OEM 2002 Dodge Dakota Wheel Cylinder

2002 Dodge Dakota Wheel Cylinder Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair a wheel cylinder on 2002 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Before servicing the wheel cylinder, remove the wheel and tire off the vehicle, then lift off the brake drum as well. Take the wheel cylinder brake line off and after that, remove the return springs and push the shoes away from the push rods. After that, remove the bolts connecting the cylinder to the support plate to remove the cylinder. When disassembling a lever expansion valve, first remove the push rods and boots, next press on the pistons, cups, spring and expander through the cylinder and finally remove the bleed screw. Disinfect the cylinder and pistons with separate clean brake fluid or brake cleaner, not other types of cleaning products and use compressed air to dry them because shop towels or rags may leave lint on the cylinders and pistons. While a little discoloration inside the cylinder is normal and has no effect on functioning, if it is scored, pitted or heavily corroded, swap out the cylinder. Its fine to do very light crocus cloth polishing on the bore. If the piston surfaces are rough or damaged by scratches, scoring or corrosion, replace them instead of trying to restore them. Throw away the piston cups, spring and expander, since they cannot be used again, but if your original dust boots are clean, you can keep them. Before putting together the assembly, cleanly lubricate the wheel cylinder bore, pistons, piston cups and spring and expander with brake fluid. Place the first piston in the cylinder bore, then put the first cup on, so the lip is inward and the flat surface faces the piston. After that, place the spring and the expander, followed by the last piston cup and piston. Attach a boot on each end of the cylinder, insert the push rods into the boots and put the bleed screw onto the cylinder. While installing, seal the cylinder mounting area of the support plate with silicone and attach the mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts always to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Secure the brake line to the cylinder, put on the return spring, install the brake drum after that and seal the wheel and tire onto the hub. End by emptying the base brake system.