How Long Does a Brake Wheel Cylinder Last?

One of the most important functions that a car performs every time that it is operated is braking. Without a properly working braking system, it would not be safe to operate your car. With all of the various components that have to work together to make the brakes engage, it can be a bit difficult to keep track of them. The wheel cylinders are located on the rear of the car if the car has drum brakes. These cylinders help to apply pressure to the brake shoes when trying to bring the car to a stop. The only time that the wheel cylinders on a car are used is when you press down on the brake pedal.

These small cylinders are made to last the life of the car, but usually will need to be replaced before that. When you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder will fill the wheel cylinders with fluid. The pressure that is created by this fluid is what helps to put force on the brake shoes and brings the car to a stop. The wheel cylinders of a car are made from metal and rubber. The high heat and constant use that these cylinders get are usually the biggest reason why they will need to be replaced eventually.

Taking notice of the signs that your car gives when the wheel cylinders are broken can help to save you a lot of frustration and money. The last thing that you need to do when the wheel cylinders on your car are in need of repair is to ignore the problem. Without properly working wheel cylinders, it will be very hard for a car to brake efficiently. The following are some of the signs that you may notice when it comes time to replace the wheel cylinders on your car:

  • The brake pedal goes all the way to floor
  • There is a lot of noise from the rear brakes
  • Fluid is leaking from the wheel cylinders

The faster you are able to get your wheel cylinders replaced, the better off your braking system will ultimately be.


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