Test Drive After ensuring everything is reassembled correctly, take the car for a test drive at low speeds to ensure that the brakes are functioning properly. Listen for any unusual noises, and check for leaks.

Conclusion

Replacing the rear drum brake cylinder can be a straightforward task with the right tools and knowledge. Regular maintenance of your braking system is essential for ensuring safety on the road. If at any point you feel unsure about the process, consulting with a professional mechanic is advisable. Remember, it’s always better to take precautionary measures than to compromise on safety.