We prepare the vehicle and remove the rear wheel on the side of the work to be carried out.
We remove the brake shoes from the brake backplate and leave them hanging on the support pins.
We drain the brake fluid.
For convenience, we undo the bleed nipple with an 11 mm spanner.
Using a 12 mm spanner, we undo the brake pipe union from the brake cylinder adapter, holding it with a 17 mm spanner.
Using a 12 mm spanner, we undo the two bolts securing the brake cylinder to the brake backplate and remove the cylinder.
If the new cylinder has no adapter, we clamp the old cylinder in a vice and undo the adapter with a 17 mm spanner.
A copper washer is fitted between the adapter and the cylinder. When fitting the adapter to a new cylinder, we replace it.
We fit the brake cylinder in the reverse order and then bleed the brake system.
Replacing the rear brake hose
We drain the brake fluid.
Using a 12 mm spanner, we undo the brake pipe union while holding the hose end with a 17 mm spanner.
Using a 24 mm spanner, we undo the nut securing the hose to the frame bracket, holding the hose end with a 17 mm spanner.
A lock washer is fitted under the nut.
Using a 17 mm spanner, we undo the hose end from the tee on the rear axle beam and remove the hose.
We fit the new hose in the reverse order and bleed the brake system.
Post-replacement checks and recommendations
Materials used and recommendations
- Brake fluid — use the manufacturer-recommended fluid; after replacing the cylinder or hose, the brake system must be bled.
- Copper washer between the adapter and the cylinder — replace each time the adapter is fitted to a new cylinder.
- Lock washer under the hose retaining nut at the bracket — check and replace if necessary.
- 11, 12, 17 and 24 mm spanners, vice — basic tools for removal and fitting.
- Brake shoes — when removed, leave them hanging on the support pins without damaging the linings.
- After assembly — check the tightness of the connections, the brake fluid level and the operation of the brakes; if necessary, repeat the bleeding.
- Brake fluid disposal — drain into a closed container, avoid contact with paintwork.