'98 XJ 4x4

Recently had my brake pedal go to the floor when attempting to stop. Had a brake line rust out over the summer and it reacted the same way. Today when I looked at it, I saw this coming from the left rear drum.



I added brake fluid which was empty and had the GF pump the pedal to see if fluid was coming out anywhere else. The brake fluid didn't drop and the brake light actually went off. I couldn't see it actively leaking from this spot or anywhere else. Thoughts?

 

looks like your wheel slave cylinder is bad

 

What parts are needed besides a new cylinder and what is the process of replacing this? I plan on doing this myself but obviously haven't attempted it before. Also any write ups on this? Thanks again.

 

http://www.4x4xplor.com/drum-brakes.html

You will obviously need a new wheel cylinder, and you might as well rebuild the whole drum while you are in there, since you have to tear it all the way down anyway. New hardware kit (with the auto-adjusters), brake shoes, and fluid. You also might need a special tool for #17 in the above link. I think I managed to get around the special tool, but I cant really remember how right now (memory is foggy).

 

Thank you for the link. I was thinking something different for the cylinder in my mind for some reason. I did all of that this past summer. New drums, shoes and hardware. I did a little bit of reading and it said if any brake fluid on the shoes that they need to be replaced? Anyway around this? Hate to buy new shoes already, they're practically new.

 

Give them a thorough cleaning with brake cleaner, dry and repeat. Should be enough. Do the same with your drums. In fact, if that brake fluid has gone everywhere, do everything this way.

 

You should do both wheel cylinders. I usually do but didn't last time and the second one failed within a few months. Fairly easy job if you don't break your brake line/fitting. Soak the bolts and brake line fittings with PB Blaster for a day or two before you start, and use a line wrench (less likely to strip the fitting).