How To Remove Wheel Cylinders Without Removing Shoes

[@syedali1077]

Eric you are a pro. Your videos are precise and up to the point. Great job that you are doing, educating the masses so that they don't get ripped off by the mechanics

[@djg585]

Great tip! Thanks! And here's one from me: by far the best penetrating fluid I've ever used is Kano Kroil penetrating oil. Not sold in parts stores, you have to buy it online. Yes it's fairly expensive. I buy the squeeze can and use it to fill small eye dropper bottles I get at Hobby Lobby-- much less wastage than with a spray bottle. It's truly the best, as consumer testing organizations have found.

[@TheWilferch]

Project Farm did a review and Kroil came out looking good but the best....it seemed...was a surprise....Liquid Wrench.

[@zichragland8880]

Had been looking for a way to remove the cylinder without removing the shoes as I did not have the correct tools to remove the springs. This method worked like a charm. Thanks for the video.

[@garryoak]

Pro tip be extremely careful removing the bleeder valve from a new cylinder they are extremely cheap and will break inside the cylinder.

[@702solidink]

Would performing those step work with replacing front cylinders?

[@geebarney7910]

Exactly why I'm here lol

[@hardset-vi3ze]

Clean, simple, no non-sense, to-the-point vid!! LOVE IT!! I'M STARTNG ON MY REAR WHEEL CYLINDER TOMORROW. THANK Y0U.

[@lamontmcdaniels322]

Was it hard ?

[@legacysage]

Those springs, man. Those damn springs.

[@SuperDave21]

You always have helpful tips that save both time and money , What a great guy! Thanks Eric.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Free tip Friday on a Wednesday :)

[@navybluejacket4401]

Thanks Eric. I'm working my way up to doing my own drum brake job. Very helpful, thank you.

[@Dan-ns3uq]

Been watching you since high school Eric the car guy. You have saved my ass so many times it's not even funny. You are the shit

[@alanscott989]

I have tried both ways and this way is much cleaner Before removing shoes had my socks soaking up the oil on the garage floor So no more shoe removal for me cheers Eric

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

All the videos I’ve watched on this for my 04 Ford Ranger, no one’s ever done it this way. That’s pretty badass. You think it’ll be this easy on my truck? Everyone else is showing taking off the springs etc.

[@SteveBelongie]

Where was this video 5 days ago. :) I spent way too much time trying replace the wheel cylinder on my wifes car last weekend lol...well now I know if I ever have to do it again. Thanks for the video.

[@ericthecarguy]

If it makes you feel better I shot the video 5 days ago. ;)

[@SteveBelongie]

EricTheCarGuy It does thanks :) !!!

[@klg1001]

Eric! My man, coming through once again. Thanks so much for saving me time and stress buddy

[@raymondgoldman9593]

Thank you Eric

[@kmccaff9626]

Thanks for the tip, Eric! I have one that's just barely seeping on my Falcon and have not been looking forward to dealing with it.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Done this a bunch of times Great video Eric

[@matthewbarr-o6c]

I really appreciate your video. It saved me a lot of time !

[@brianbabcock1782]

short, and to the point. i always check your PROFESSIONAL vids. keep them coming!

[@j.m.74]

Nice shortcut ya posted here. Looking forward to the upcoming video about how to deal with a brake line that's stuck on, and turning with the nut. I had a near identical problem with my first car many moons ago, difference being it was the fuel line stuck to it's nut & twisting with it when I was trying to replace the fuel filter. ('83 Mustang GL w/ a 3.8L V6... filter was mounted to the carburetor) The line kinked & broke, I ended up patching it with a length of fuel-safe hose & some tiny hose clamps after using a hacksaw to cut off the damaged ends.

[@ericthecarguy]

That video will go live on Friday. Interesting fix.

[@JosephJMcAllister]

Great video! Thanks!

