1991 Camry Rear Wheel cylinder

[John Martens]

Replaced the rear struts in my fathers 1991 Camry LE 4 cyl today. After I reconnected the brake line, I was bleeding the brakes and my sister in law was pushing on the brake pedal and the passenger side rear wheel cylinder just exploded spraying brake fluid everywhere.

When you are looking at the wheel cylinder, it looks like the cup between the piston and the cylinder pushed it's way out.

Can I just replace the wheel cylinder? Is there a kit that is just for that? How much more work would it be if I just replaced the brake shoes while I was in there?

Is there any special tools needed? I know I need a 'shoe hold down spring' tool but is there anything else?

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Just buy a replacement cylinder at Crappy Tire for around $30, they're just white box parts but you'll likely never have to replace it again. Lately they seem to be pushing Moog and Monroe parts at CT, but believe me you don't need to pay the extra moolah.

If the shoes look like they're almost done, you may as well replace them at the same time (I buy the "Certified" brand at CT, I think rear shoes are $20 or so). You don't really need a special "hold down" tool, just compress the little spring by hand, grab the end of the pin with pliers and rotate the pin to remove it from the spring seat. My explanation sounds complicated but it's self- evident once you're in there. Good luck!

[fredk]

was the drum off when it came apart?

[John Martens]

The drum was off the wheel when it happened. TBayToyotaBoy: I'll go grab those parts today, it was a little frustrating just getting those struts done and then this happens.

[fredk]

the drum keeps the shoes from coming too far apart

[Mike Gerber]

"The drum was off the wheel when it happened."

The drum needs to be on as fredk said.

You may not even need the new wheel cylinder. Clean everything up with brake clean. Regrease the 6 points on the backing plate where the brake shoes ride along it. Then put the wheel cylinder back together and put the drum back on. Now rebleed the system as you were doing before. The wheel cylinder will probably be fine.

Mike

[toyomoho]

The cylinder is held on by two bolts. Take caution in removing the brake line as the fitting can freeze up resulting in rounding over the nut flats if too aggressive in removing it.

When everything is back together adjust the brake shoes with drum on until they don't rub, then bleed the cylinder (drum on). Recheck for brake rubbing.