How to Replace a 1989 Toyota Corolla Wheel Cylinder

Always use goggles and a dust mask when working on brakes.

Each part of a vehicle's brake system works together for the common purpose of stopping the vehicle. The wheel cylinder is the small piece behind the main section of the brake assembly. Toyota recommends replacing this piece on the 1989 Corolla every five years or 60,000 miles. The cylinder applies pressure to the shoes which apply pressure to the drum which stops the car. If there is a leak in the brake lines or somewhere in the brake system, the cylinder can become damaged which can hinder your ability to stop your vehicle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jacks
• Safety stand
• Lug wrench
• Brake Holddown Tool
• Brake spring pliers
• Brake adjusting tool
• Set of flare nut wrenches
• Bleeder Wrench
• Stone Blocks
• Replacement wheel cylinder
• Replacement brake fluid
• Replacement brake assembly
• Brake cleaner
• Penetrating lubricant
• Goggles
• Dust mask

1. • 1

     Park the Corolla on level ground and use the concrete or stone blocks to block the tires and prevent the vehicle from rolling away. If you are working on the rear tires, the blocks should be placed in front of the front tires. If you are working on the front, the blocks should be in back of the rear tires.

   • 2

     Loosen the lug nuts on the Corolla prior to jacking it up as failure to do so could cause the wheels to spin freely making removal of the lug nuts more difficult. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal making sure the cable does not contact metal.

   • 3

     Raise the part of the vehicle you are working on, front or back, with floor jacks and set safety stands underneath the axles for added safety. Put the safety goggles and dust mask on and begin work on the vehicle.

   • 4

     Remove the lug nuts using the lug nut wrench. Remove the tire and set it aside. Inspect the wheel cylinder for signs of leakage. You will see dark liquid clinging to the cylinder. If there is no leakage, you will still need to clean the area with brake cleaner to remove brake pad particles and dust.

   • 5

     Spray a liberal amount of brake cleaner in and around the cylinder and surrounding parts. Remove the upper return springs by removing the upper center bolt with the flare nut wrench and then remove the spring with the spring removal tool by inserting it into the opening and twisting gently.

   • 6

     Insert the brake hold down tool into the left hole, press inward and give it a quarter turn while holding the pin from the back side. The spring should just pop out, it is small so use caution not to lose it.

   • 7

     Remove the shoes and set them aside. Disconnect the parking brake arm by removing it from the brake assembly. Using the penetrating lubricant, spray down the area where the brake line comes into the brake assembly. This will be on the rear, behind the wheel cylinder. Allow the lubricant to soak for a few minutes.

   • 8

     Remove the brake line fitting with the flare nut wrench and remove the line from the Corolla. Have a drip pan ready below to catch the spilled fluids. Remove the clip that secures the wheel cylinder to the vehicle. Remove the old wheel cylinder from the backside of the plate.

   • 9

     Position the new wheel cylinder in place and re-connect the brake line. Reassemble the parking brake arm and brake shoes and reinstall them. You may need to replace the old pins if there has been significant damage in the removal process. Insert the new pin into the backside of the brake assembly while using the brake hold down tool to reinstall the spring. Give it a slight twist to the right.

   • 10

     Reinstall the new pieces in the reverse order you removed them in. Replace the brake drum over the replaced brake assembly. Toyota recommends changing all parts in a braking system simultaneously when there has been leakage or damage.

   • 11

     Bleed the brake lines. Using the bleeder wrench open the bleeder port and keep careful eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder. Close the bleeder port valve and have a friend pump the brakes to work the air from the lines until he feels resistance. Keep it full with the new brake fluid. This will "flush" the brake lines of old fluid and air. Open the bleeder valve behind one tire slightly. If fluid sprays out, the air has been bled from the line. Set the tires back on the drum and hand tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and use the lug nut wrench to complete tightening them.

Tips & Warnings

Do not smoke or have the brake cleaner or fluid around open flames. Using the brake cleaner that is not flammable means it contains chlorinated products that could become harmful vapors if in contacted with a heated surface