Drum brakes - sticking cylinder

[Muddle238]

Hello all,

I have an issue with a drum brake - it's suddenly started binding.

Removal of the drum suggests the cylinder is sticking, holding the shoes out against the drum and not retracting. Is there a simple way to free off a stuck cylinder? Or is it a case of fitting a new cylinder altogether?

Thanks in advance

[sunbeam alpine]

For what it costs, I'd replace the cylinder (s).

If you're talking about the front axle, I'd definitely replace both sides. I might not bother if it was the rear.

[Muddle238]

Thanks

It is on the rear, I'll see about ordering a new cylinder.

[grumpy52]

Make sure the hose to the brake isn't collapsed if it's the braided or rubber type . This can cause fluid flow problems.
Otherwise replace the cylinder preferably on both sides and clean and copper slip all pivot points .

[littleredrooster]

Definitely not the handbrake linkage, then? Cylinders don't very often seize, linkages/cables often do.

[droopsnoot]

You can strip the cylinder down and check the condition of the bores, sometimes a light honing will make it useable again with a seal kit.

All depends on the cylinder - the correct ones for the back of my car aren't always easy to find. But as others have said, check flexis and handbrake-related stuff as well. I've had sticking cylinders on mine before now, one piston will move and the other will not, and cleaning the thing out and fitting new seals has done the trick. My car doesn't get used all that much, especially over winter.

[Alfa101]

In many cases drum brakes with a single cylinder rely on the cylinder being able to move on the backplate so both shoes clamp up to the drum equally.

So It is worth making sure that the cylinder is free to slide on the backplate before condemning it as seized.

Jonathan

[Muddle238]

littleredrooster said:

Definitely not the handbrake linkage, then? Cylinders don't very often seize, linkages/cables often do.

I tested the handbrake linkage and it appeared to be operating normally.

I have a new cylinder on order so I'll fit it and see what happens. I'll likely keep the old cylinder as a spare, dismantle, clean up and reassemble incase it was ever needed again.

I'll check the various flexis as well.