When you press the brake pedal, you expect your vehicle to slow down. Everyone knows that brakes are important, but not everyone knows all the parts that make your brakes work. One of those important parts is the wheel cylinder. Now not every vehicle has these. They are only part of the braking system on a vehicle that has drum brakes. If your vehicle has disc brakes front and rear you will not have this component on your vehicle.

A wheel cylinder is part of a drum brake system. Its job is to help push the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum, this creates  friction needed for you to slow down or stop. Inside the wheel cylinder are small pistons. As brake fluid pressure builds, those pistons push outward. This movement forces the brake shoes against the brake drum. The contact between the brake shoes and drum creates friction, which slows you down. When you take your foot off the brake pedal the pressure drops and the springs pull the brake shoes away from the drums. This allows the wheels to spin freely again.

Issues occur when your wheel cylinders are leaking. This does not allow enough pressure and your brakes will not work properly. A soft brake pedal, longer braking times and a brake warning light can all be indicators you might have an issue. A proper brake inspection can keep you safe on the road and on all your adventures so if you have any concerns give us a call, we do free brake inspections on most vehicles.

Give us a call and let us take care of you. 541-791-2886

Happy Adventures,

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