How To Replace a Leaking Rear Wheel Cylinder in a Jeep Cherokee

The rear drum brakes on Jeep Cherokees are generally reliable and long lasting. While swapping to disk brakes is a popular modification, the rear drums do a fine job of stopping when they work properly.

One common problem as the brakes age is that the wheel cylinder leaks. The wheel cylinder has two pistons that press out on the brake shoes when the pedal is depressed. The two pistons have rubber cups on them that will wear with age. Also, water can contaminate the fluid and cause the lining of the cylinder to rust.

Torque Wrench

There are several different wheel cylinders used so make sure you get the proper replacement before disassembling the Jeep. The cylinder for the 9" brakes is different from the one for the 10" brakes and the one used for antilock brakes is different from the one used for non antilock.

Begin by lifting the Jeep and supporting the rear axle. Remove the wheel and tire.

Using a 3/8" line breaking wrench, loosen the brake line where it connects to the wheel cylinder. If the line is stuck, try tightening it a bit before loosening it. Heat can help if it is severely stuck. Use care not to damage the metal line. Use a pan or a rag to catch the brake fluid that drains out.

Remove the two 3/8 headed bolts that hold the cylinder to the backing plate. Remove the brake drum. Loosen the brake shoes slightly if necessary.

Using a brake spring tool, remove the two upper brake shoe springs. Pull the front shoe slightly forward and slip the wheel cylinder out around the axle flange. Clean up and fluid that had leaked into the brake drum.

Slip in the new wheel cylinder. Install the two retaining bolts. Reseat the front brake shoe. Replace the springs using the other end of the brake spring tool. Take care to ensure the cable for the automatic brake adjuster is routed correctly and has not fallen out of place while the tension was off.

Reconnect the brake line. Reinstall the brake drum and adjust the tension.

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder to replace what drained out. Bleed the brakes by having an assistant depress the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder screw.

With the bleeder closed, have the assistant pump the pedal a few times and then hold it depressed. Open the screw and allow fluid to come out. Close the screw and have the assistant repeat the process. Repeat the process and have the assistant note the firmness of the brake pedal as you observe the amount of air in the expelled fluid.

Once the fluid runs clear with no air, tighten the bleeder screw and install the protective cap. Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lugs to the proper torque. Lower the Jeep and top off the master cylinder before driving.

How To Replace a Leaking Rear Wheel Cylinder in a Jeep Cherokee

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