How to Replace a Wheel Cylinder

[@ScotLijana]

10 years ago he made this video and it’s helping me today. I am grateful you’re channel exists and I’m happy I found this video.

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad the video is still helping you today! Thanks a lot!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks man! And thanks for checking out the video! It is good to get feedback from people who know what they are doing (as well as people who dont). There will be more to come!

[@businessraptor134]

9 years later this is still coming in handy. My gfs car has drums and my new dd has them too. I ve done the drums shoes and springs before but never the cylinder. This takes out the guess work. Thanks again

[@hnkfsh81]

I replaced both brake wheel cylinders on my daughter's Saturn recently based on your instruction. Saved some real money. Thanks!

[@chrisfix]

+hnkfsh81 Awesome! Glad the videos were helpful and you saved some money!

[@Billy_Darley]

+ChrisFix love your method for bleeding brakes. hope that white shirt wasn't one of your favorites lol

[@briantarajkowski7830]

reply

[@VinayakGovande]

how much do they charge? Thanks

[@FSUOSU25]

@@VinayakGovande if u don't mind me answering they were going to charge me $230.00 to change both rear cylinders on my vehicle.

[@nicholassayegh9341]

Let it be known that this was the first video Chris started off with "hey guys" 7 years of great quality content, you are an inspiration

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@PH-md8xp]

That is historical. Great video.

[@elgabe8444]

So cute

[@factsnfeatures]

How long did you spend figuring that out?

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot! It's great to get feedback from such a successful company!

[@vincenteflores8197]

Hey love your videos. can u do a videos how to change brake master cylinder & do u have to bleed the brake when doing this. Thank you love your love videos keep up the good work.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for the comment and tips. As for the paper towels instead of the plastic bag; I prefer the plastic bag because the towel can become saturated and get onto your metal/paint.

[@kethvelo]

I did this years ago , and probably the next 2 days, your direction refreshes my approach, thank You

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@1AAuto]

Nice job on this video.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for the comment! I am glad I am able to teach so many people!!!! :)

[@matthewtobin8563]

Excellent job explaining how to do the job .From start to finish,stait to the point. Excellent!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@Louis907]

Watching Chris's videos more than 5 years ago is like going into a completely different KZbin channel

[@chrisfix]

Yeah the videos were pretty different back then!

[@danielhannah3437]

I just got to say even though most of your vehicles you're working is a ford. All my ate chevys but you go through so much detail I learn more from you then people with the same vehicle as mine.. thank you so much for taking the time to fully explain and show everything

[@johndaly846]

Flare nut wrench, bro! They are crazy expensive but rounding one of those nuts on the brake line is "Game Over". I watch your videos even before I do maintenance work I've done 10 times before- your tips and tricks make me do it better every time. Cheers again, Chris!

[@am529]

John Daly I wouldn't call $6 "crazy expensive". That's how much singles cost at my local auto parts stores.

[@johndaly846]

When you have to buy a whole set of them- yes, they are expensive. Crazy expensive, even.

[@1995dresser]

+John Daly Your right flare nut or line wrenches are the way to go . home depot used to have them I think they were $30 ??? I would rather pay 30 bucks than have 300 dollars of aggravation

[@ScubaCat3]

+John Daly It's like $9 for the set at harbor freight.

[@ScubaCat3]

+John Daly I paid $9 for the set at harbor freight. At 7/16, he can probably get by without it, but it's still risky. The first time you round off one of those, you'll be hating life. Don't ask me how I know.

[@dannyb4283]

10 videos later and once again I should have just checked your videos first. Thank you so much for this. All the little tips and details as well, not just the overall replacement.

[@StephenPaulTroup]

Good video. Especially high marks for nice, stable, clear, close-up views. That is so helpful for us guys that don't do this every day.

[@doughacker8941]

Love the bloopers at the end of the video. That shows that making these videos is a little harder than people think and how hard Chris works for a great final product. You deserve all your fame and fortune my friend.

[@Novagunner]

Chris fix, made this 7 years ago and it's still helping people like me everyday! Thanks for all your work Chris! Hope you're well!

[@patrickhall6831]

Absolutely once it gets warmer I plan on replacing the drum brakes and wheel cylinders on my 2004 Ford Taurus 219,000 miles on them puppies !!!!!!

