Wheel Cylinders & Components

Wheel Cylinders & Components

1939-1972 Passenger Car, 1939-1970 Merc, 1939-1979 PU

Restoration Context Opening

On a drum brake car, the wheel cylinder is where hydraulic pressure turns into actual stopping force. When one leaks or sticks, the problem shows up quickly — a soft pedal, a pull to one side, or fluid inside the drum. Most of these vehicles have seen decades of moisture in the brake fluid, and that’s usually where the trouble starts.

This category supports the Brakes & Suspension system for 1939-1972 Passenger Car, 1939-1970 Merc, and 1939-1979 PU applications. It focuses on the hydraulic end of the drum brake assembly, along with the sealing hardware that keeps pressure where it belongs.

Subsystem Definition

Within the Brakes & Suspension system, the wheel cylinder receives pressure from the master cylinder through the steel line and flexible hose. Internal pistons move outward and push the brake shoes against the drum.

If the cylinder bore is pitted, the seals won’t hold. If a piston sticks, one shoe won’t apply correctly. If a sealing washer leaks, air enters the system and pedal feel suffers. These are simple parts, but they sit at a critical point in the brake circuit.

Component Breakdown

This collection includes:

• Front Wheel Cylinders
• Rear Wheel Cylinders
• Front Wheel Cylinder Kits
• Rear Wheel Cylinder Kits
• Copper Washers
• Front Brake Hose To Wheel Cylinder Copper Washers
• Front Brake Line Fitting Copper Washers
• Rear Brake Hose To Brake Line Copper Washers
• Master Cylinder Fitting Washers

Complete wheel cylinders are used when the original body is worn or corroded beyond service limits. Rebuild kits are appropriate when the bore remains clean and usable.

Copper washers and fittings seal hose and line junctions. Once compressed and heat-cycled, they should not be reused during a proper brake service.

Fitment & Variation Section

Fitment will vary by model year or suspension configuration.

Within the confirmed year ranges, variations may include:

• Differences between front and rear bore sizes
• Changes tied to drum diameter
• Variations in hose and line connection points

Common field findings include rusted cylinder bores, frozen pistons on long-stored vehicles, and seepage at old copper washers. When replacing a wheel cylinder, inspect the brake hose and flare fittings at the same time. Hydraulic issues often overlap.

One leaking washer can undo an otherwise solid brake job.

Evaluate cylinder condition and sealing hardware before final brake assembly.