Wheel cylinder: rebuild or replace?

The left front wheel cylinder (11") on the Jalopy is leaking. The steering knuckle is damp. Should I go with a rebuild kit or just get a new one? I'm leaning toward replacement.

 

pull it apart and see how they are. if the bore is good just rebuild it

 

Pretty hard to find re-build kits these days. Some of the kits actually cost more then a new cylinder now.

 

x2


At NAPA the left front wheel cylinder (UP 36017) is $12.69. The rebuild kit is (UP 36) is $3.99.
For $8.70, it's probably worth getting a new one, unless you really want to rebuild it.

 

Kaiser willys sells both rebuild kits and replacement ones at a really good price. Today or tomorrow, if i get a chance, i'll take a closer look at it.

 

+3. Go with new cylinders.

 

I replaced mine about 15 years ago. I also got rebuild kits for the cylinders and kept them put back, I disassembled my old cylinders and stored them in oil wrapped paper. If I ever need one in a pinch I can put it back together in a few minutes and install it. You never know when some of these old parts are gonna quit being available. As for cylinder rebuild being hit or miss I've never had a problem.

 

rebuild if the bore is good
you'll have to take it apart anyway to identify the diameter

 

for an average of $13- 25 for a new cylinder, I'd replace both fronts given they bear the brunt of vehicle when actuated and are equal in performance. IMHO not worth the time and risk to rebuild the cylinders. If they are pitted or scored in anyway, their trash. My experience is to leave the honing for your fingernails.

below are napa part # and price for the 1-1/8" WC for 11" front drums


Item #
UP 36017 Wheel Cylinder - Left Front 1 $12.69
$12.69


UP 36018 Wheel Cylinder - Right Front 1 $12.69
$12.69

 

thanks everyone! Today I'm gonna take a look at it.

 

well, i finally had time to figure out the problem. Yesterday, when i took the Jalopy for a ride, I noticed that 3 outa 4 wheels were locking up on the ice (see blevisay winter does have a use!). the non locker was the right front. i thought it was just out of adjustment, so i took it apart anyway. well this is what a found: black greasy brake fluid. I had a set 11" brakes from a waggie layin around, so took the cylinder out and it works just fine.



^I dare someone to lick it.

 

just rebuilt mine auto zone had rebuild kits in stock like 5 bucks or something

 

You can rebuild them if you hone the bore and there's been no water in the cylinder. If there was any water in the brake fluid, it will pit the cylinder bore and they won't seal.

Take them apart, clean them in denatured alcohol (hardware store item), and inspect the bore with a very bright light and a pick of some sort.

JMO - the cylinders aren't very expensive (for common applications) and even if they look ok, you'll need to buy/borrow a hone and there's a chance that they will leak later. Up to you - but if they leak, not only is it a safety issue, but you'll need to tear the brakes apart (again) and probably need a new set of shoes. I'd reuse cylinders only on a rare or very expensive application. Tearing down and assembling drum brakes is easy for me, but I've had a lot of practice.

 

I doubt that mess was caused by the wheel cylinder
looks like grease to me, wheel bearing seal or ?

 

I tripple dog dare ya!! :twisted:

 

nope, caused by brake fluid. just the smell. blech! I popped off the rubber dust covers on the cylinder, and they were full of brake fluid! it must have been a geyser of a leak.

 

Actually, sometimes reused cylinders work just fine. The 10" brakes in Rocky have the old cylinders and they work superb. I took them off a junker and the brakes were the only things that worked. :knocks on wood: They'll put your face into the windshield.

 

i quadruple dog dare you! R)