Wheel Cylinder

This procedure covers the replacement of a rear wheel cylinder on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, including brake system bleeding and verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification or ACDelco 18E1324
• Brake hardware spring kit (if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake fluid (DOT 4) × 1 — ACDelco DOT 4

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and clean area around cap to prevent contamination
7. Have assistant available for brake bleeding procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum by pulling it straight off the hub. If drum is stuck, spray penetrating oil around the hub area and use a drum puller or tap lightly with a rubber mallet around the outer edge. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Some drums have access holes to back off the adjuster if shoes are tight against the drum.
2. 2

   Inspect and photograph brake assembly
   Before disassembly, photograph or diagram the brake shoe spring arrangement for reference during reassembly. Inspect brake shoes, springs, and hardware for wear or damage. Note position of all springs and clips.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Work slowly to avoid injury from spring tension. Remove the adjuster spring and adjuster assembly, noting orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension and can cause injury if they slip. Use proper brake spring tools and wear safety glasses.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake shoes from wheel cylinder
   Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and pins. Carefully lift the top of both brake shoes away from the wheel cylinder pistons. You may need to spread the shoes slightly at the bottom to clear the anchor pin. Set shoes aside on a clean surface.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Place a catch pan under the wheel cylinder. Using a line wrench (not a standard wrench), carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line fitting from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Be prepared for brake fluid spillage. Cap or plug the brake line immediately to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   ⚠Use only a line wrench to avoid rounding off the soft brake line fitting. Standard wrenches will likely damage the fitting.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Locate the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts accessible from the rear of the backing plate. Remove both bolts and carefully pull the wheel cylinder away from the backing plate. Some brake fluid will drain out, so have a rag ready.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean backing plate and inspect
   Clean the wheel cylinder mounting area on the backing plate with brake parts cleaner. Inspect the backing plate for damage, cracks, or excessive rust. Check that the new wheel cylinder matches the old unit exactly in configuration and mounting.
8. 8

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, aligning the mounting holes. Install both mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the cylinder is seated flush against the backing plate and the bleeder screw is positioned at the top for proper bleeding.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect brake line
   Thread the brake line fitting into the wheel cylinder by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a line wrench, tighten the fitting to specification. Do not overtighten as this can strip the fitting or crack the wheel cylinder body.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
    Reinstall the brake shoes onto the backing plate using your reference photo. Install hold-down pins and springs. Reconnect the shoes to the wheel cylinder pistons, ensuring they seat properly in the piston slots. Reinstall the adjuster mechanism in the correct orientation, then install all return springs in their original positions. Verify all springs and hardware are correctly installed.
11. 11

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Adjust the brake shoe adjuster so shoes are close to but not dragging on the drum. Install the brake drum and rotate it to verify smooth rotation with only slight drag. Further adjust if needed through the adjuster access hole if equipped.
12. 12

    Bleed wheel cylinder
    Check brake fluid reservoir and fill to MAX line with fresh ACDelco DOT 4 brake fluid. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw one full turn and watch fluid flow through tubing. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid flows with no air bubbles. Tighten bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠Never allow the brake pedal to go fully to the floor during bleeding as this can damage the master cylinder. Close bleeder before pedal bottoms out.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. With vehicle on ground, re-torque lug nuts in star pattern to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at proper level and top off if needed
2. Check for any brake fluid leaks around wheel cylinder and brake line connection
3. If both rear wheel cylinders were replaced, repeat bleeding procedure on opposite side
4. Pump brake pedal multiple times to ensure firm pedal before moving vehicle

Verification

• Check brake pedal feel - should be firm and not sink to floor when held under pressure
• Verify no brake fluid leaks at wheel cylinder, brake line fitting, or bleeder screw
• Test drive in safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation and no pulling to one side
• Perform several moderate brake applications to seat shoes against drums and verify even braking
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear brakes during test drive

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