Rear Wheel Cylinders

[mprokop87]

I am in the process of replacing the wheel cylinder on the drivers side of my Argosy. I managed to get the drum off OK and everything looks good in there, almost new actually. My only concern is the clearance between the backplate and the leaf spring. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help this process go a little easier? Any special tools?

I've replaced wheel cylinders before, however, this is by far the hardest one I will have done just because of that space issue.

[mprokop87]

Well I got it done, almost. The new wheel cylinder is in, I just have to bleed the lines and adjust the shoes. I will also be adjusting the shoes on the other side to even it out.

There was a lot of 4 letter words being used last night but a small 3/8 wrench with a 3/8 socket (1/4 inch drive) was used to get it out. It fell right out and the new one bolted in. I couldnt get the shoe springs loose so I had to jam it in there which wasnt too bad. The only rough part was getting the brake line fitting to start and the bolts to start.

Suprisingly the 38 year old brake line (yes they are original and not rusty) came right off with just a box wrench. That made my life easy because I didnt want to bend a new line for back there.

[mprokop87]

The other side was bone dry. Here are some pictures.

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[bkahler]

Matt, I couldn't agree more on access to the screws holding the wheel cylinders. What I ended up doing was removing the back plate assemblies from the axle housing and then doing a complete rebuild of the entire brake system, front and rear.

Like you I was surprised that I had no issues with the steel brake lines. I was certain they were going to twist off but luck was on my side and I had no issues.

Brad

[mprokop87]

I tried to remove the backplate, however, the bolts were so tight on there I actually twisted one of my good sock extenders. Its Craftsman so Ill just replace it but I didnt want to brake [ha, get it?] anything else.

[overlander63]

You need to replace the other cylinder, as well. It has been on the truck the same length of time, and will likely fail very soon.

[mprokop87]

Terry,
I looked at that one and it appears to be in fairly good shape. It had a different seal on the drive shaft so I assumed that it was already replaced. Plus everything was VERY clean compared to the drivers side.

Thanks for looking out for me though!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by mprokop87

I tried to remove the backplate, however, the bolts were so tight on there I actually twisted one of my good sock extenders. Its Craftsman so Ill just replace it but I didnt want to brake [ha, get it?] anything else.

If I remember correctly the backing plate bolts were tight and I ended up using an impact wrench to break them loose.

I've got several bent/broken craftsman tools sitting on my desk that I need to get replaced. Unfortunately it's an hours drive for me to get to the closest Sears store that can do the swap

Brad

[mprokop87]

Our closest Sears is about 20 minutes from the house. I just don't like all the congestion at the mall and having to deal with the rude people that go there. I'm much happier out in the middle of nowhere so I tend not to go there very often.