[@jameseley5928]

Yb@@patrickhall6831 m

[@trickyricky12147]

​@patrickhall6831 Holy sh!t!😱 219K on original drum brakes?!?! A testament to how much longer drum brake shoes can last compared to disc brakes. I kinda wish brand new cheaper end cars still came equipped with power drum brakes all around because that set up would be perfect for today's Starbucks ladies that are hard on their brakes at every stop. That's why I say drum brakes are better and last longer per pair of shoes and are perfect for average Starbucks consumers. LOL

[@johngarroch]

Clearly you know what you are doing mechanically. Your videos are better than any training videos I have watched to learn my trade in working on fast jet aircraft. These are good enough to market. Thank you

[@chrisfix]

+John Garroch thanks a lot John!

[@chrisfix]

You should change and bleed each side once at a time. This will prevent excess air from getting into you lines and also if you need to reference where something goes, you can look at the other side.

[@stormycoenen4855]

Thank you so much for your help. I rebuilt my brakes on my 91 gmc suburban R2500 and it was so helpful my problem was there was so much rust built up on it it took me a week to break it loose and no power tools snapped a lug bolt in the process but achievement unlocked lol really loved your video and loved how straightforward it was 😄😁

[@ivanlopez9059]

Awesome videos. So simple to follow and love the tips that are not included in books. I've changed my rear and front brakes with no issues. My car is pretty rusted so all those tips helped out. Thank you so much Chris, you've saved me a lot of money! I don't know if you realize how great of a public service your videos are but they definitely are! Keep up the great work!

[@chrisfix]

Ivan Lopez Awesome Ivan!! That is what I like to hear! Good work and I am glad my videos have helped!

[@AUDIO2AUTO]

I know you would have used a line wrench these days... lol But you been here since the beginning giving up the good info. Changing the world 1 video at a time. Thats what the internet was made for.

[@tombombadil811]

Old chrisfix: Hey guys. New chrisfix: HEY GUYS CHRISFIX HERE!

[@chrisfix]

Haha I wasn't as excited to film back then as I was now!

[@scotfree45]

I've watched several youtube videos on auto maintenance and repairs, and yours are the best by far, you are an excellent instructor. Thanks for making them.

[@chrisfix]

Thank you for the feedback! I am glad you are enjoying my videos and I strive to make them the best!

[@matt6965]

Thanks for the video! I got real insight on what it takes to breed the blakes.

[@FireEater]

I have to say that was one of the best how to videos on auto repair I have ever seen, the camera shots were spot on and we'll lit. Just subscribed thanks.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot man! I try to make all my videos like this!

[@brettknoss486]

If I'm worried about cross threading, I turn the nut backwards with my fingers, until I can feel it seat. Then tighten with fingers, and don't put a wrench on it until your certain the nut is on.

[@chrisfix]

Great tip!

[@faheemraqib1035]

That's what I do too.

[@MonsieurCFS]

Nice video explanation, easy to listen too and to follow. One thing you might want to consider telling folks (or folks can read here)... it's best to use a line wrench on those brake line nuts, as the are super soft and can easily round over. For folks who don't know, a line wrench is 'almost' a box wrench, with a small opening where it can fit over the line, and it grips the nut on 4 sides, instead of just two. Definitely a DAMHIK issue!

[@lucianonarno1408]

Dont breed the brakes! What are you gonna do with all of them when they grow up, Chris?! LOL, loved the bloopers.

[@chrisfix]

+Luciano Narno lol

[@jafarcopeland]

ChrisFix did it have a washer?

[@les3316]

It's breed the blakes

[@aryndracule6776]

Just goes to show how much work and dedication and detail Chris puts into each of his videos.

[@Mr.G_Rattlesnake]

Absolutely amazing! Bloopers are always a sure sign that everything went well in the end. Great video! I already know how to do this job. But! There were alot of nice tips and ticks involved that I'll take into consideration next time I'm doig this work! Thanks alot. I really do appreciate it!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for the feedback! Makes making these videos worth it!

[@alrowley1]

Your video helped me out quite a bit man. I just got done gutting and rebuilding rear drums.

[@TimothyMichaels]

Chris Fix = The official Chilton Repair Manual replacement. *Thanks Chris 👍

[@tacomsal]

Hi Chris, Once again thanks for a great video. I followed your video and was able to do a complete brake rebuild.. Wow!

[@chrisfix]

Hahah thanks a lot. It was funny how many mess-ups I saw while I was editing so I had to add them for some fun lol! Glad you liked the video!

