How To Remove Wheel Cylinders Without Removing Shoes

This is a trick I learned years ago. It will help you if you need to replace wheel cylinders but your brake shoes are still good. This technique will save you the trouble of having to remove troublesome springs while you get the brake shoes all dirty.

You will however need to readjust the brakes after you install the new wheel cylinder. In fact, I recommend a brake adjustment on drum brakes every time you renew the front brakes.

Thanks for watching!

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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[donjohnson]

Thanks, I see that this video is 5 years old, but it still keeps saving guys a lot of hassle. I just did the yearly clean and inspection of my drum brakes and found one cylinder that had a leak. I was dreading disassembly of the shoes and springs but I happened upon your video which saved me a lot of time and effort. Thanks again!

[alanscott]

I have tried both ways and this way is much cleaner
Before removing shoes had my socks soaking up the oil on the garage floor
So no more shoe removal for me cheers Eric

[syedali]

Eric you are a pro. Your videos are precise and up to the point. Great job that you are doing, educating the masses so that they don't get ripped off by the mechanics

[dennisbdavid]

Every video I saw took off both shoes to take off the wheel cylinder. I just needed to replace the cylinder. You saved me so much time and effort! Thanks!

[BigHappysPlace]

I love this method. my Shop teacher showed this to me back in school. One of the best tips he ever provided to the class.

[kellyspann]

This is great. I just put new brakes on my car a couple of weeks ago and yesterday noticed I had a RR wheel cylinder leaking and was dreading having to take it all off. This is going to save me a ton of time. Thanks for this video !!!!

[djg]

Great tip! Thanks!
And here's one from me: by far the best penetrating fluid I've ever used is Kano Kroil penetrating oil. Not sold in parts stores, you have to buy it online. Yes it's fairly expensive. I buy the squeeze can and use it to fill small eye dropper bottles I get at Hobby Lobby-- much less wastage than with a spray bottle. It's truly the best, as consumer testing organizations have found.

[johnstudinski]

Eric, Nice job on the video. It is like a blast from the past and this format highlights what I believe to be your strongest qualities. They are the same qualities that I came to enjoy, revisit, and depend upon in your early days. Again, great job!

[davidheether]

Thanks for the tip. I was dredding doing the rear drums on my ‘64 Chevy II. The wheel cylinder on the passenger is a gonner. This just saved me a ton of time and headache. And space on my phone because I don’t have to take a picture of how the springs lay. I will be converting to disc brakes in the rear as soon as I can afford it.

[RG-tmuq]

I'm an automotive technology student and these videos have been great supplements. Thanks!

[zichragland]

Had been looking for a way to remove the cylinder without removing the shoes as I did not have the correct tools to remove the springs. This method worked like a charm. Thanks for the video.

[garryoak]

Pro tip be extremely careful removing the bleeder valve from a new cylinder they are extremely cheap and will break inside the cylinder.

[acanfield]

Might be an older video but thanks for the tight, concise demonstration! I need to replace the cylinders on my 06 Chevy Silverado rear brakes and wondered if it could be done without completely disassembling the shoes.

[hardset-vize]

Clean, simple, no non-sense, to-the-point vid!! LOVE IT!! I'M STARTNG ON MY REAR WHEEL CYLINDER TOMORROW. THANK Y0U.

[hectorvera]

Your way of removing the wheel cylinder is easy and functional.
Thanks very much.
God bless you and your job.

[darrylcampbell]

Thanks Eric. This vid has helped me save some money. you rock Bro. from New Zealand..Simple and easy to follow. Cheers.

[SkylarHillShop]

Thanks for the tip Eric! For some reason I have always found repairing drum brakes to be oddly satisfying.

[Zipppyart]

did this trick without loosening the adjuster, hardest part was lining the darn cylinder up, felt like an eternity. lesson learned!

[floridaishome]

Thanks, you make my life easier and give me confidence that I can do it. Can't handle the springs. Two thumbs up!

[daviddupree]

Very good advice Sir. I was told shoes had to come off. Cylinders froze on front of my 1970 f 100.
You are a neat mechanic. Thanks