OEM 2004 Dodge Dakota Wheel Cylinder

2004 Dodge Dakota Wheel Cylinder Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Effectively Service and Repair a Wheel Cylinder on 2004 Dodge Dakota?

  A: To service the wheel cylinder, first take off the wheel and tire, then remove the brake drum after that. First, take away the wheel cylinder brake line, then get rid of the brake shoe return springs to make space for the shoes to be pulled out by the push rods. Then, take out the cylinder attaching bolts to separate the cylinder from the support plate. To disassemble, take out the push rods and boots, then press the pistons, cups and spring and expander out through the cylinder bore and get rid of the bleed screw. Sanitize the cylinder and pistons with brake fluid or cleaner, stay away from other types of cleaners and then blast them free of water using pressed air to prevent lint from sticking to them. A litttle light discoloration and dark stains in the cylinder bore are typical and do not affect how the engine works; if the bore has any scratches, is pitted or is severely corroded, you should replace it since honing will not help. Ensure the outside surfaces of the piston do not have scratches, scoring or corrosion and if any are worn or damaged, replace them, as trying to restore them by sanding is unsafe. Don't use the old piston cups, spring or expander, but save the original dust boots as they can be used again if they are still in good shape. When putting together the parts, dab clean brake fluid on the wheel cylinder bore, the pistons, the piston cups and the spring and expander. First put in a piston to the cylinder and then a cup, making sure the cup with the inward lip is placed against the piston. After that, fit the spring and expander and then attach the final piston cup and piston. Put the boots onto the cylinder at both ends, slide the push rods through the boots and fit the cylinder bleed screw. Place a ring of silicone sealer on the cylinder installation area of the support plate, mount the cylinder and tighten the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Couple the brake line to the cylinder, attach the brake shoe return spring and the brake drum, fit the wheel and tire on the hub and prime the base brake system.