17 replies to this topic

[samt88]

Just noticed brake fluid seems to be leaking out the rear drum, very slowly mind. ATM I haven't got time to fix it - what do people suggest? 

[petey81]

Fix it. No other suggestions!

[samt88]

How? Should I be able to take it to my local garage and have them do it for me? (I'm new to this whole car ownership thing....)

[petey81]

Yeah more that likely seal gone on cylinder. 1 hour max for garage to do if unable to do yourself.

[sonikk4]

Do not drive it, you have the potential for total brake failure.

 

The slave cylinder has sprung a leak on that side by the sounds of it so a replacement will be needed.

[callum2464]

its a 45min job just replace it, can be very dangeous, it will be one of your brake cylinders have broken the seal if you go to eurocarparts they should stock them pretty cheap if you need it quick,

 

depending on how bad the leak is you may have to do the brake shoes as well if the shoes friction material is contaminated by brake fluid, (make sure you clean the drum out too when you do it),

 

it is very dangerous to drive with a leaking cylinder as it will be drawing in air to the system which will make the pedal feel spongy and you will loose braking efficiency

[megamini_jb]

Make time to fix...

[Cooperman]

Do not drive it until it is repaired. You know there is a safety-critical fault and would thus be driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition knowingly.

It is such a simple job to fix, although assuming the fluid has got onto the brake linings it will need replacement brake shoes as well.

You simply have to make time and not drive it until you have done so.

[samt88]

Ok great thanks, car will be staying on the drive way for now! 

[samt88]

So, just to confirm, I need to take the brake drum apart, replace the slave cylinder and likely the shoes and then I'm good to go? Do I need to bleed the system or anything?

[timmy850]

And if you do one side, you should do the other (cylinder + shoes). Otherwise you'll end up doing the other one pretty soon anyway!

 

You will need to bleed the rear brakes if you change the cylinders.

 

While you have it apart and are bleeding the brakes, you could also replace the rubber flexi hoses...

[bpirie1000]

My advice would be get a Haynes manual read it up..(at work) and then attack it one night when you have done one the other side will be a doddle...

Do one at a time and you can refer to anything your not sure about with the other side...

[Carlos W]

The main potential sticking point is if the pipe doesn't come out of the old cylinders! I'd give them a soak in penetrating fluid the day before you do the job!

You'll also need a can of brake and clutch cleaner to decontaminate the drum!

Replace both sides, you need to replace the shoes on both sides anyway, and for the price of the wheel cylinder and the likelihood they're a similar age its the correct thing to do!

Whereabouts in London are you?

[samt88]

Cheers guys! Carlos, I'm based in Wimbledon. Why dyou ask?

[Carlos W]

Cheers guys! Carlos, I'm based in Wimbledon. Why dyou ask?

 

Just wondered if there was anyone local to you who could lend a hand!

 

I did my first wheel cylinder (on a Citroen AX) just following a Haynes Manual