Instructions for Changing the Brake Cylinder on the Rear Wheel of a 2001 Chevrolet Venture

Removing a rear brake wheel cylinder on a 2001 Chevrolet Venture requires a certain amount of mechanical ability and understanding of brakes. If not done properly, it is possible to loose the brakes altogether due to air in the line or poor brake bleeding or installation. It is advisable to replace both rear wheel cylinders if one if found to be leaking. The same corrosion will be found in the opposite wheel cylinder, even though it has not yet begun to leak.

Instructions

1

Block the front wheels to prevent rolling. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts with the lug wrench, but do not remove the lug nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the frame. Lower the vehicle so that it comes to rest on the stands. Continue to remove the lug nuts and the wheels.

2

Remove the brake drums by pulling them off. If they are difficult to remove due to rust or the brake lining hanging up, hit the brake drum with the hammer a couple times. Place the drip pan under the wheel cylinder.

3

Open the door and step on the parking brake as far as possible. This will manually spread the brake shoes apart to make it easier to replace the wheel cylinder. Loosen the brake line in the back of the wheel cylinder, using a line wrench. Don't remove it yet.

4

Remove the two small bolts securing the wheel cylinder to the brake backing pad, using a wrench. Remove the new wheel cylinder from its package and get it ready to install. Remove the brake line and the wheel cylinder.

5

Install the new wheel cylinder by holding it in place and installing the brake line onto the back of the cylinder. Thread it in clockwise as far as possible, by hand. Install the two bolts and tighten them with a wrench.

6

Tighten the brake line with the line wrench. Release the parking brake. Loosen the bleeder valve on the rear of the wheel cylinder. Allow the wheel cylinder to bleed until there is a steady stream of brake fluid emerging from the cylinder; at that point, close the bleeder valve and tighten snug with the line wrench.

7

Install the brake drums. Install the wheels and lug nuts and tighten them as much as possible with the lug wrench. Raise the vehicle with the floor jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

8

Tighten the lug nuts to the final torque of 90 foot-pounds with the lug wrench. Open the hood and remove the cap on the master brake cylinder located on the driver's side firewall. Check the level in the reservoir and fill with brake fluid, as necessary, to bring the level to the line. Install the cap back onto the brake reservoir.

9

Press the brake pedal three or four times to pump up the brakes. Start the vehicle. Pump the brakes again to ensure they bled properly.