[@johnstudinski]

Eric, Nice job on the video. It is like a blast from the past and this format highlights what I believe to be your strongest qualities. They are the same qualities that I came to enjoy, revisit, and depend upon in your early days. Again, great job!

[@festerfm]

Good video! That trick only works when the adjuster is up by the cylinder. Usually they are opposite the wheel cylinder.

[@TheWilferch]

I see most on top near the cylinder....Toyotas and this Ford ( Taurus ?), he's working on.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Awesome video Eric!

[@requesta86]

Just one thing I have a problem with is that when a wheel cylinder has failed and leaked break fluid all over the shoes them must be replaced as no matter how much you clean them they will never work 100% again so I always replace shoes if fluid has leaked safer for all road users

[@ericthecarguy]

If you clean and adjust your rear brakes annually, you can usually inspect the wheel cylinders and take care of it before it gets to that point.

[@RockStar-ev9fv]

EricTheCarGuy That never happens, customers will drive it until fluid is all gone

[@requesta86]

EricTheCarGuy people in general who just get in and drive the car don’t have a clue about regular adjustments most of them don’t even know how to top off the oil let alone check breaks

[@Nascar14F1]

Was anyone paying attention when Eric said that with this cylinder you couldn’t tell it was leaking until you pulled back the boot that was containing the leaked fluid. That’s why the shoes would be ok. What he forgot to say that when all was done including adjustment, then you need to clean everything with brake cleaner before putting it all back together.

[@requesta86]

Joe Carr I do see what you are saying in this case I would just replace the cylinder if the shoes where fine as no fluid had leaked on the shoes but he does say in the video the do fail completely and get fluid all over the shoes

[@dustinwebb7508]

Realize this is an old video; those adjusters usually have an access on the back side that’s covered with a rectangular rubber grommet, makes turning them easier from there.

[@kellyspann9845]

This is great. I just put new brakes on my car a couple of weeks ago and yesterday noticed I had a RR wheel cylinder leaking and was dreading having to take it all off. This is going to save me a ton of time. Thanks for this video !!!!

[@TheWilferch]

Me too......was not looking forward to taking all this apart for just a cylinder change-out, as its a bear to deal with , if more pieces need to be touched. Great tip here......

[@RG-tm7uq]

I'm an automotive technology student and these videos have been great supplements. Thanks!

[@ericthecarguy]

Glad you find them helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@MrCoursair77]

You should add how to adjust brake shoes.

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Thanks Eric. This vid has helped me save some money. you rock Bro. from New Zealand..Simple and easy to follow. Cheers.

[@SkylarHillShop]

Thanks for the tip Eric! For some reason I have always found repairing drum brakes to be oddly satisfying.

[@TheFracturedfuture]

What! I hate them.

[@TheWwong]

Apply anti-seize to brake bleeder screw to help bleed brakes NEXT time.

[@consaka1]

That is one thing I ALWAYS do as well. Nothing worse than mangling stupid bleeder screws.

[@CurlyQLink]

I wish I did just that the last time I bleeded my brakes. Now my bleeder values are frozen and the two bolts to remove them too. YIKES!

[@BigHappysPlace]

I love this method. my Shop teacher showed this to me back in school. One of the best tips he ever provided to the class.

[@gagandhaliwal332]

Very informative video , Thanks boss👍

[@donjohnson3701]

Thanks, I see that this video is 5 years old, but it still keeps saving guys a lot of hassle. I just did the yearly clean and inspection of my drum brakes and found one cylinder that had a leak. I was dreading disassembly of the shoes and springs but I happened upon your video which saved me a lot of time and effort. Thanks again!

[@Luke-ofStoke-Factor]

Do you bleed them after wheel cylinder replacement?

[@davidthomas2686]

Do I need to drain the breaks before removing the break line?

