How to Change a Wheel Cylinder on a 2001 Ford Focus

The 2001 Ford Focus base model was offered with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The rear brakes on your Focus consist of a brake drum, brake shoes, brake adjuster, parking brake cable, return springs and a wheel cylinder. When you apply the brakes, pressure is applied through the brake line and to each piston of the wheel cylinder. The pistons equally press out on the brake pads, applying the lining to the drum surface. The most common failure is a faulty seal that allows brake fluid into the drum. If the brake shoes are saturated with brake fluid, you will need to replace them as part of this process.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the ignition. Place the wheel chocks around the front tires. Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Remove the brake reservoir cap.

2

Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench for the wheel to be serviced. Lift the rear of the vehicle into the air with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the rear suspension. Lower the floor jack until the vehicle rests securely on the stands.

3

Remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheel and tire from the vehicle and set them aside. Grasp the drum firmly and pull it from the brake assembly. Disconnect each brake shoe by prying it away from the wheel cylinder piston.

4

Place the drain pan under the rear brake assembly. Disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder with the line wrench. Remove the wheel cylinder retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Remove the wheel cylinder from the brake drum backing plate.

Installation

5

Set the new wheel cylinder into position and install the retaining bolts by hand. Tighten the wheel cylinder retaining bolts to 9 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Install the brake line to the wheel cylinder and tighten the fitting to 6 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and crowfoot attachment.

6

Set each brake shoe into position on the wheel cylinder pistons. Slide the brake drum over the wheel hub and flush with the backing plate. Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the "Full" line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.

7

Instruct a helper to sit in the vehicle and start the engine. Have the assistant pump to brakes until a firm pedal is achieved. Loosen the bleeder valve and instruct the helper to hold the pedal to the floor. Tighten the bleeder valve. Repeat this step until no air is present when the bleeder valve is opened.

8

Remove the drain pan and set aside. Set the wheel and tire onto the wheel hub and install the lug nuts hand tight. Lift the rear of the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower the vehicle to the ground.

9

Top off the brake fluid reservoir and install the reservoir cap. Shut the vehicle hood. Tighten the lug nuts to 95 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.