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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 105
K
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
K Offline
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 105
Hi all,

I have a bad wheel cylinder on my 51 3100. How difficult are they to replace for a novice? Any suggestions or tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Chris

Last edited by Woogeroo; 09/27/2010 6:50 AM. Reason: added year/model to topic
Joined: Feb 2010
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M
Wrench Fetcher
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I replaced all four on my 46 without taking the shoes off. It can be done. Usually if one is replaced the others go out soon. I hope brake fluid did not get on your shoes.


Monroe McKill
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,522
Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall
Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,522
I suspect its just the rubber cups gone bad. This is not a hard job. First I'd take the cups out of the cylinder and see what the cylinder looks like. If its slick and smooth I'd hone it a little and put a kit in it. (unless you can have and Old parts store that may have just the rubber cups) You can get a little hone at most all parts houses. Not expensive either.

Since yours is a 51 I suspect its the Huck brakes but could be bendix. I ask because some times you can get the entire wheel cylinder for just a couple more dollars than the kit. I have also found that most local parts houses can get them....especially if they are Bendix, and you don't have any shipping ect. Hope this helps.


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Shop Shark
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My 52-3100 has bendix, and all the cly's can be bought at Your FLAPS I put all new ones on ,so no trouble later.

Pete

Joined: Jun 2004
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W
Riding in the Passing Lane
Riding in the Passing Lane
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The 51 1/2 ton came with Bendix. I'm with Chipy. It's a lot easier to just hone them out & put a kit in them. It's a good idea to do them all & the master cyl. They deteriate fast sitting around. The brakes & fuel system practically alway's need work on an old truck.


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
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K
Wrench Fetcher
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Posts: 105
Thanks for all the information--please forgive the "newbie" mistake I made by not mentioning that the rear end was changed to an open drive shaft before I got the truck. Will the brakes be the same as the original type or specific to the rearend? Again I apologize for all the questions.

Chris

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,522
Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall
Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,522
You don't say what the rear end is out of so its hard to say. There were several years the same cylinder was used. From here I'd just say take it apart and the little rubber cups will have the diameter embossed on the inside of them. If its a later model rear end then the entire cyl. could very well be about as economical as the kits.... which, most kits have only the rubber cups and the spring in them. Look at the cylinder when you pull it apart and use good common sense.


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I'd rather walk and carry a Chevy hub cap than ride in a Ferd.
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you smile
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,877
Socket Breaker
Socket Breaker
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kenneycj - we are all here to learn and try to help, when we can.

-W


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