Need to replace a leaky wheel cylinder tonight. What other hardware on the rear brakes needs to come off in order to access the wheel cylinder? Obviously the drum, but will I be able to just remove the brake lines from the wheel cylinder and replace that or do springs, etc need to come off as well to replace it?

thanks.

 

Everything has to come off.

 

Technically, you're supposed to have to remove the drum, ALL the brake hardware (Springs) and both shoes to replace the wheel cylinder.

BUT sometimes you can get away with just removing the top spring and pulling the shoes far enough apart to wiggle the wheel cylinder out then re-install the new one.

Usually, if I'm pulling it far enough apart to replace a wheel cylinder I'll go ahead and do a complete brake job on both sides if they aren't practically new.

To answer your question. If you have the ability I'd remove all the brake hardware when installing the wheel cylinder. It'll be much easier in the long run.

 

A good, snug flare wrench helps too.

 

just had to do this last week, i had to remove the 2 springs across the top and the self adjuster cable along the parking brake bar and spring. after that, you just have to wiggle it out of there, its easier if you take the bleeder off completely and then just put everything back on the way you started, took me about 10 minutes to do. if your brake shoes have fluid on them, then your better off replacing everything. have fun

 

Are you going to just blindly change your wheel cylinders without data to go by?

You should at least invest in a Haynes manual, which has acceptable guidance data.