[@donjohnson3701]

1. You don’t need to bleed the brakes before you remove the wheel cylinder. 2. It’s a good practice to bleed all 4 wheel cylinders after opening a line (especially after a couple of years-to keep corrosion out of the lines and cylinder; brake fluid absorbs moisture)

[@Rickm2003]

Just wondering, what happen to the camera men you had help you? All the most recent vids are old school (which l like). Thanks! Nice vid, l have done this, it works, and helps!

[@j1mmys4ndusky]

Great video eric!

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Very neat trick. I usually dick around with springs because I am a drum brake purist (i.e. didn't know about this trick) lol

[@Bereadyalways123]

First class..my problem is TRYING to get the dam drum off ,,..my next step is to put a blowtorch heat on it ..handbrake off it spins but will not come off ..tried near everything, Ray ib the UK in the UK

[@InlinePaul]

Nice if the adjuster is next to the wheel cylinder, but every drum brake I have ever seen, the adjuster is at the bottom and the wheel cylinder at the top, so that expanding the adjuster will not loosen it for the wheel cylinder,

[@MrMehtabkhan786]

Excellent video thanks

[@james43medina]

Tanx erick awesome tutorials

[@acanfield87]

Might be an older video but thanks for the tight, concise demonstration! I need to replace the cylinders on my 06 Chevy Silverado rear brakes and wondered if it could be done without completely disassembling the shoes.

[@Serps-ii9zc]

I have a tool to spread the shoes, something that can easily be made with a piece of threaded rod and a couple plates, it grabs the top of the shoes and pulls them apart.

[@toddeisenhauer7477]

Thanks, great video, clear and helpful

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

what type of flare fitting and nut is on the wheel cylinder? Would you consider just replacing this brake line?

[@soldiersvejk2053]

Great video! Be super careful when you push those rubber boots! Always squeeze them from BOTH SIDES SLOWLY. Otherwise the springs and pistons may pop out and shoot out brake fluids into your face! Definitely wear safety glass for this job! (Don't ask me how I know that)

[@nokoolaid]

That brake line didn't look straight. Maybe it's just variation is production and it went on right.

[@davidheether1655]

Thanks for the tip. I was dredding doing the rear drums on my ‘64 Chevy II. The wheel cylinder on the passenger is a gonner. This just saved me a ton of time and headache. And space on my phone because I don’t have to take a picture of how the springs lay. I will be converting to disc brakes in the rear as soon as I can afford it.

[@shikiisandoval51]

such a huge help thank you so much

[@Zipppyart]

did this trick without loosening the adjuster, hardest part was lining the darn cylinder up, felt like an eternity. lesson learned!

[@paulmonkton1227]

Might be a stupid question. I've got a seized rear cylinder you made it look simple do u get loads of fluid come out when undo the pipe at back thanks

Maybe I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem that this procedure will work if the adjuster is a the bottom, like in my '68 Ford Galaxie... It's got factory front-disc/rear-drum brakes, but the adjuster for the back brakes is at the bottom -- it pushes the bottom of the shoes in or out. The wheel cylinder is at the top, like in this example, of course. Seems that in my case, making the adjuster expand the shoes would tighten their grip on the wheel cylinder at the top? Maybe I'm wrong... I'll have to take a look next time I'm in my brakes on that car...

[@Toolie35]

Probable you just have to remove the return springs

[@ericthecarguy]

It still works. Once you break the line loose from the wheel cylinder you can compress the pistons and remove the wheel cylinder.

[@consaka1]

EricTheCarGuy I think loosening the bottom adjuster helps the top stay out of the way of the piston pieces. I just remove the whole adjuster on me old Chevy's.

