Brake cylinder rebuild

[ZekeD]

Trying to keep the cost in line, I was wondering what the criteria should be for when to rebuild the slave cylinders vs buying new ones.   (Other than "does it stop?")  .    Right now the brake pedal is more effective in picking up speed than is the accellerator!

With the amount of fluid leaking from the drums it could be anything: lines, seals, castings, etc.
But before I tear into them I wanted to get some guidelines from you all.

Thanks
ZD

[1955CJ-5]

Walcks has the new cylinders for about $19 and they come with the kit installed! ...the kits are about $8 and that may not do the trick....I kitted the CJ-5 a few years ago and it started leaking again, so I replaced with new. Works great. And if you replace the shoes at the same time you really don't want those wheel cylinders leaking again....

Keep the old cylinders in case you want to sleeve them someday and restore back to original....

[F Bill]

Walcks has the new cylinders for about $19 and they come with the kit installed! ...the kits are about $8 and that may not do the trick....I kitted the CJ-5 a few years ago and it started leaking again, so I replaced with new. Works great. And if you replace the shoes at the same time you really don't want those wheel cylinders leaking again....

Keep the old cylinders in case you want to sleeve them someday and restore back to original....

Agreed....with resleeving running around $50 a cylinder the originals will have to hang around until I learn to do it myself, or I decide to make an all original jeep with no aftermarket parts.  

Plan on doing everything inside the drums, a new master cylinder, new hoses, and new steel lines. All that stuff on your jeep is over 50 years old now so replacing it for safety's sake is normally the best way to go. If you are on a budget you can inspect each individual part and see if anything is savable....but chances are most has been used up or is so grease covered it needs replacement anyhow.
Also a good time to make sure your wheel and axle seals are up to snuff.

And use the good puller on the rear hubs. Three or more legged hammer on the crossarm type. NOT the type that grabs the drum. (unless you are so lucky that someone already put the newer outboard mounted style drums on it).

[Macgraham]

I find the local CARQUEST store has most of the Jeep brake stuff in stock and the prices are very good especially considering the freight. Napa should as well. Got Dana 41 seals and a speedi-sleeve the other day right off the shelf. The bonus was they were made in the USA

[athawk11]

I agree with the others.  I rebuilt my rear cylinders, and both still leaked.  Inspect them. If there is any pitting or ridges, don't waste your time.  If the bores are smooth as a babies butt, give it a try.  

I've kept all my original Wagner Lockheed cylinders.  Like Bill, I might want them at some point.

I would caution you on Napa.  I bought one rear cylinder from them.  $57.00.  For One. :-?

Tim

[garage gnome]

I bought all new ones for my '49 from Walcks. I kept the originals since they probably could be rebuilt, but I didn't want to take the chance.

[ZekeD]

Thanks Guys   Walcks it is.

ZD

[hibaldone]

I was wondering the same thing. My wife and I just took possession of a 50 cj3a just this Friday. The brakes aren't leaking and everything seams to be in great shape but I don't want to take the chance do to the fact it has been sitting for the last few years.    

[F Bill]

I was wondering the same thing. My wife and I just took possession of a 50 cj3a just this Friday. The brakes aren't leaking and everything seams to be in great shape but I don't want to take the chance do to the fact it has been sitting for the last few years. � �;)

In a case like that I would  take out as much of the old fluid as I could with a turkey baster and add fresh, then slowly bleed all the lines till you have nice clean fresh fluid everywhere. If the brakes still work fine after that and your hoses are in good shape showing no signs of cracking, then you might have dodged the bullet on a complete rebuild for now. Do you know when the last time the cylinders and shoes were replaced ?

[Gunslinger]

I rebuilt my brake cylinders, bought the parts kits at Walcks and I picked up a brake cylinder hone at A
NAPA, they are cheap and fit nicely in your quarter horse drill.  Honed the cylinders and replaced the internals, it's pretty simple, new rubber hoses, blew out the steel lines with brake cleaner and they worked just like new,  I did add new shoes and springs as well.  

[hibaldone]

I was wondering the same thing. My wife and I just took possession of a 50 cj3a just this Friday. The brakes aren't leaking and everything seams to be in great shape but I don't want to take the chance do to the fact it has been sitting for the last few years. � �;)

In a case like that I would �take out as much of the old fluid as I could with a turkey baster and add fresh, then slowly bleed all the lines till you have nice clean fresh fluid everywhere. If the brakes still work fine after that and your hoses are in good shape showing no signs of cracking, then you might have dodged the bullet on a complete rebuild for now. Do you know when the last time the cylinders and shoes were replaced ?

 No I don't have a clue my wife's father left it to her when he past and we just took possession of it this last Friday. He did take care of all his vehicles extremely well though. I may do just that though, sounds like a good place to start.
Thanks