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Wheel Cylinders - What you need to know
Typical replacement is required within 5 to 6 years of service.
  • Normal wear may cause the piston seals to leak
  • Corrosion and pitting can also occur inside wheel cylinders as moisture builds up in the brake fluid. As a result, bores may become rough and cause the seals to fail.
  • Wheel Cylinders cannot be visually inspected unless the drums are removed, and that only happens when the brake shoes are being replaced.
  • Rear shoes are usually ignored until the second or even third brake job.
  • Wear and corrosion inside the wheel cylinders may be reaching a critical point, even if no external leaks are yet visible.
Leaking WHeel Cylinder
  • Leaking wheel cylinder can be dangerous. The driver may experience a loss of pedal and partial brake failure.
  • Fluid that seeps past the piston seals and boots usually ends up on the brake linings.
  • Fluid-contaminated linings can cause uneven braking and grabbing.
Sticking WHeel Cylinder
  • A sticking wheel cylinder can cause the brakes to grab or pull.
  • Sometimes a piston will stick in its bore because dirt or corrosion acts like a wedge and jams it tight. If this happens, the brake may not release causing the shoe to drag.
The Wheel Cylinder
How it works
The wheel cylinder consists of a cylinder that has two pistons, one on each side. On the interior of the piston is a rubber seal. The piston makes contact with the shoe directly or through a slotted pin. When hydraulic pressure is applied by the master cylinder, the cups and pistons are forced out, pushing the shoes into contact with the drum. When the brake pedal is released, return springs pull the shoes back away from the drums and push the wheel cylinder pistons back into their bores.
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Dorman Wheel Cylinders
We have the largest selection of wheel cylinders in the market from one of the most trusted manufacturers in the country.
Wheel Cylinder Advantage
Wheel Cylinder Advantage
  • All Wheel Cylinders match OE specifications for fit, form and function.
  • All Wheel Cylinders are made with high quality EPDM rubber cups and boots for long lasting performance.
  • Wheel Cylinder bores are surface tested to insure zero obstruction of cup travel.
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