Sticking wheel cylinder - in Inverness - help please

[James k]

Hi,
If you've seen my 'driving to Scotland' thread you'll be pleased to hear that my traveller has made it to Inverness with no problems. However, I've now got a sticking front wheel cylinder.

I noticed a metallic whining sound when driving which I assumed to be binding brakes. I got the wheel and the drum off and found that one of the cylinders was stiff. It has trouble moving both ways and is sticking on. It is, however, easy to push it back in.

Is there anything I can do to free it up? Otherwise, does anyone know a place where I might be able to get it fixed quickly? I'm only here for two more nights.

Thanks
James

[philthehill]

Extend the wheel cylinder, pull aside the rubber boot and give the piston a good spray with WD 40 whilst keeping it off the brake linings.
With further use the cylinder should become free.

[James k]

Thanks Phil!
Do I need to remove the brake shoe to extend the cylinder enough?

Thanks

[philthehill]

No need to remove the brake shoes - but be careful that you do not extend the cylinder so far that it pops out of the cylinder body and you loose the brake fluid.
If you can lift back the dust seal and spray the WD 40 around the piston that may be enough to start the freeing process.
Phil

[James k]

Great, I'll give that a go tomorrow. Hopefully it frees up.

Thanks

[Dean]

Did it work?

[jaekl]

It's most likely just corrosion or dirt between the piston and the cylinder. Simply pull out the piston and clean it up. apply red rubber grease if you have some but it can wait. You do not want to pump the cylinder out. The rubber cup must stay within the range it's been moving.

[James k]

I think, fingers crossed, that it's worked. I sprayed some wd40 in and then worked the cylinder back and forth for a bit. It was still sticking open but was opening more freely. I decided to drive it and see if it worked free. After a few miles it was still squealing and the brakes were pulling to the left (the side of the problem) so I decided to go to a garage. They didn't have any free slots but pointed me in the direction of another one. However, on my way there, the noise stopped and the brakes stopped pulling to one side. I decided to drive it for a bit longer to see how it went. I've now been driving it all day, the noise hasn't come back and the wheel isn't getting hot. It is however slightly pulling to the right when braking.

So... What do you reckon?

Thanks

[philthehill]

James
If the problem gets no worse I would leave well alone and replace or service the wheel cylinder(s) when you get back home.
The cylinder(s) may free up as you clock up the miles.
You can always give the cylinder(s) another spray of WD40.
Phil

[SteveClem]

Hope you liked Inverness. Did you drive don the Loch to Fort Augustus?