The average cost to replace your Wheel Cylinder is $108 - $136. Pricing may vary based on the type of car you have, as well as the type of (and quality) auto shop that you go to. At NuBrakes, our technicians come to your office or home to do the repair. We don’t markup our parts and have minimal overhead, meaning, we provide you a convenient and low-cost repair option.
When evaluating the cost of wheel cylinder replacement, you may want to consider:
The quality of the wheel cylinder
Your vehicle's manufacturer
Premium version for longer life part and durability
How long it will take you to get it done if you go to a shopUpon a visual inspection, the servicing technician will notice the brake shoes are severely worn on one wheel, the wheel cylinder does not provide sufficient clamping force to stop the vehicle, or brake fluid leaking out of the brake drum. The wheel cylinder in question will be inspected to verify a reliable diagnosis has been reached.
Replacement requires removal of the wheel and tire, brake drum, brake shoe hardware, and brake shoes. Then the brake line is disconnected from the wheel cylinder, and the cylinder is unbolted and removed. Once the new wheel cylinder is installed the brake shoes, brake shoe hardware, brake drum, and wheel are installed. The brakes will then be flushed, bled of air, and adjusted prior to placing the vehicle on the ground and tightening the wheel nuts to proper specifications.
When a wheel cylinder fails, the brake shoe friction linings on that wheel may become contaminated with brake fluid, or worn excessively. This will require replacement of the brake shoes, brake shoe hardware, and brake drum, through the drum may be eligible for resurfacing. Although the corresponding brakes on the other side of the vehicle may not have been affected, the shoes on both sides of the vehicle must be replaced, along with the brake drums to maintain even braking from side to side. If the faulty wheel cylinder is in the front of the vehicle, the rear brakes do not require replacement. Likewise, if the faulty wheel cylinder is in the rear, the front brakes do not require replacement unless faulty.
Drum brake systems vary from vehicle to vehicle, and the amount of braking force they can apply to the wheels is dependent on the level of performance demanded by the manufacturer. If the vehicle is very heavy, or performance oriented, the brake drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders may be much more expensive. Some drums must be replaced, but others may be resurfaced. Resurfacing is typically more cost effective.
The braking system can be maintained by a DIYer with a complete knowledge of hydraulically actuated systems. This is important as testing brake operation, and safe installation of braking components rely on this knowledge. If the complete braking system is not understood, damage to the expensive braking components or injury is likely. Trusting a professional technician with the replacement of any braking component is normally the best course of action.