Rear Brake cylinders

[GreenGiant57]

Hi all.
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to change out a rear brake cylinder on a 66 Traveller, without having to break the joint between the 1/2 shaft flange and the hub and then pull the 1/2 shaft slightly out to release the old cylinder. Many thanks.

[jaekl]

I understand if you take the outer piston (handbrake) out, you can now rotate it enough to get it out. Every time I've done it the piston is already stuck, so I had to part the flange. It's also possible that the piston was stuck slightly extended preventing enough rotation thus requiring the flange to be parted.

[liammonty]

Yes, it's completely possible. You may need to be stern with the cylinder to get it out, but I've certainly never removed anything other than the cable, brake pipe and the drum and shoes to remove one. You don't need to dismantle any of the cylinder either...

[bmcecosse]

Absolutely right ^^^ There is NO need to touch the hub or halfshaft - it slides out - just turn the hub to get the best clearance.

[GreenGiant57]

Thanks for your help guys. I managed to get the old one out by seriously disfiguring it!!, but no way was the new one (not a pattern cyl. )going in with the hub in any rotational position, so I had to split the 1/2 shaft/hub seal anyway.

[bmcecosse]

Something wrong there -it can be done..

[svenedin]

I've just done this job and although I've changed brake shoes before I've never taken a cylinder out. The rear cylinder was a very tight fit but it does come out without loosening the half-shaft. Once the shoes are out the handbrake cable is off and the bleed nipple, connector and banjo are off the cylinder can be tilted forward so that the hole at the back where the banjo connects starts to come through the slot in the backplate. It won't come out completely until it is pushed out laterally towards the front of the car (it's hard to describe but it sort of rotates out). The hub may need to be rotated to get maximum clearance. I'll be honest, I didn't think it could possibly come out and got a bit frustrated. I left it and had a cup of tea and when I came back I just seemed to realise how it could come out. When I put the new cylinder in I will try to remember to take some pictures to illustrate this.

[mike.perry]

A few taps with a hammer in strategic places helps

[svenedin]

Haha. It certainly does help to use the "persuader"...

[whyperion]

Its where do I position my head to see what needs disconecting on the far side when the car is immobile and the axle stands dont leave much swing room.