What is a brake wheel cylinder?

A brake wheel cylinder is part of the braking system for vehicles with drum brakes. They are often replaced with the car's brake shoes and always in pairs i.e. both sides. The brake wheel cylinder is activated by hydraulic brake fluid which forces the brake shoes against the drum when the brakes are applied.

It is important that the brakes are adjusted and that the brake fluid system is bled to remove any air to ensure that the brake performance is maintained following a brake wheel cylinder replacement.

How do you know when it is time to replace your brake wheel cylinder?

The most common indicators of issues with the brake wheel cylinder are brakes locking up or engaging intermittently. It's also common for the brake cylinder to leak fluid.

What happens during a brake wheel cylinder replacement?

Once the wheels are removed the mechanic will inspect the brakes. The drums will need to be removed before the wheel cylinder, which is replaced. At this point it is common to replace the brake shoes.

Once the new parts are installed the system will be topped up with brake fluid and the brakes will be bled to ensure the system is working properly. The mechanic then puts the vehicle's wheels back on and road tests the vehicle.

How much does a brake wheel cylinder replacement cost in Hawkes Bay?

Replacing the wheel cylinder is a common repair. As a key part of the braking system any faults in this system need to be addressed immediately. Brake wheel cylinders typically last around 100,000km, but this can vary dramatically depending on your driving style and the types of roads you drive on. 

The cost of this repair starts at around $240. This varies by make and model, and is also cheaper if done in conjunction with a brake shoe replacement.

Is driving with a broken brake wheel cylinder unsafe?

Yes. Fault brakes are no joke. If you feel like there is something wrong with the brakes on your vehicle get it looked at by a mechanic straight away.

At My Auto Shop we have hundreds of trained, MTA approved mechanics ready to get your Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement completed. Booking takes just 2 minutes.