OEM 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Wheel Cylinder

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Wheel Cylinder Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain and Repair a Wheel Cylinder for Drum Brakes on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: When servicing drum brakes, first fit an extra support under the brake pedal to press it past its first inch to keep the brake master cylinder out of the hydraulic system. Lift the vehicle and remove the tire and wheel from the back. After removing the rear brake flex hose from the wheel cylinder, remove the brake drum and remove and replace any rear brake shoes that are wet with grease or brake fluid. Afterward, take out the wheel cylinder bolts and lift the wheel cylinder out of the brake assembly, also remembering to remove any old sticking material from the mounting surfaces. Look for leaks, cuts, tears or heat cracks on the wheel cylinder boots; if there are any, clean and replace them as needed and if the brake lining is wet with brake fluid, replace the brake shoes. Bend down the wheel cylinder and place the RTV sealer over the area where these two pieces touch for installation. Ensure to fit the wheel cylinder within several minutes to keep the sealer from hardening too much. Make sure the wheel cylinder is square with the brake assembly before placing it on the brake support plate and fastening the bolts, to a torque of 13 Nm (115 in. lbs.). Tighten the nut of the rear brake flex hose tube on the wheel cylinder by hand, then tighten it with 17 Nm (145 in. lbs) of torque. Fix the rear brake shoes to the plate below, fix the rear brake adjustments and fit the brake drum onto the rear hub. Install the assembly again and tighten the wheel mounting nuts gradually to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.). Bring the vehicle down, then take off the brake pedal holder. Perform necessary bleeds on the wheel cylinder and check brake operation with a test drive.