How often do u replace wheel cylinders? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

weever82 · 10-03-2012, 03:32 PM

Only replace when they go bad? Over so many miles or time period?

What are some common issues with them? Easy to swap out?

I am changing my rear drums in my 69 2wd and one side of the cylinder is dry and the other side when u pull off the rubber is leaking out oil.... Are they supposed to be full of oil or dry.... Sorry I'm a noob.

Weev-
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**truckster** · 10-03-2012, 03:42 PM

I replace wheel cylinders whenever they are leaking. You should not see any brake fluid coming out of them.

I used to rebuild them, but they're so inexpensive it's not worth rebuilding them. I always do both sides at the same time, even if one looks good.

GMCJOE · 10-03-2012, 03:42 PM

When they are leaking or the cylinder is seized.

weever82 · 10-03-2012, 03:50 PM

Thanks again guys! Much appreciated!

Weev-
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GRX · 10-03-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

I replace wheel cylinders whenever they are leaking. You should not see any brake fluid coming out of them.

I used to rebuild them, but they're so inexpensive it's not worth rebuilding them. I always do both sides at the same time, even if one looks good.

^^^ this

PanelDeland · 10-03-2012, 09:52 PM

They need replacement since you claim one is leaking but you may need a new rear brake hose.They tend to get old and crack or sometimes have a inner liner that collapses and keeps fluid from flowing.If it shows any wear or looks original,I would just replace it.It may be 40 years old.Since you're doing the brakes,you might as well do everything and be sure it's good.

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 10-04-2012, 04:23 PM

I seldom replace one. They need to be rebuilt any time brake work is done. They may not be leaking at that time but when you move the inner parts like when you put on new shoes you push the cups back in where all the crud & corrosion has built up. It will be leaking in a couple of days. Also you want the pistons to move freely in the bores for even brakes. A $10 hone & $5 cyl. kit you can o-haul it yourself. If it is rusted, pitted, or the bleeder breaks off then get a new one.

Dunenutt · 10-04-2012, 04:49 PM

I replace them every time I do a brake job. They are super cheap, and may save a set of new shoes. I also replace the springs/ hardware. Looks so purdy before you slide the drum over them.

weever82 · 10-04-2012, 04:54 PM

My cylinder is all rusted and looks original... Will have to snap a pic of them. Definitely goin to replace both of them. Thanks for all the input.

Weev-
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weever82 · 10-04-2012, 04:56 PM

Would bad cylinders cause the parking brake to not be as strong? My cables are tight and pads are new but at an incline it still slides back? That would be an easy fix!

Weev-
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GRX · 10-04-2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weever82

Would bad cylinders cause the parking brake to not be as strong? My cables are tight and pads are new but at an incline it still slides back? That would be an easy fix!

Weev-
Posted via Mobile Device

Probable your shoes & cable are not adjusted correctly yet. Make sure the cables slide freely in the sleeves going into the drum assembly. It's a common problem area - rust etc ...

10-03-2012, 03:32 PM	#1
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	How often do u replace wheel cylinders? Only replace when they go bad? Over so many miles or time period? What are some common issues with them? Easy to swap out? I am changing my rear drums in my 69 2wd and one side of the cylinder is dry and the other side when u pull off the rubber is leaking out oil.... Are they supposed to be full of oil or dry.... Sorry I'm a noob. Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

10-03-2012, 03:42 PM	#2
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,825	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? I replace wheel cylinders whenever they are leaking. You should not see any brake fluid coming out of them. I used to rebuild them, but they're so inexpensive it's not worth rebuilding them. I always do both sides at the same time, even if one looks good.

10-03-2012, 03:42 PM	#3
GMCJOE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Junction City, KS Posts: 782	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? When they are leaking or the cylinder is seized. __________________ Joseph Joe's 69 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543253 1969 GMC SWB-350 SBC 700R4 2013 Ram 2500 CC Laramie Longhorn Edition-6.7 PPEI EFI Live CSP5 5” ProFlo Exhaust

10-03-2012, 03:50 PM	#4
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? Thanks again guys! Much appreciated! Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

10-03-2012, 09:52 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? They need replacement since you claim one is leaking but you may need a new rear brake hose.They tend to get old and crack or sometimes have a inner liner that collapses and keeps fluid from flowing.If it shows any wear or looks original,I would just replace it.It may be 40 years old.Since you're doing the brakes,you might as well do everything and be sure it's good. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-04-2012, 04:23 PM	#7
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,193	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? I seldom replace one. They need to be rebuilt any time brake work is done. They may not be leaking at that time but when you move the inner parts like when you put on new shoes you push the cups back in where all the crud & corrosion has built up. It will be leaking in a couple of days. Also you want the pistons to move freely in the bores for even brakes. A $10 hone & $5 cyl. kit you can o-haul it yourself. If it is rusted, pitted, or the bleeder breaks off then get a new one.

10-04-2012, 04:49 PM	#8
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? I replace them every time I do a brake job. They are super cheap, and may save a set of new shoes. I also replace the springs/ hardware. Looks so purdy before you slide the drum over them. __________________ My Build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post4464158

10-04-2012, 04:54 PM	#9
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? My cylinder is all rusted and looks original... Will have to snap a pic of them. Definitely goin to replace both of them. Thanks for all the input. Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne

10-04-2012, 04:56 PM	#10
weever82 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 551	Re: How often do u replace wheel cylinders? Would bad cylinders cause the parking brake to not be as strong? My cables are tight and pads are new but at an incline it still slides back? That would be an easy fix! Weev- Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Weev- Life's tough...... It's even tougher when your stupid - John Wayne



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