76 midget rear wheel cylinder

[Tipsy]

I discovered that my drivers side rear wheel brake cylinder is leaking. Should I replace both of them or does the "if it ain't broke don't fix it rule apply here? I'm thinking do both because I gotta bleed it anyway? What do you think?
ctually I'm thinking re-do the whole kit because this sides got some fluid leakage onto the pads so they need to be replaced. VB has a kit for rear drums on a 1500 that includes everything for under $100. SOunds like the way to go.?
Thanks!
Jeff

 

[JPSmit]

I bought the kit. IIRC the cylinders are cheap. Just do all and be done with it. I am pretty sure the kit also includes the hose that goes in front of the gas tank. Don't forget to replace it.

 

[bthompson]

+1. That definitely qualifies as a "while I'm under there" project. Take a good look at your axle seals too; if they're leaking at all, this is the best time to fix it, while your brakes are apart anyway.

 

[Tipsy]

Thanks everybody! I took the holding screw out of the axle and slid the axle partway out. I've never done that but thought I'd see what it was like. Anyway, got it partway out and then slid it back into place just to be sure I could. Now, I've developed a leak at that axle. Did I damage it just by doing that? I'm finishing up the brakes and wheel cylinders, just need to bleed it. But now that it's leaking I think I'll have to take Bill's advice and go ahead and replace the seals "while I'm under there".
Can anyone tell me what's involved? When I slide the axle ALL the way out are bearings or other items going to come with it? Or will it just be the axle?
Thanks again for all your help!
Jeff

 

[Gerard]

Thanks everybody! I took the holding screw out of the axle and slid the axle partway out. I've never done that but thought I'd see what it was like. Anyway, got it partway out and then slid it back into place just to be sure I could. Now, I've developed a leak at that axle. Did I damage it just by doing that? I'm finishing up the brakes and wheel cylinders, just need to bleed it. But now that it's leaking I think I'll have to take Bill's advice and go ahead and replace the seals "while I'm under there".
Can anyone tell me what's involved? When I slide the axle ALL the way out are bearings or other items going to come with it? Or will it just be the axle?
Thanks again for all your help!
Jeff

Jeff,

As you might imagine, this question has been asked many times before. I wrote something up here months ago and I think it may also be in the tech library. You can find it on my web site in the Tech/How to section. I cleaned up some details in the version on my site a little.

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/rearAxleSeal.htm

 

[Tipsy]

Awesome! I will search for it and check out your site too!
Thanks!