Symptoms of a Faulty or Malfunctioning Brake Wheel Cylinder

 On current drum brake systems, brake wheel cylinders are a component. When the brake pedal is depressed, the hydraulic component expands to force the brake shoes against the brake drum. They will ultimately need to be changed because they are a hydraulic component that is subjected to the hard circumstances of braking and standard wear and tear.

When braking wheel cylinders fail, they frequently exhibit a number of indications that tell the driver that replacement is needed.

If your car is operated on the brake drum system, check MOT history online to confirm how many times the braking system was a reason for a MOT failure and if the wheel cylinder was the culprit.

A hydraulic drum braking system includes a wheel cylinder. It is found in each wheel and is normally found above the shoes at the top of the wheel. The role of wheel cylinder is to apply force to the shoes, causing them to come into contact with the drum and causing the vehicle to stop due to friction.

The following are 3 symptoms of a faulty wheel cylinder:

1.      Spongy brake pedal - A spongy brake pedal is one of the most prevalent signs of faulty wheel cylinders. The capacity of wheel cylinders to pressurise and extend the piston may be jeopardised if they develop an internal or external leak. This can cause an excessively soft or mushy brake pedal, or a brake pedal that slowly lowers to the ground when compressed. Look for garages in Reading online and book your car in immediately with a car mechanic if your experience a spongy brake pedal.

2.      Poor brake response - Poor braking reaction is another sign of a faulty or failing brake wheel cylinder. If one or more of the wheel cylinders fails, the system's pressure may be affected, reducing the system's capacity to slow the vehicle. It will be more difficult to stop a vehicle with weak brake reaction, especially in severe braking scenarios. Be cautious whilst driving and book your car with a carservices in Reading garage straight away so a car mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.

3.      Brake fluid leaks - Another indicator of a problem with the brake wheel cylinders is brake fluid leakage. If the seals on the wheel cylinders fail, braking fluid will be visible. You could see a thin coating on the inside of the backing plate, or drips or pools of brake fluid coming from the braking wheel cylinder in more serious situations. If a leak is substantial enough to be noticed, it's likely that the vehicle's braking system has already been damaged. Brake fluid leaks are usually detectable with a short visual check.

Because brake wheel cylinders are part of the braking system, they are critical to the vehicle's overall safety. If you suspect a problem with your wheel cylinders, or whether your vehicle exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, get it evaluated by a competent technician to see if you need to replace the brake wheel cylinder.

How to Recognise a Faulty Wheel Cylinder

As mentioned at the very beginning, your vehicle's wheel cylinders are an important component of your drum brakes. When you use the brakes, wheel cylinders force the brake shoes against the drums. Your vehicle's brakes will be affected if your wheel cylinders develop a problem or malfunction. If you believe your car's wheel cylinders are faulty or damaged, you should replace them right away.

Step 1 -- Apply pressure on the brake pedal. You may be leaking braking fluid through the rear brake wheel cylinders if your brakes feel soft or low. If you find yourself adding brake fluid to your car on a regular basis, check your brake cylinders.

Step 2 - Look beneath your car for brake fluid leaks or puddles, since leaks are one of the most common symptoms that your wheel cylinder has ruptured and is leaking braking fluid. There's a significant probability your wheel cylinder is going out if brake fluid is seeping from the back brake component on your automobile or truck.

Step 3 - Drive your car along the road at a very slow pace and practise stopping it by depressing your brake pedal rapidly and gently. Your wheel cylinders may have gone bad if your brakes don't seem to be operating as well as they should yet are still working. Only around 20% of your vehicle's stopping power comes from the back brakes.

If you suspect a problem, take your vehicle to your mechanic and have him test your brake wheel cylinders. He'll have to take off the rear tyre to inspect the piston seals for wear, corrosion, and pitting. He can replace your wheel cylinders if they have a fault.