How to Rebuild the Slave Cylinder on a 1995 F-150

You can tell it is time to rebuild your F-150's wheel cylinders if you are losing brake fluid or if your truck pulls sharply to one side when you apply the brakes. If you have either of these symptoms, you might have a leaking wheel cylinder. Fortunately, rebuilding a brake cylinder is relatively simple, and will not only save you money but give you the chance to visually inspect the condition of all the components of your braking system.

Instructions

1

Secure the wheel cylinder in a bench vise. Place the drip pan under the cylinder to catch debris and old brake fluid. Spray the mechanism liberally with brake cleaner and clean all of the old brake fluid and dirt from the outside, repositioning the cylinder, as necessary. Wipe it dry with a shop cloth.

2

Using the flathead screwdriver, peel off the rubber outer seals on both ends of the cylinder. Be prepared for brake fluid to leak out as the seals are removed. With both outer seals off, reach one finger into the left side of the cylinder and push out the cylinder pistons, inner seals, metal spring seats, and spring. Pay close attention to the orientation of the inner seals as they emerge from the cylinder so that you can install the new ones properly. Discard the old seals; retain the spring, spring seats, and the two cylinder pistons.

3

Clean the cylinder once more, inside and out, with the brake cleaner. Wipe the cylinder dry. Visually inspect the metal pistons as well as the interior of the brake cylinder and ensure that there is no pitting or other damage to the metal surfaces. Lubricate the new seals with fresh brake fluid and, with special attention to the correct seal orientation, slide the pistons, seals, metal spring seats and spring into the cylinder.

4

Install the outer seals, taking care to fit the lip of the seal into the groove on the exterior of the cylinder. Remove the old bleed screw with a wrench and install the new one. Wipe the exterior once more to remove any brake fluid. The cylinder is now ready to install.