[@windynabbie]

I used deep vice grips and held the shoes against the backing plate www.toolup.com/Vise-Grip-4sp-4-Locking-Clamp-with-Swivel-Pads-4SP

[@superrodder2002]

neat trick on old bendix brakes. Remove the line and bolts holding the wheel cylinder on the backing plate,then just reach in with a screwdriver and push the E-brake lever which attaches to the rear (secondary) shoe toward the front of the car to activate the same way the e-brake cable does and the brake shoes seperate from the wheel cylinder enough for you to pull the cylinder out with your other hand.You can also just put the E-brake on gently once your ready to pull the cylinder out and it will hold the shoes out while you change the cylinder. This doesn't work on front drum brakes but just remove the top return springs and they are easy to do as well.

[@ranct1815]

Thanks for the video, this will help me at work cuz... Oh forgot to let you know I started at Pep Boys a month ago, now they are letting me change rotor, pads, drums and shoes but not the brakelines yet...Having fun and staying dirty 👍😃👌🔧🔩

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Pretty cool shortcut. My cylinders are the same for both sides. Happy Motoring.

[@vuanhtu1174]

Thanks Eric so much!!!

[@AlexGreenwoodUkulele]

I've never had any trouble removing wheel cylinders from a car, and I've especially never had to adjust the shoes like that, let alone completely remove them. Good video though for if some DO struggle with them. :)

[@glenglene8473]

does the gravity bleed good enough after replaced the cylinder?

[@isaacasare7242]

Thanks Eric u made my day. I am proud of u.

[@kristianhermann5971]

Back to your best Eric. Just like old times 👍

[@azrooster602]

love it thank you

[@NeutronX101]

If removing the drum can the retaining clips pop out and the brake shoes pop out?

[@cypeman8037]

Did that brake line nut run straight?, it didn’t look it to me.

[@trainsbangsandautomobiles824]

I thought the same thing..

[@ericthecarguy]

Yes. It's an aftermarket casting.

[@cypeman8037]

@@ericthecarguy Ah, handy tip. Not that I've come across a car with brake drums for over 30 years.

[@dennisbdavid]

Every video I saw took off both shoes to take off the wheel cylinder. I just needed to replace the cylinder. You saved me so much time and effort! Thanks!

[@raimopollanen8417]

Hello Eric, nice video thank you for sharing it! I have a question related a Chevrolet Kalos 1.4sx Hatchback 4 door 2005 year model I think that might be similar to Chevy Aveos. I smell gasoline smell on the left side of the car in the back near rear left wheel. I have checked for leaks no visible leaks or anything like that still the gas smell is present? What could cause it. Charcoal canister gone bad or even gas tank rosted through from the top? There is no gas smell inside the vehicle? what could cause this smell?

[@floridaishome7230]

Thanks, you make my life easier and give me confidence that I can do it. Can't handle the springs. Two thumbs up!

[@vincentquintero8028]

1:52 would you guys recommend using a blow torch to loosen the fastener out?

[@quoctrangchuotbeo4]

Do we need to bleed the air if we do this way?

[@ramanjitsingh4340]

good idea

[@ericwimber2395]

So what is the trick when the adjuster is at the bottom of the shoes?

[@손정민-v8k]

Outstanding job

[@th3duke1]

Thank you Eric! I wish I could give this tip a "two" thumbs up - priceless, this trick saved me a huge amount of time and frustration with my farm truck. :)

[@biggrimm7505]

Also if you have abs bleed brakes then drive down your road and ram the brakes then bleed again this will bleed out the abs and eliminate soft peddle just a tip if you don't work at a shop

[@rss021815]

Old school ETCG video!! Thumbs up!

[@kiddatplayz2917]

Will I need to bleed the brakes? And why so?

[@jdmchickkustomz9417]

Thank you for this video Eric I broke off my bleeder screw and I have to replace my cylinder I'm going to try to do it myself

[@DonaldKanne]

But you didn't. Show pinching of the line. Before removing the metal line from the cylinder. Otherwise fluid escaping to e and air gets in the system and you didn't mention bleeding. Some key step you completely left out. My ot comprehensive

[@BornDead616]

Did you do a video on your "loud button" for the fairmont, Eric? If so i hope to see it one day :)

[@ericthecarguy]

I actually have 2. I'll get to it at some point. Working on getting an editor to help out.

