Rear brake question for '76

[weeboo]

This is more of a general mechanical question.

Truck in question: Stock '76 FJ55. Drums on back, discs on front.

The other day my brake pedal went easily to the floor. I checked under the hood, and the rear reservoir was empty.

I'd like you pros out there to look at this photo of the rear passenger wheel, where it's obviously leaking badly. I'm assuming this is the drum cylinder?

Does anyone know if a Toyota pickup of that era will have matching parts? I probably won't do the work myself, but would like to secure the parts myself.

 

[weeboo]

I wonder if this is really the part:
AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Wheel Cylinder - Rear

 

[cruiser_guy]

That's what they look like but you have TWO on each rear wheel! Are you aware that you need to manually adjust the rear drums on this truck?

I wonder if this is really the part:
AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Wheel Cylinder - Rear

 

[weeboo]

That's what they look like but you have TWO on each rear wheel! Are you aware that you need to manually adjust the rear drums on this truck?

I was not aware of this, but would appreciate any info you have This is such a great group... a treasure trove of knowledge.

I see they have "kits" too, which looks like rubber and seal replacements. Perhaps I can go that route:

AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Wheel Cylinder Kit Rear

 

[cruiser_guy]

Don't bother with the seal kit. It's a pain in the butt and a lot of work for questionable results. As for manually adjusting the brakes, when you feel that you need to step harder than normal to stop it's time to jack up the rear and turn the star wheel on the wheel cylinder one notch to tighten up the shoes (basically take up clearance from the friction material wearing away). Newer vehicles do this automatically.

If it is just the wheel cylinders I'd do them myself. It's really not that hard. Make sure you have a flare nut wrench and don't round out the nuts on the brake lines.

I was not aware of this, but would appreciate any info you have This is such a great group... a treasure trove of knowledge.

I see they have "kits" too, which looks like rubber and seal replacements. Perhaps I can go that route:

AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Wheel Cylinder Kit Rear

 

[weeboo]

Don't bother with the seal kit. It's a pain in the butt and a lot of work for questionable results. As for manually adjusting the brakes, when you feel that you need to step harder than normal to stop it's time to jack up the rear and turn the star wheel on the wheel cylinder one notch to tighten up the shoes (basically take up clearance from the friction material wearing away). Newer vehicles do this automatically.

If it is just the wheel cylinders I'd do them myself. It's really not that hard. Make sure you have a flare nut wrench and don't round out the nuts on the brake lines.

Thanks for the info
Another question... are the upper and lower cylinders the same, and are they different from the passenger to the driver's side (that you know of?)

 

[cruiser_guy]

That I don't know. I haven't had to change the wheel cylinders yet on the '55 or the '45LV. I'd think they are the same and you'd only need to ensure that the bleeder is on top so you can get the air out.

 

[weeboo]

I'll get photos when I take it apart... if it's me who does it.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I have a 76 Pig too. About a year to 1.5 years ago I noticed a leak started on a rear wheel cylinder. I yanked all 4 and replaced them with new OEM since the leaky ones and its 3 partners were probably original to the truck.

It stops much nicer now.

IIRC the 4 wheel cylinders are the same but make sure you align them right or you will never get your adjustments right. Either trust your current alignment or replace them based on a pic from MUD. I did a search when I replaced mine and used the pic.

 

[weeboo]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to try to find that photo you're talking about... If you know where it is, let me know

Did you buy your replacements from toyota?

 

[Southeast Overland]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to try to find that photo you're talking about... If you know where it is, let me know

Did you buy your replacements from toyota?

Yup - I bought them from the guy in my sign line. 25% discount to MUD members - Rick Arflin. Tell him Steve Springs told you to call .

OEM parts aren't the cheapest alternative but I went ahead and replaced all springs, brake pads, cylinders and had the rotors turned and they stop NIIIIICE now.

 

[Pighead]

IIRC, all 4 rear cylinders are different...you got your right upper, right lower etc...
However all 4 take the same rebuild kit. I got mine at Napa last time, like 5 or 6 bucks each and it's an easy rebuild. Get the kits, buy a hone, get lots of brake fluid. And anti-seize for the adjusters.

 

[animaldevictor]

I dont really know If its Avilabilable for you, but I have so much pain with the rear drum that I finally take the option to change for rear disc brake, 80's trooper rotors and toyota 85 startlet calipers a good option they are not that expencive and, to me works fawless.

cheers