how to replace drum brake cylinder

How to Replace a Drum Brake Cylinder A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, ensuring that the brake system is in good working order is crucial for safety. One of the essential components in a drum brake system is the brake cylinder. If you notice any signs of leaks or reduced braking performance, it may be time to replace the drum brake cylinder. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start the replacement process, gather the necessary tools and materials

- New brake cylinders (one for each wheel) - Brake fluid - Brake cleaner - Wrenches and socket set - Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) - Pliers - Brake shoes (optional, if also being replaced) - Jack and jack stands - Safety goggles and gloves - Rags for cleaning

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Park Safely Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any movement. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be working. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands. This provides safety while you work underneath.

4. Remove the Wheel Once the vehicle is secure, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

Step 2 Remove the Brake Drum

1. Inspect the Drum Check for any retention screws that may hold the drum in place. If present, remove them.

2. Remove Brake Drum Gently pull the brake drum off the hub. If it is stuck, you can use a drum puller or gently tap it with a hammer to free it.

Step 3 Replace the Brake Cylinder

1. Locate the Brake Cylinder Identify the brake cylinder, which is typically mounted to the back of the wheel assembly.

2. Disconnect Brake Lines Using a wrench, carefully disconnect the brake lines connected to the cylinder. Have a rag nearby to catch any leaking brake fluid.

3. Remove Brake Shoes (if necessary) If your brake shoes are also worn, it might be beneficial to replace them during this process. Take note of how they are positioned for reinstallation later.

4. Unbolt the Cylinder Use the appropriate wrench or socket to remove the bolts securing the brake cylinder in place. Carefully take it out and dispose of it properly.

5. Install the New Cylinder Place the new brake cylinder in the same position as the old one. Secure it with the bolts you removed earlier, ensuring it is tight but not overly so.

Step 4 Reconnect the Brake Lines

1. Reconnect the Brake Lines Carefully reconnect the brake lines to the new cylinder. Be sure to use thread sealant if recommended by the manufacturer to prevent leaks.

2. Tighten Connections Tighten the connections carefully with a wrench, ensuring they are secure.

Step 5 Reassemble the Brake System

1. Reinstall Brake Shoes If you removed the brake shoes, now is the time to put them back in the correct order according to how they were originally placed.

2. Replace the Brake Drum Slide the brake drum back onto the wheel assembly. Ensure it fits snugly and is free to rotate without obstruction.

3. Reattach the Wheel Place the wheel back onto the hub, and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. This ensures an even distribution of pressure.

Step 6 Final Steps

1. Lower the Vehicle Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back onto the ground.

2. Tighten Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern again to ensure security.

3. Bleed the Brakes If necessary, bleed the brake lines to remove any air bubbles. This can be done by having an assistant pump the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder valves on the brake cylinders.

4. Add Brake Fluid Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Top it off if necessary.

Conclusion

Replacing a drum brake cylinder can seem daunting, but with the right tools and careful attention to detail, it is a manageable task for any DIY mechanic. Always remember to follow safety precautions and consult your vehicle’s manual for specific recommendations. Regular maintenance of your brake system is key to ensuring your vehicle remains safe on the road. If you feel uncertain at any point, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance.