Rear brake cylinder replacement Q

[bkgee]

I just finished putting my axles back together last month, and installed new drum pads while I had it all apart. I had new brake cylinders on hand at the time, intending to replace them while I was in there, but at the time it looked to me like I could not get the cylinders out without pressing the axles off of the backing plate. Now the details are fuzy. But, i just rotated my tires and took a peek inside the rear brakes for kicks, and it was a mess. I guess the cylinders really did need replacing.

So... can anyone remember if the cylinder replacement is a trivial thing, or requires a press? I dug around in the FSM, but it does not clarify this particular question... Thanks in advance!

 

[KLF]

Yes, you can replace the cylinders without pulling the shafts out. It's been a few years since I've had drum brakes, but I do remember doing it. You need to remove the bleeder, and you'll have brake fluid all over the place.

Are you sure the "mess" is brake fluid? If it's gear oil, then you need to replace the axle seals anyway.

 

[bkgee]

thanks for the info, just wanted to make sure before i went back in there. no, it is definitely brake fluid mixing with new pad dust, making a kind of black goo. last month i replaced the axle seals and bearings, so i know thats all tight.

 

[raydouble]

If you hold the brake pedal slightly (with a bar or ratchet) you won't get the constant drips of brake fluid, just a little.
Always good to remove the brake light fuse if it is going to be a while. (and replace it! when you are done.)

 

[cruiser88]

I was wondering the same thing on my 84....could you replace the wheel CY. with the axles in...that's why I went and bought both sides when I had my junk apart.

 

[aedavis]

I just did this on Saturday to my 85 4Runner. You can get the cylinders out without pulling the axle, but as stated earlier, you must pull the bleeder.

It's a pain in the neck to fiddle the old one out and the new one in, but much easier than pulling the axle.

Allan

 

[bkgee]

thanks everybody, gonna get'er done this week.

 

[WristPin]

i have replaced many many wheel cylinders and never have i ever even thought of taking the axles out