DIY Guide: How to Change a Rear Wheel Cylinder on a 1995 Nissan Altima

When replacing the rear wheel cylinder, you’ll want to make sure to have a few essential tools. The first would be a jack, one that can fit under the rear frame of the car and lift it up for replacement. Along with this, you’ll need a pair of lug nuts, something to keep the car from rolling like a brick and a pair of brake shoes in case the cylinder is blown out and contaminated the rear brake shoe. Additionally, you’ll want some penetrating lubricant, a drain pan and a line wrench.

Once everything is in place, you can begin by turning the lug nuts a quarter of a turn until they loosen. You’ll then place the jack underneath the rear frame and lift the car, before setting the jack stands for consistent support and security. Then, it’s time to spray the brake line connection with the penetrating lubricant, collecting any leaks in the drainpan.

In some cases, you may have to remove the rubber plug from the backing plate and readjust the brakes using a thin-bladed screwdriver and a brake spoon. This will make it easier to remove the drum. To remove the wheel cylinder, use the line wrench focusing your attention on the brake fitting to ensure that it’s not damaged as you unbolt it. If the brake fitting is stuck, use penetrating fluid although be aware that you may need to replace it.

Once the wheel cylinder is free, use the end of the brake shoe pliers to remove the retainer from the seat – if it’s contaminated, use a brake shoe spring tool. If you don’t plan to replace the brake shoes, you’ll want to remove the two upper brake shoe return springs. Then you can lift the wheel cylinder out to be replaced.

When installing the new rear wheel cylinder, simply reverse the procedure stated above with a few extra steps at the end. The first is to bleed the system by unscrewing the bleed screw – repeat this until the brake feels firm and releases air. You’ll then want to top off the master cylinder with brake fluid if necessary before asking someone to depress the pedal a few times before pushing down.

Then open the bleed screw on the wheel cylinder until you see the fluid pushing out again, watching that the master cylinder doesn’t become dry and topping it off afterwards if necessary. With that done, all that’s left to do is close the screw and replace the rubber plug before you can safely do a few test drives.

Replacing a rear wheel cylinder can prove to be an intimidating task but with the right tools, patience and a bit of knowledge about your car, it’s not unreasonably difficult to do it yourself – so take a deep breath and get started.