So I have been losing some brake fluid from the master cylinder. The one in the rear I believe goes to the rear tires. Today I found the leak, I noticed it leaking out by the tire and it actually stated pooling up on the garage floor. My brake light has been on since getting the van.
I am thinking this is the wheel brake cylinder? I have never messed with drum brakes so not sure what I will find in there when I open it up. Can I replace the cylinder without messing with the shoes? Hoping to replace the proportioning valve and just the brake cylinder to see if it fixes the loss of fluid, brake light, and mushy brakes.
You will almost certainly have to replace the brake shoes also, as brake fluid degrades the brake shoe material. Last thing you want is to fix the leak then have the shoes fall apart later. New brake shoes are cheaper than a new front end (or worse). Rockauto have closeout specials on some brake parts at the moment.
Yeah. Wheel cylinder, shoes are a good idea, make sure the drum is in spec. Bleed the brakes.
I may just change it all out including the drum, by the looks of it I think it has been on there a while. What brands do you all prefer for drums, shoes, cylinders, and springs? Also I need a spring removal tool right?
I’ve done it a million times with a Pair of dikes and a pair of pliers. Never got the hang of that fancy brake tool. Wagner/raybestos, probably some other decent ones too.
I had everything on the rear brakes replaced on my 93. Wheel cyls, shoes, drums, and all hardware. I bought everything through Rockauto, Raybestos brand. Had a friend do the work because I'm lazy and didn't want to lay on the hot asphalt.