Steps for Replacing Wheel Cylinder in Drum Brake System

How to Change Wheel Cylinder in Drum Brakes

Changing the wheel cylinder in drum brakes is a crucial task that ensures the safe functioning of your vehicle's braking system. The wheel cylinder is responsible for pushing the brake shoes against the brake drum when the brake pedal is pressed. If your brakes are leaking fluid or if you notice a decrease in braking efficiency, it might be time to replace the wheel cylinder. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the wheel cylinder in drum brakes.

Tools and Materials Needed

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake cleaner - Wrench set - Screwdriver - New wheel cylinder - Brake fluid - Drum brake rebuilding kit (optional) - Gloves and safety goggles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Safety First Before you start, ensure you wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from brake dust and other contaminants. Work in a well-ventilated area and ensure that the vehicle is parked on a flat surface.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you’ll be replacing the wheel cylinder. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Jack Up the Vehicle Using the jack, lift the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Once it’s secure, completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the drum brakes.

4. Remove the Brake Drum If the drum doesn’t come off easily, you may need to tap it lightly with a hammer. In some cases, there could be retaining screws holding it in place; remove these if applicable.

5. Inspect the Brake Assembly Before removing the wheel cylinder, inspect the overall condition of your braking components. Look for worn brake shoes, springs, or other items that may also need replacement.

6. Disconnect the Wheel Cylinder Locate the wheel cylinder. It is typically mounted to the brake backing plate and has two brake lines attached to it. Using the appropriate wrench, carefully disconnect the brake lines, ensuring that you have a container ready to catch any leaking brake fluid.

7. Remove the Old Wheel Cylinder After disconnecting the brake lines, remove the mounting bolts holding the wheel cylinder in place. Take out the old cylinder and compare it with the new one to ensure they are identical.

8. Install the New Wheel Cylinder Place the new wheel cylinder in position and secure it with the mounting bolts. Tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure a proper fit.

9. Reconnect Brake Lines Reattach the brake lines to the new wheel cylinder. Make sure the connections are tight, but be cautious not to over-tighten, as this can damage the fittings.

10. Reassemble the Brake Components If you replaced any brake shoes or springs, install them now. Replace the brake drum and then the wheel, tightening the lug nuts by hand initially before lowering the vehicle.

11. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern. This ensures even pressure across the wheel.

12. Refill Brake Fluid Before testing the brakes, check the brake fluid reservoir. If necessary, add brake fluid to the required level.

13. Test the Brakes After completing the installation, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the new cylinder is functioning correctly and to build up brake pressure. Do a careful test drive in a safe area, making sure the brakes are working well.

Conclusion

Changing the wheel cylinder in drum brakes can be a rewarding DIY project. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can save money on labor costs and ensure your vehicle's braking system is in top condition. Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications related to your particular make and model. If you're ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Safe driving!