Need wheel cylinder advice

Chargered · Jun 25, 2020

So I decided to replace my front brake calipers because they were sticking (got some reman ones from Napa for $32 each). As long as I'm going to have to bleed my brakes, I got to thinking maybe I should also replace my rear drum cylinders. But then again, I looked at them and they don't appear to be leaking. I usually go by the mantra "if it ain't broke don't fix it", but then again who knows how old they are or if their working properly.

What would you guys suggest, replace the wheel cylinders or leave them alone?

Jerry Hall · Jun 25, 2020

You will know if there is a problem in the rear when you bleed the brakes. Even though you are just doing the fronts you still should bleed the brakes as if you did all 4 wheels. The most common problem I find with rear brakes is the rubber hose connecting the hard line to the splitter. If the rear brake shoes are good and the wheel cylinders are leak free, I wouldn't spend the money. Although rear wheel cylinders aren't an expensive item.

Builderguy · Jun 25, 2020

I agree with Jerry. Unless you were going to paint the plate and replace everything on the back end I would not mess with it. Replacing the front calipers, great idea as some 60% or more is done with the front.

Fran Blacker · Jun 25, 2020

I'd bleed them to get fresh fluid in them.

JimCoronette · Jun 25, 2020

If they work, I would leave them.

I replaced the wheel cylinders when I first got my car. Three were fine. For whatever reason it took 3 driver's side fronts to get one that didn't leak.

It's a crap shoot finding good parts these days.

Chargered · Jun 25, 2020

Yes I will definitely plan to bleed them. I guess if they bleed okay I'll just leave them be.

Mick56 · Jun 25, 2020

If the fluid is dark, bleed them until clear fluid comes out.

R413 · Jun 26, 2020

Pull back the dust bolts and see if they are wet inside. If any wetness I like to rebuild them myself so I know what I have and that they are fresh.

yes flush them out if they are dry behind the boots.

Do it right the first time. Do you want to go back in there in a few months?

451Mopar · Jun 26, 2020

First, will the original bleeder screws loosen without snapping off?
Next, will the hydraulic line connection break free.
Replacement wheel cylinders are pretty inexpensive, but getting the old ones out can be difficult if they are pretty rusty.
If replacing them, I would just start with heating the bolts and line connection up with a torch, and then hit them with penetrating oil and let it soak awhile before trying to loosen anything.
When I bleed my brakes, I pull the bleeder screw all the way out, and clean out / make sure the internal passage is not blocked. Then wire wheel the threads clean and put a bit of anti-seize on the threads before putting the bleeder screw back in the cylinder.

Chargered · Jun 26, 2020

451Mopar said:
First, will the original bleeder screws loosen without snapping off?
Next, will the hydraulic line connection break free.
Replacement wheel cylinders are pretty inexpensive, but getting the old ones out can be difficult if they are pretty rusty.
If replacing them, I would just start with heating the bolts and line connection up with a torch, and then hit them with penetrating oil and let it soak awhile before trying to loosen anything.
When I bleed my brakes, I pull the bleeder screw all the way out, and clean out / make sure the internal passage is not blocked. Then wire wheel the threads clean and put a bit of anti-seize on the threads before putting the bleeder screw back in the cylinder.

Good advice, I will try that. Really my only hesitation in replacing them is they are pretty old and thus I'm assuming better quality than what you get today. If they are not leaking now and I replace them with new ones, then I run the risk of the new ones leaking. That is really why I lean towards leaving them be.

Chargered · Jun 26, 2020

Another stupid question for you guys...…..while I have the front calipers off, should I repack the front wheel bearings or just leave them alone? As far as I know they are okay. The car was driving fine and they don't sound noisy, but I'm not really sure how to tell if they need any maintenance or possibly replacement.

Fran Blacker · Jun 26, 2020

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you don't when they were done do them, to late if noisy.

Need wheel cylinder advice

Chargered

Well-Known Member

Jerry Hall

FBBO Gold Member

Builderguy

Builderguy

Fran Blacker

FBBO Gold Member

JimCoronette

Well-Known Member

Chargered

Well-Known Member

Mick56

Well-Known Member

R413

Well-Known Member

451Mopar

Well-Known Member

Chargered

Well-Known Member

Chargered

Well-Known Member

Fran Blacker

FBBO Gold Member

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