The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts wheel cylinder

Any suggestions on how to take apart a wheel cylinder. I have the end caps off and can see the cups with the bore size on them but thats where im stuck. How do I get them out? I dont want to tear them apart.

They should push out easily. Are they still on the truck? Do they still have fluid in them? If so release the fluid. Take a socket and push from one side, out the other. If they have to be driven out, the cylinder probably needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

They are off the truck and fluid out of them. I thought I would probably have to push them out but I havent done this before and didnt want to mess them up until I was sure. Thanks for your help!!!

I they are off of the truck you can try air pressure in the brake line hole. If still stuck block the brake line hole and apply a grease gun to the brake bleader this method has never failed me. If the gun nozel won't fit the bleader remove the bleader and use a needle attachment in the bleader hole this will need firm pressure. If you try to drive the pistons you will ruin the spring and probly the pistons.

if you put air to that stuck wheel cylinder, dont stand in front of it,,,it could blow ur head off... or a hole throught the wall anyway... thats dangerous... just hammer them out... theyre probably stuck with rust...as far as the spring goes it will come with a new kit alot of times... pistons wont but they usually just need cleaned up.. alot of them are aluminum and dont rust...whatever...just be careful puttin air pressure on anything that can come apart, the air will compress and when it blows it blows... the grease gun is ok for doin pressure on it though.. it wont blow, just kinda spurt a little hehehe....figure it this way.. what happens to a balloon with to much air..??? boom... fill a balloon with gease till it busts... spurt...LOL....

Man don't waist you time overhauling wheel cyl.'s I use to do that cause you couldn't get new ones. It's a time vs. money thing, the time you take to o/h the cyl. won't be less than the cost of total replacement. Not to mention that you will have to buy a hone and then find out after honeing, the cyl. won't clean up enough to work safely. Just bite the bullet and put on new ones.
Now o/h a caliper is a differant story, you will replace the piston and you don't have to hone the bore. Cost effective to o/h calipers.
Please note that all the rubber in your brake system uses the same fluid,has the same wear, and is most likely to be in or nearly in the same shape. So if you replace one replace them all and you will be ahead of the game. Don't scrimp on brakes, if a car dosn't run well you can still go. If it don't stop don't drive it.

Yes throw the things away and get new ones. I've been able to buy every one i needed at the local parts house. I've never seen a rebuilt one that didnt fail somewhere down the road in a yr or two.

Basicly?
If you feel the need to take the cyl's apart???? remove the end caps.... wrap a shop rag over the exposed ends... and apply air press to the brake line port... but ONLY use enough pressure to "pop" the cups out...
Michael

I agree if new ones are available get them. If it uses aluminum pistons sometimes you can use snap ring pliers to get them out.