What does a brake wheel cylinder do?
A wheel cylinder is a component of a hydraulic drum brake. The wheel cylinder must force apart the brake shoes and press them against the brake drum. This generates friction and the wheel is decelerated.
What's the difference between master cylinder and wheel cylinder?
Simply put, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure that is transmitted via the brake fluid to either the wheel cylinder, in drum brakes, or the brake caliper, in disc brakes. These cylinders then exert mechanical pressure on the shoes or pads, and ultimately stop the vehicle.
What are the symptoms of a faulty brake wheel cylinder?
- Your car has poor brake response, and you'll find that braking takes longer.
- Your brake pedal feels mushy, soft or the pedal sinks to the vehicle floor.
- There's a brake fluid leak in your rear brake drum that pools near a rear wheel.
- The rear drum brakes drag or lock up.
Can I drive with a leaky wheel cylinder?
Brake systems in today's vehicles are activated by brake fluid, so keeping enough brake fluid in your vehicle is imperative to ensure the safety of you and your family – brake fluid leaks are the most common cause of total brake failure, and you should not drive a vehicle that is leaking brake fluid.
What causes wheel cylinders to leak?
Worn piston seals made out of rubber will wear out and become brittle due to age. A cracked piston seal will allow fluid to leak past the pistons. Poor brake response and a mushy brake pedal are other signs it's time for a replacement.
How long do brake cylinders last?
60,000 to 200,000 miles
Depending on use, the typical master cylinder might last 60,000 to 200,000 miles. Highway commuters use the brakes less often than city taxis, for example, so their master cylinders tend to last longer.
Do I need to replace both wheel cylinders?
Wheel cylinders don't fail often, but if one goes bad, the matching pair is likely not too far behind it in wear and tear. That's why it's always better to be proactive and replace both.
