You guys have been so helpful..Can I ask another Question?

[71C-10DAD]

I was told when I got my truck that it needed a rear wheel brake cylinder. So I got one from the parts store and have no clue what to do from there.

Where does it go?
And what do i need to do before taking the old one off and after putting the new one back on?

[panhandler62]

I was hoping there would be a nice detailed write up in one of the FAQs but I can't find one.

This is all from memory (haven't done one in a couple years..)

The first thing you'll need to do is figure out which cylinder is bad. This is usualy pretty easy to do by looking for evidence of leaking brake fluid around the inside of the rim. You may have to remove both rear wheels to figure out which one is giving you the problem. If you can't tell which one then you can get them tested but it may be a better idea at this point to get another part and do both.

With the wheel off, pull the brake drum. You'll have to wiggle and fuss with it a bit, especially if it hasn't been off in a long time. Tapping on the studs with a soft mallet (don't use a hammer unless you just really want to try out that new tap and die set you bought!) can help sometimes.

Once the drum is off set it aside. You'll see the brake shoes, a couple levers and some springs. If you don't have a manual or a photographic memory I recommend taking a digital picture at this stage. It's not super complex in there, but one bit in sideways will make your day a whole lot longer when you are putting it back together.

There are tools to make handling the springs easier, but you can get by with a philips screwdriver and some patiance also.

Take the springs off and the pull the levers off.

By this time, if not somewhat sooner, you'll have found the cylinder. There are three things holding it on; two bolts (3/8 heads if I recall correctly) and the brake line.

You'll need to use a box wrench to remove the brake line. When you get the fitting off wrap a plastic bag tightly around the end and secure it with a rubber band.

This is a good time to have a good hard look at your brake shoes and consider replacing them also. They don't cost much and you've got it apart already anyway.

Once you get the old cylinder out clean everything with brake cleaner and lube up all the places where things rub together with lithium grease. You can save yourself some time now by comparing the new cylinder to the old one. Try to get the adjustment to about the same place.

Reasemble everything (remember not to cuss too loudly when one of the springs jumps off and flys across your garage) in the opposite order that it came off.

This is optional, but a good idea -- Examine the brake drum. It should be reasonably smooth inside but not "glazed" looking. If the surface is smooth but glazed a little emory cloth can fix it. You want a smooth "satin" finish -- more like the finish on a stainless steel fridge than a chrome bumper. If the drums are dinged or grooved they should be turned. They also, aren't that expensive if you just want to get new ones. If they are cracked they need to go bye bye.

Put the drum back on and re-attach the brake line. If the truck is on stands (and it certainly should be.. lol) you should be able to turn the wheel relatively easily. From the back side -- you can access the adjustment with the blade of a screwdriver. You want to extend it until there is a slight drag then back it off very slightly.

Go step on your brake now. It should be firm and well off the floor. If it is spongy you will need to bleed the brakes now but if you didn't fuss with the brakes while the line was disconnected you will probably be OK.

Put the wheel(s) back on and tighten the lugs. Give her a test drive but take it easy till you are sure everything is good to go. Backing up a couple times and applying the brakes firmly should set the final adjustment for you.

When you park it -- check the brake line fitting and make sure there are no leaks.

[ratrod67]

Originally Posted by 71C-10DAD

Where does it go?

Pic

[PanelDeland]

I'll mention a couple things I suggest.Panhandler may just have overlooked them trying to be thorough.
You will need to bleed the brakes if you install a wheel cylinder.Also as a long term fix i usually go ahead and do both wheel Cylinders at the same time.usually if one is bad the other is either new or almost as bad.If there is brake fluid on the shoes replace them.

Go to this site for How to stuff if you've never done it before
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/engl...n/knowhow.asp#
They have lots of how to videos and such.It's not comprehensive but it's a good place to start.

BTW 71C10 we love questions.It gives us a chance to show off our knowledge(or in my case what passes for it).

[71C-10DAD]

Wow thanks panhandler. I know it had to take a little time to type that all out. I want to let you know how much i appreciate your help. thanks again Aaron.

[cdowns]

you seem to be quite a novice, nothing wrong with that everybody starts somewhere. but if you plan on keeping and maintaining the truck yourself about the best $25 you can spend on it would be a factory service manual available thru any of the vendors on this site or on ebay// lots of pictures and detailed step by step instructions
i've been doing this stuff for a long time and when i get a new project thats the first thing i look to buy

[OhioDan]

Also, do not try to bleed the brakes until you have the drums installed. Sure would hate to hear ya got them all back together, and push the pistons out of the wheel cyl. while trying to bleed them. ( past experience with that)

[powell72]

Good for you trying to learn to do it yourself. It would help a ton if you know someone who has done it before to stand there and walk you through it. Someone keeping an eye on you your first time doing brake work isn't a bad idea.

[PanelDeland]

I remembered one other thing.Most will not have come across this so,I will describe what happened to me.I removed the drum shoes and wheel cyl.Cleaned everything up and went to install the new wheel cyl. and started one bolt but could not get the other bolt started.I spent a half hour trying to start that bolt.Finally I took it back off and found that the cyl casting had not been tapped for the bolt.I had to wait until the next day to get another one.

[farmerfred]

You might want to check out this site: http://www.lighthouse57.com/brakes.htm

LOTS of photographs and step-by-step instructions. I'm pretty new to all of this, too. I'd recommend buying the special tools rather than trying to do something with pliers or something. Tools don't make up for skill, but I need all the advantages I can get.

[blaserman]

I might have overlooked it but make sure you replace both of them at the same time.

[brak]

also...

Be very carefull not to knick the rubber boots when installing the cylinders, or they will leak and you'll be back at square one.

I know from experience.

[jaros44sr]

I suggest after taking both drums off you leave one side together for referance, also those new speed bleeders are well worth the $7.00. J.