Wheel cylinder removal

[meanchicken]

First time doing drum brakes....so I decided to keep it simple and just overhaul them....replace everything....start new...

I am to the point where I've got everything out of the way on the passenger side and have disconnected the brake line, but I cannot get the old wheel cylinder out.

It wobbles around, but there is apparently something that olds it in place...How do I make it let go?

 

[Chuck Leeper]

There's a steel clip on the back side. You have to snap it off, and the cyl will come out.

 

[gpadilla1071]

I just did my wheel cylinders a few hours ago today. There is a O-Ring washer that has 2 littlw wings that holds it in place. Use a small flat head screwdriver and that should let it loose. Don't forget to do one drum at a time, that way you can remember how toput it back together.

 

[cpac]

A Real Garbage System,,makes You Wonder About Some Engineers

 

[cpac]

The Backing Plate Hole Must Be Worn Out For The Cylinder To Move Around....do Your Self A Favor And Order The 2 Piece Backing Plates With The Cylinders Installed....with These Backing Plates You Will Not Have To Take Out The Axles

 

[meanchicken]

Got them out...I found a buddy (mechanic) who had the special tool you need to spread that spring clip.

He also stuck around and made siure I put it all back together correctly before he left.

Everything is back togehter and I'm trying to bleed thesystem now, but can't seem to get it done.

I'm using a mighty vac and have gone through two small bottles of fluid, but still have a soft peddle.

Also, the brake light will turn on when the peddle gets to the bottom of it's travel.

 

[meanchicken]

Do I also have to bleed the fronts even though I didn't touch them?

 

[meanchicken]

I was able to get it bled finally. I just hit both rear wheels one more time with the mighty vac and it seemed to do the trick.:biggrin:

 

[vicious6]

Those clips are a pain in the A**!!!

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Those clips are a pain in the A**!!!

They still are, 9 yrs later!

 

[No disintegrations]

I'm still working on some from 1992! Jk

 

[michael evans]

Do I also have to bleed the fronts even though I didn't touch them?

After bleeding all four a couple times and still having a soft pedal. It turns out I had to also do a bleed on the master cylinder as well.

With the ignition off, push the pedal five or six times until the pedal gets hard then turn the key on ( Power master type).

After I did that, he pedal was great.

FWIW- I also had make a tool to install that PITA clip onto the new cylinder.

 

[vicious6]

They still are, 9 yrs later!

Indeed Sir!

 

[buickruss]

I'm used to the drums on the older Abody cars. Could somebody post a picture of the tool needed to remove the wheel cylinders on a GN

 

[michael evans]

A small-straight-blade screw driver after you loosen the line is all that is needed.

 

[JEvans22]

Ahh the dreaded brake cylinders. One of the things i'm not to fond of working on in these cars. I stretch the tabs on the clips out a little bit to make it easier when reinstalling.