[@idontknowanything2378]

This is your first "hey guys" intro

[@zanethulsie9702]

Can you please show a video on how to replace a brake master cylinder please chris

[@martinradtke5181]

Great video Chris. But I use a plastic baggie & twist tie or wire tie to close off brake line - reduces lost brake fluid. Also put a clear plastic hose onto bleeder valve. Put hose into cut cap + empty water bottle. Bleed brake fluid into bottle. A lot less mess.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks man! Much appreciated! And if you ever need to fix something you know what to watch!

[@guillaumepoirier5450]

I alredy knew how to do this,but I like to watch tech tips and stuff.gotta say your video is great, I'm sure it will help a lot of people.first time I see bloopers on tech vids lol it's a nice addition :)

[@chrisfix]

guillaume poirier Thanks a lot man! It is always good to watch videos even when you know what you are doing. I try to add in stuff to my videos that even professionals might not know so a beginner can watch it and learn and an expert can also learn something. I appreciate your feedback! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

[@RelateGREAT]

Great example how a DIY vid should be done! Well-edited, clearly explained each step, nothing rushed, well-shot. Thank you!

[@chrisfix]

Jonathan Sherman Thanks a lot Jonathan. I try to make all of my videos like this!

[@M.Rollins92]

Thank you for this, i flushed my brake fluid hoping to fix the spongy pedal which it didn't. Then my friend suggested replacing the wheel cylinders happy to hear how easy it is.

[@gode2235]

I'm working on my first car I got a month ago. Needed this video and some others. 8 years old and still very helpful thank you.

[@lachlanmorrison2412]

Awesome helping vid yet again Chris...& doing your brakes while wearing a white t-shirt...gutsy! Cheers from Australia 👍🍻

[@chrisfix]

Haha thanks a lot! Glad it was helpful! I guess I wont have to use my toaster to film in the future videos lol. If you havent, give the video a thumbs up, it helps me out! Thanks!

[@cwelsh2263]

Good job bro thanks. Your videos are helping me repair my 88 Foxbody gt saving alot of cash doing it myself.

[@fastedbro9911]

You're the best on KZbin. I laughed my ass off at your bloopers at the end 😂😂

[@chrisfix]

Haha thanks a lot!

[@80shorrorronniepierce67]

+ChrisFix I've got a Mazda protege would it be pretty much the same? if you even see this comment thanks

[@davidfanucci8339]

Thanks Chris. This vid and the other one are a big help. Out takes are funny. Keep up the good work.

[@cerial0411]

Great job on this . Thank you for the outtakes. Shows just how much added time and frustration goes into making one of these videos. Subscribed.

[@chrisfix]

+cerial0411 Thanks and awesome! Welcome aboard!

[@SuperZrob]

Awesome video. Very informative. You make it look so easy. I still feel like I'm going to break something and be in worse shape than before. Someday I'll face my fears and just do it.

[@chrisfix]

No prob! Glad it was helpful!

[@chiefhihowareya]

You are an excellent teacher Chris. You have a gift. Great video work!

[@chrisfix]

Chris Norman Thanks a lot Chris! I appreciate it!

[@Chris-go9ti]

love the bloopers . its like you forgot how to do it and had to pause to go to youtube to look it up. lol

[@chrisfix]

+chris smith hahaha

[@humbertocastro2020]

Your videos help a lot, thanks for your uploads. Much appreciated.

[@whatupguy5685]

one of the best feelings when a bolt go's in all the way when u finger tight

[@droose5158]

This is a very informative video the bloopers are hillarious

[@dremoneystacks2421]

Great mechanic and appreciate the bloops so we know ur not a robot. Anybody can do it.

[@JonnyDIY]

Old school glove less Chrisfix, reminds me of my Boss at the Burger Joint I worked at yelling at me when I was in highscool because Id come to work with grease stained hands after working on a car 🤣👍

[@RyanTaylor2]

Great video, I appreciate you telling us what to do if the brake line is rusted to the nut.

[@SikConVicTioN]

How long did it take you too actually do this with all those cut/actions? That actually really puts these videos in too perspective for us more to realize how much of your time goes in to these vs just doing the repairs without recording.. I can't imagine how long it would take me too replace brake pads if I had too record it and cut every time I lost focus or didn't explain a process clearly. Great job man

[@jerryw2314]

Its been 40 years or so that I changed out a wheel cylinder. Thanks for the refresher Chris. Great Videos.

[@elvamp789]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your work. 2 months ago I started getting interested in car mechanics and I couldn't have a better instructor. Are you planning to do some ''theory for beginners'' videos too in the future? For example a video explaining how the coolant system works or the brake system. You cover it sometimes in your videos but doing one video of ''basics'' for each section would be awesome. I'm saying this because - for instance - as a beginner I had to watch a lot of your videos (and other videos) to fully understand what you're doing in this video and not just apply it. Thanks again and after spending several hours watching cars' ''how to'' videos on youtube I can tell that you're the best. Keep it up!!

