Brake fluid leaking from rear drum

[bajorek]

I noticed a few days ago that my brake fluid resevoir was down a little bit, but didn't bother looking for leaks- I just had the bus in for inspection and brake work.

Last night I was underneath looking at the reverse light switch on my transmission trying to figure why my reverse lights don't work when I noticed fluid on the bottom of the rear drivers wheel. It was coming out of the bottom of the brake drum area. My guess is that the wheel cylinder has a leak since the line going to it shows no sign of leaking.

The wheel cylinder is the only thing inside with fluid in it right? They look to be pretty easy to change as per the Bentley- am I right?
Should I order anything else along with the cylinder? I don't want to get into the job only to be stuck when something else screws up on me.

[NuggJugg]

Sounds like a wheel cylinder to me.(11.99 - 33.99) depending on year of bus. First check and make sure that the bleeder valve is in place. I had some rubber type plugs in for my bleeder valves when I bought my bus and one popped out causing me to squirt tons of brake fluid out.

If you are going to replace the cylinder check to make sure the shoes arent wet. It might be wise to replace those when you are in there seeing as how they are probably saturated with brake fluid.

It might not be a bad idea to get two wheel cylinders and do the other side while your in there doing it. Will save you some headaches later down the road.

What kind of brake work did you have the bus in for recently? Depending on how your hardware kit (s) look I would maybe replace those also.

Yes it is very easy to do. It shouldn't take you too long to replace just the cylinder.
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1971 Westfalia 1600 DP
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[bajorek]

I had new rotors and pads put on the front. He checked the rear to see how much pad I had left and they were good.


NuggJugg- is that Buckethead in the yellow?

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I have to go with the guys on taking a good look at the brake shoes. Brake fluid will run them if tey got wet. If your replace the wheel cylinder, replace them both. A light coat of antisieze will work wonders on the adjustment wheel shafts. Think about replacing the rear rubber brake hoses as well. The go bad just like the front ones, but are most often overlooked. Best of luck!!

[NuggJugg]

[Rich]

Consider the hoses when your bleeding. They tend to swell to a point where little if any fluid will get through them.

I have cleaned shoes of a black glaze from a weepy wheel cylinder, although changing the shoes is recommended if any fluid has gotten on them.

Keep your break system as fresh as you possibly can. Getting the breaks right makes a big difference in enjoying the ride, one I did not notice until I did get them right. Lots of bang for the buck and for the effort.

Rich