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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 | I recently replace the brake lines and then the wheel cylinders began leaking. Replaced the 3 that were leaking. The 2 rears are leaking now where the banjo bolt treads into the wheel cylinder. Each rear drum is wet inside and that's the only spot I believe it's coming from. It's a very slow seep but I can see it on the tire in the morning. I've tightened that bolt to the point I don't want to break it. Just replace the banjo bolt or should I be checking something else? Frustrated...
On the same subject. I'm really struggling getting the truck to brake straight. It pulls hard to the front drivers wheel. I've adjusted the brakes and they work good for a couple days - then starts pulling again. About to give up and order front discs.
Mike
1952 -3100 with '52 235 Iowa farm truck "Cecil"
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 | Today’s parts quality is pretty bad. I have seen folks go through 3-4 wheel cylinders before getting one that doesn’t leak. Replacing the banjo bolt is by far the least expensive thing to try but chances are it won’t fix the problem. ðŸ›
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | make sure you're not getting the cheaper Chinese cylinders .... the pulling can also be caused by the leaky rears
Bill
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Make sure you get some brake clean and clean the shoes and drums or else it will still pull to the side like a banshee.
I recently had a bad wheel cylinder new out of the box too.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | The Cu washers on the banjo bolt can be anealed to make them soft again which would be worth doing. Heat to red, let cool
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 | I bought them at Napa - and the are made in China. Suggestions on where to buy?
Mike
1952 -3100 with '52 235 Iowa farm truck "Cecil"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | I found NAPA here could get better quality ones if asked, try them and specify - for more money of course
Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | It sounds like a problem with the copper washers to me. If you don't have new ones then you need to anneal the old ones as above. That has nothing to do with the quality of the cylinder. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | Never, ever re-use a copper seal washer. They are a one-time use item and it's nearly impossible to get a used one to seal again.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 34 | Update --- pulled it all apart. Cleaned the fittings, banjo bolts, and found I did reuse one copper washer on each. Replaced all with new and haven't seen a drop in 2 days! Thanks all for the help and education!
Mike
1952 -3100 with '52 235 Iowa farm truck "Cecil"
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