[@mikemartinez842]

Great tutorial! I'm amazed that you didn't use a line wrench for the hard line. I've rounded one before then I had to use Vise-Grips to remove it.

[@Kiddro22]

NEVER USE A REGULAR WRENCH OR OPEN END METRIC/SAE WRENCH ON THE BRAKE LINE BOLT CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE BOLT WILL ROUND ON U VERY EASILY. THEN YOU'RE IN A WORLD OF HURT. USE A LINE WRENCH....THATS WHAT THEYRE CALLED.....THEYRE MEANT TO FIT AROUND A LINE BOLTS LIKE THE BRAKE LINE BOLT SO THAT U DONT ROUND IT OUT BY STRIPPING IT

[@chrisfix]

Kiddro22 Thanks for the tip!

[@jakesmelley6852]

Flare nut not a bolt

[@goonitunezperformance3155]

This cylinder just went out on my 04 ranger, as always, another great video, even if it is 8 years old! Nice brake "renovation" 🤣

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@goonitunezperformance3155]

Hey man! My brake line nut is rustes to the line, and there isnt enough clearance to twist the cylinder, any recommendations? UPDATE, i let penetrating oil sit on the nut for an hour and it turned out nicely

[@bottmar1]

If you prop brake pedal down just an inch or two you will not get much brake fluid gravity feeding down to your open line.

[@chrisfix]

bottmar1 That is a good tip! Thanks!

[@geezerrockentinc]

Awesome video. Good filming, good audio and descriptive. TY. Bloopers rocked :)

[@pnwDatsun]

whole break renovation

[@felipetelleztorres967]

Thanks Chris ! For all your helpful videos like this 😃👍

[@Greenbearls]

"Brake renovation"??? That was too funny.

[@eduardoserranolopez4313]

eres tu primo

[@CicilyBurns-nv4jx]

Very good illustration you did it to the T

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@everythingismediocre]

Great! Good camera work too, very clear. Thanks man!

[@chrisfix]

Ryan Lynch Thanks Ryan. Glad the video was helpful! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!

[@johnwhitebear]

Excellent video! Replaced my first wheel cylinder on my 84' Caprice..

[@chrisfix]

johnwhitebear Awesome! That is what I like to hear!

[@mindyjh271]

BLOOPERS WERE AWESOME TOO!!!!!

[@chrisfix]

Mindy Hull haha, glad you liked them too!

[@mattl.3861]

Bomb video! Thanks! I was having a hard time trying to figure out the bleeding procedure. This solved it!

[@codyq0987]

Hi Chrix, Thank you for this excellent video. I really appreciate the great details you show in the videos.

[@chrisfix]

No problem! Glad the videos are helpful!

[@rickym49]

Great video, good camera work. I agree with the comment about using an open ender on the brake line nut. Too risky. I made my own tool by grinding a piece big enough to fit over the brake line from a cheap ring spanner.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks and thanks for the tip. I honestly never had a problem using an open ended wrench on a brake line nut, but I def never want to have a problem! haha

[@michaelwilliams6261]

lmao the bloopers was halarious

[@timmontoya5056]

Love your content Chris!. Well done and super helpful. I'm doing repair/maintenance projects I wouldn't have considered doing before.

[@2tommyrad]

The bloopers were a crack up! Reminds us that no matter who is working on a vehicle, it's almost never a smooth operation.

[@chrisfix]

Tommy Rad Haha, glad you liked it! Yea, I forget English when I film lol. Probably too many things to think about.

[@snspc8381]

+Tommy Rad Brake bloopers lol. I give Chris credit, I would be a lot worse. I can explain things well if there is no camera around me but as soon as I know I am being filmed, my lips turn into rubber fish and can't say anything right.

[@2tommyrad]

SnS PC LOL, I know exactly what you mean. I studied Jazz comp/improv for years, in the privacy of my bedroom, playing with my dad on sax. I was asked to do a gig and was excited about it. I got on stage and completely forgot everything! EVERYTHING. To the point where, if someone asked me what was hanging on my neck [guitar] I would have looked at them as if they were speaking Martian slang. I laugh now but it was pretty traumatic at the time. Total choke! LOL

[@jmer3536]

great vid and useful info. but some tips for the viewers 1. use a flare nut wrench 2. it is a drum 3. use a one man bleeder its better

[@chrisfix]

+JME R Thanks for the tips

[@bradleypreston5282]

love my flare nut wrenches! I won't admit how many AC and brake lines I'd rounded off before a co-worker got me them haha

[@Mrdevs96]

Thanks Chris! Do-it-yourself'ers unite!

