Brake
Wheel Cylinder
A wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes outward against the drum when you press the pedal. We list 31 wheel cylinders from $7 to $537 for 1948-2011 vehicles, from Dorman, Raybestos, Dynamic Friction and AC Delco, with many for the Chevrolet Impala and others for Ford and GMC trucks.
Shop wheel cylinder by vehicle
Signs of a leaking wheel cylinder
Wheel cylinders use rubber cups and seals around pistons. With age and moisture in old brake fluid, the seals wear and the bore corrodes. Fluid then leaks onto the shoes and drum.
Common signs include a soft or sinking pedal, a falling fluid level in the master cylinder, wet or stained brake shoes, fluid dripping from the backing plate and a brake that grabs or pulls. Replace oil soaked shoes, as they cannot be cleaned.
Positions and designs
Most wheel cylinders sit at the rear on drum brakes, but older vehicles and some trucks used them at the front too. Large trucks may have separate upper and lower or forward and rear cylinders on each wheel.
Listings show positions such as rear left upper or rear right forward, as well as notes such as star wheel adjusters and whether a bleeder screw is included. Match the bore size and position to your old part.
Installation and bleeding
Support the vehicle on stands. Loosen the brake line fitting with a flare nut wrench to avoid rounding it. Unbolt the cylinder from the backing plate and fit the new one.
Replace both sides of the axle together for even braking. Bleed the brakes after the work until the pedal is firm and no air remains, and adjust the shoes before driving. Test the brakes at low speed first.
Wheel Cylinder questions
Should I replace wheel cylinders in pairs?
Yes. Both sides age at the same rate, and matching cylinders give even braking. Replace the brake shoes too if fluid has soaked them. Fit new hardware springs if the old ones are rusty.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing a wheel cylinder?
Yes. Opening the brake line lets air into the system. Bleed the brakes until the pedal is firm before driving. A pressure bleeder or a helper at the pedal makes the job easier.
Can I rebuild a wheel cylinder instead?
Rebuild kits exist, but if the bore is pitted or corroded, new cups will not seal well. A new cylinder is usually simpler and more reliable.