YM13

I was replacing the brake shoes on the 4runner from a previous Axle leak, when I discovered the opposite side brake was leaking Brake Fluid from the smallest hole I've ever seen on the top of the rubber boot...Now here is the problem. I looked behind the brakes (where the axle connects to the drum) and I saw that there are two screws that release the cylinder from the backing plate...well one of the screw heads is missing but the actual screw shaft is still in its place. So basically I cannot take off the brake cylinder...

Should I go and get a rebuild kit and try my luck or should I take it to a shop and lose a lot of money. I have the car up on jack stands and I have the brake shoes off...so putting them back on and having to drive to the shop would take a good amount of effort.

Is it possible to rebuild the cylinder without taking it off and how well do these kits work??? How much work is it also?? I have no experience with brakes but i'm learning quickly as I just replaced my shoes. I guess this is my only real option right now so please give suggestions...I'm out of school right now so I can live to not drive a little but I need to get back on the road soon. Thanks for you help in advance.....

bosco659

If the head is missing off of one of the mounting bolts, if you remove the other remaining bolt, the wheel cylinder should come right off (after removing the brake line of course). Once the cylinder is removed, you should be able to grab the end of the broken bolt with vice grip pliers and remove the broken off part. Otherwise you could try a screw extractor and if that doesn't work, buy a new wheel cylinder.

Good luck, HTH.

YM13

hm, it looks like it is sitting pretty sturdy for one screw...If your sure that it will slip off after i take off the other one than i'll just buy another cylinder....

Keep the suggestions coming guys I really need some help

5-spd for life!

Scrap the damn cylinder and get new ones! I bought the best ones at autozone for 12 bucks a peice and they are fine. As far as the screw situation goes just take the other one off and presto! your good to go! If the other one breaks off then presto! just slide the thing out and get a new one and buy two more screws from a hardware store. The backing plate is not threaded and the cylinder is tapered into that hole so in the event of a rock takeing a screw head off the whole brakes would not be relying on one screw to hole the assembly together, so that is why the thing is still in there very solid.

YM13

So how would I go around to removing it?? In other words which way do I slide or pull or do what once I remove that screw...i've never removed one before...

razrwild

take the back bolt off and it should come out if you have the back brakes apart. Just did them myself on my 89 4runner and its a cake walk.

YM13

ok guys thanks for all of your help I hope it works out....

YM13

So i'm going to go to Advance AutoParts and see if they have what i'm looking for...I would appreciate any suggestions, steps I should take, and types of products to get or stay away from....Thank you

razrwild

should be straight forward, ask and get a wheel cylinder

YM13

It was very easy...I got it done without any trouble at all...thanks for all of your help