How to buy a good quality brake cylinder

Drum brakes, which are still used in the rear of many vehicles today, operate on a hydraulic basis, using brake fluid to apply pressure to pistons in a wheel cylinder, which in turn presses the brake shoes against the drum...

Drum brakes, which are still used in the rear of many vehicles today, operate on a hydraulic basis, using brake fluid to apply pressure to pistons in a wheel cylinder, which in turn presses the brake shoes against the drum and stops the wheels.

The wheel cylinder consists of a metal case, pistons and seals and is hidden inside the drum, making it difficult to diagnose the problem if the drum is not removed. If a cylinder is badly worn or damaged, an obvious brake fluid leak may alert you to a problem, but otherwise, you may not know something is wrong until your brakes stop working. To avoid complete brake failure, the wheel cylinder should be replaced as soon as you notice a leak.

Wheel cylinders should also be replaced when changing brake pads for several reasons: firstly, it is better to do everything at once than to take everything apart again if the cylinder fails after a few thousand kilometers. Secondly, new brake pads are thicker than old ones and push the pistons back into a position where corrosion can form around the bore, which can lead to leaks.

To make sure you are getting a good quality brake cylinder:

• Quality: Make sure the part meets SAE J431-G3000 standards.

• Choose a smooth sealing surface: Check hole roughness 5-25 µin RA; this provides a smooth sealing surface.

• Switch to premium version: The difference between standard and premium slave cylinders is negligible in terms of price, and with a premium cylinder you get better metal, better seals and a smoother bore.

• Extended part life: Look for premium SBR cups and EPDM boots. They provide long life and durability.

• Corrosion Resistance: Make sure the air outlet fittings are plated to improve corrosion resistance.

• Coming to the metal: If your original wheel cylinder was cast iron, take it. If it was aluminum, the same.

• Warranty: Look for the best guarantee. You can find a lifetime warranty on this part, so make sure you do your homework.

AvtoTachki supplies quality brake cylinders to our certified field technicians. We can also install the brake cylinder you have purchased. Click here for a quote and more information on brake cylinder replacement.