[@Mrdevs96]

Wasn't to bad ! I didn't even curse once :D

[@chrisfix]

Travis Devereux haha, I like how that is how you tell how bad the job is!

[@jayhockley8841]

Brake line nut frozen to line ? Remove Cylinder and spin whole Brake cylinder to unscrew line . Good idea !

[@curierfromxibalba1155]

I think you should use gloves...

[@x-man5056]

Nitrle gloves to keep brake fluid off your hands. Brake fluid will remove paint so not so good for your skin. Use a funnel to fill master cyl also. Don't start a circus act trying to pour brake fluid into master cyl w/o funnel. Eventually, it will make you sorry when it's too late.

[@demonkingsunknown2598]

Really helpful Chris Changing brake cylinder Brake drums

[@demonkingsunknown2598]

Saved me 300$ From machinist,

[@allenhenry1113]

lol like the bloopers!! lol

[@chrisfix]

+allen Henry lol thanks!

[@dannyal467]

omg thanks bro for this video its july 2020 and im doing this job on my 1979 camaro z28 thanks alot im learning as i go 👍🏻👍🏻!!

[@976Billybob]

Great video. very nice step-by-step instructions. Thank you!

[@Cool58F250]

Hi, Once again Thank You for the video, it was a big help.... The final Blooper's was a nice touch. LOL... Thanks Again.....

[@chrisfix]

Haha thanks! I messed up so much while making that video I had to do bloopers lol

[@TAGRART2005]

Hi chris. Juste for the French translation of the title of this video. It is "Comment remplacer un cylindre de roue" . You are doing good job but here I don't have good materiel for doing the job correctly

[@ryanredhorn6309]

Very very helpful, my first time doing my brakes by myself

[@chrisfix]

Ryan Red Horn Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@am529]

When you talk about starting the engine to make pumping the brakes easier, is it because that vehicle has a vacuum-powered brake booster? I have an integral ABS hydraulic unit in my van and it works regardless of whether the engine is running.

[@joejoe188]

Good job, great video work!

[@TheTruth-ge7fj]

I changed my drums and brake shoes but when i put them back on the cylinder started to leak, now i have to take everything off and put new cylinder and bleed air out wich makes me nervous doing it but will follow this. Thanks Chris!

[@baileywhanau]

Loved the Bloopers section ! :D

[@tootall5559]

There is a way to bleed brakes without a helper. it costs you a little more fluid, but it works. You need a piece of vacuum line that fits over the bleeder valve tightly. run that hose down to a clean bottle with enough fluid in it to cover the end of the hose well, like an inch worth. open the bleeder valve with the hose on it, then go press the brakes a a number of times, engine running if like most cars or trucks you have power brakes on something old enough that it doesn't have power brakes, starting the motor doesn't do anything. How it works, well once the hose is full of fluid, when you pump, the air will bubble out, but when it sucks back, it sucks back fluid. Make sure to keep your brake fluid level high so you don't have to start all over again by running the system dry. I have done this job quite a few times, but it's been so long I thought I best look at it on here to refresh my memory, my rememberer ain't what it used to be, I'm old.

[@x-man5056]

The flare nut on brake line at wheel cyl can be a problem. If you get flare nut loose from wheel cyl but it is still rusted to the line, brake out heat gun, pen oil and prayers. Brake lines are "double flare" so even with proper tool difficult to make. You'll have to by a prefabbed generic line that is close in length (longer most usually) and in a way to use whole line w/o creating a loop that will trap air. Big pain but doable.

[@greaser7765]

Great video, very informative 👍🏼 thanks.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks!

[@knoxratukalou7820]

Easy to follow. 👍 good job 👍

[@braulioespinosa]

un poco largo, pero super bien detallado, me gusto, no me queda ninguna duda.

[@chrisfix]

Gracias. Era largo para que pueda ir, aunque todos los pasos para principiantes o mecánicos avanzados pueden utilizar el video.

[@braulioespinosa]

Me ayudó mucho, pude hacer el arreglo sin ningún problema, gracias.

[@yukikinga9612]

Thanks a lot! Now i know how to do it. Very good guide.

[@chrisfix]

+Yuki Kinga Thanks!

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

Thanks for making this so simple. 👍