[@BornDead616]

thank you! :D

[@donalddonaldson7211]

What if I rounded off the brake line??? How do I get the old cylinder off?

[@trevorbelmont4633]

How often does one change Wheel Cylinders? I have 42k in my odo and the car shop says it need replacing.. drum brake is also squealing after their cleaning..

[@CanadianKamoteRider]

Wait, What? WHAT? WTF!!!! I love this as I'm about do all the brakes on my car but just the cylinders in the rear. I also love this trick cause it's so simple and easy. Ok I subscribed, keep up the good work.

[@8Lebeau]

Eric, this video saved me easily an hour! Brilliant!!!

[@thomasherring6640]

Great video! Looking forward to the video about how to deal with lines that are turning with the nut as well. I've dealt with that many many times, but always good to see how someone else goes about it!

[@TheHamouda]

I can't unscrew that nut .turning with line any idea thank you

[@thomasherring6640]

The only thing I have had any real success with is wire brushing the line clean right up to the fitting, heating the crap out of it, and spraying it down with non flammable liquid wrench. You do need to make sure you open the hydraulic system somewhere for the pressure you are creating to escape, so either cut an adjacent rubber hose, or pull the pistons out of the wheel cylinder so the fluid can escape as it heats and expands. If you don't do that, ugly things will happen. If the fitting you are working on goes into a rubber hose, just cut the hose, as you will need to replace it after you heat it up anyway. This usually works for me. When it doesn't, I just accept that I am going to be replacing that line.@@TheHamouda

[@TheHamouda]

Thank you so much for quick reply .and taking tome to answer .my question .have a good day

[@TheHamouda]

i end up with unscrewing the wheel cylinder. and put new one had to screw the wheel cylider . that way work s well

[@monicawang3985]

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[@clinteast7476]

Wont newer cars self adjust?

[@2strokeboys191]

Anyone doing this I was able to just pull the upper spring and the adjuster clip and pulled the cylinder out with little to no hassle, left the adjuster itself alone only because I just did the pads and everything and didn’t want to adjust again. Sadly right after doing the pads the wheel cylinder blew next day 🤦‍♂️

[@michaelwade7850]

Nice video need to place a cylinder, nice timing lol

[@olegknowsbest4971]

Brake shoes rather intimidating? Oh Eric, Eric.....

[@xrigtrk]

I have a 93 c1500 Silverado 4.3 6 cylinder, my right rear wheel cylinder need replacing what size cylinder do I need I think my drums are 10 inches.?

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

Quick question whats the reason my break drum wont spin freely? It feels like its locked n it wont rotate at all on both of my rear drums🙏

[@johnnyringo2550]

I have to do this tomorrow , my cylinder started pouring fluid out today , I hope it goes this well for me 😊👍🏼🙏🏼

[@702solidink]

Great video. Eric wound I be able to perform the same with the from drum brakes cylinder on a 63 impala ?

[@c490493]

is it me or does it looks kind a to the side ??? .. 3:46...🤔.. maybe it's the camera angle.... i would be replacing mine see how it goes 😆😅

[@wanjockey]

great video. I have not thought of doing it that way. Thanks for the video.

[@scottschmittmusic]

Will the rear wheels spin independently? Or do they both have to be off the ground

[@sayavongtri]

Thank you Eric, you saved me. Love watching your videos, this one saved me from a lot of stress.

[@tracemilam4176]

Thanks, everyone always wants to take the hold break assembly apart… 20 minute job,, some people want to take two hours…

[@KingOfTerrors88]

This work for a 91 gmc 1500?

[@jessestout8646]

Hey Eric, do I have to bleed all 4 corners after replacing a wheel cylinder, or do i have to just bleed this 1 wheel, or, do i even need to bleed them at all?

[@steffydog]

Fab, thanks