Wheel Cylinder Toast?

Hey all. Ran into a bit of an issue. Took the drums off today to paint them, and noticed that one of my wheel cylinders had some gouges on it under the boots. Is this a problem? I also noticed that one of the metal prongs on the end of it that presses onto the shoes popped out on me when taking the drum off. Any thoughts?

 

The rubber boot and the brake shoe holds that piece in place, if the cylinder isn't leaking behind the boots put that piece back in and it will probably be just fine.

 

Thanks. I’m just concerned since the rubber boot is torn, maybe because that metal piece dislodged itself and pushed itself through the boot

 

Possibly, it looks like the piston popped out when the piece fell out.
If in doubt replace it, if your careful and have a helper and a couple large flat screwdrivers you should be able to replace it without disassembling the shoes.

 

From what I'm looking at, it looks like there might be a couple burrs at the edge of the bore. The seal is at the inside edge of the piston and shouldn't make it far enough to catch the burrs unless pushed out with the brake drum off.
The metal piece is there to allow good contact between the flat brake shoe edge and the inside of the piston. Just push it back through the boot in the correct orientation.
If you have a leak, or are that concerned, wheel cylinders are cheap.

 

Thanks for the input. There is a big gash in the boot, so doesn’t that mean dirt and brake dust would make it’s way in and eat at the seal and leak? I want to get this done today and no later than tomorrow, so I’d prolly source parts locally. Would a carquesf cylinder do the job just fine? I would get the advics/aisin one but I don’t feel like waiting a few days just for it to come in…

 

If I were replacing one, I'd look for new instead of reman. But wouldn't be afraid to use a parts house component. Also check your local NAPA.
If you didn't already, check your local dealer. They might have one on hand.

 

If working and not leaking I would send it.

 

Yeah, doesn’t look to be leaking but does have a ripped boot which would make it leak in the future I guess…

 

It looks to be new. So I guess a decent part then?

 

Here’s the tear…

 

Wouldn’t affect the ABS, right?

 

It it were me, I'd just get a new dust boot. But, if you are uncomfortable with the wear, replace the cylinder.

 

Just a dust cover

 

Gotcha. I was thinking it was comparable to the outer boot of a brake caliper. Is that the case? So would a ripped boot for a wheel cylinder not cause it to fail down the road? Or is the dust seal further in?

 

Are they universal?

 

A failed boot could allow moisture and dust into the bore which could eventually cause corrosion/pitting. You can rotate the boot so the split is facing down to limit intrusion.
Boots are not universal, there are different sizes. But most major parts houses should have some on hand or be able to get some next day.

 

Just don't press the brake pedal with that drum off.

 

If the boot wasn't ripped, I'd run it. Since it is, I'd replace both sides

 

Thanks for the input all. I originally ordered some dorman ones, cancelling them in favor of beck/arnley ones. Is 20 bucks more for the OE advics brand worth it? I’ve heard good things about beck and arnley though. What are your thoughts? I think I’m going to use the truck in the meantime but watch the brake fluid. It wasn’t leaking at all but should serve me fine a few short trips over a few days until the new ones come