As for replacement, it is usually necessary in cases of fluid leakage or when the equipment is sticking; before engaging in the process, consider all your alternatives. New wheel cylinders are presently in the market which makes this job quite easy. Some advice that has to be taken seriously is one should never replace a wheel cylinder alone but should replace both of them. Remove the front brake shoes first Use a slidehammer and a long socket extension to pull off the brake drum. If attainable, the flare-nut wrench is used to unscrew the
Brake Line fitting from the wheel cylinder. To remove the wheel cylinder from the backing plate, the brake line fitting should be unscrewed followed by the removal of the bolts. To the end of the brake line, use a piece of vinyl tubing to plug the brake line so that the fluid does not drain and get contaminated. After that, unbolt two screws which hold the wheel cylinder to the backing plate and pull out the wheel cylinder. For installation, it is to be done in reverse order of removal tightening the wheel cylinder mounting bolts to the torque specified and closing the line fitting. Last, but not the least, fit the new brake shoes and the brake drum back to the car and also, bleed the brakes. Make sure to test the brakes a number of times before engaging the normal use of brakes.