Right here's the problem:

My drivers rear brake drum is leaking fluid.

I disassembled it to see if I could spot the problem and it appears to be a rubber seal which is busted.

I didn't get pictures but if anyone is familiar with the drum then its the cylindrical bit at the top about 3" long and the rubber seals are on each end where the shoes connect with it.

Now does anyone know if you can buy just the seal or will that be included in a brake shoe kit?

Its the wheel cylinder seal that's leaking (the seal on the piston). The rubber seal that you can see is just a dust cover.

You can probably buy a seal kit - but not worth the bother. By a complete new wheel cylinder - they are not expensive and you may well get one cheaply from a local motor factor (no need to go to Skoda). You will need to undo the brake pipe and unbolt the w/c from the brake backplate. You'll need to bleed the system on completion, so you'll need some brake fluid.

If you are not competent to do this job then take it to a garage - its around 30-45mins labour.

It has possibly happened because the brake fluid may not have been changed regularly. Corrosion starts and destroys the sealing lip on the ruuber seal.

Right here's the problem:

My drivers rear brake drum is leaking fluid.

I disassembled it to see if I could spot the problem and it appears to be a rubber seal which is busted.

I didn't get pictures but if anyone is familiar with the drum then its the cylindrical bit at the top about 3" long and the rubber seals are on each end where the shoes connect with it.

Now does anyone know if you can buy just the seal or will that be included in a brake shoe kit?

Hello,

Totally agree with all that Hauptmann has said, rubber seal kits just a waste of money in my long experience with cars.

Ian. 13/11/2009. :thumbup:

Thanks for the information.

I've changed brakes and suspension before so i'd assume i'll be able to do this as you make it sound like a few bolts and a fluid change yes?

If you can clamp the flexilble brake hose with a brake clamp you shouldn't lose too much fluid. I usually put some penetrating oil on the pipe fittings the night before, so the fittings undo a bit easier. Then there are either one or two bols holding the cylinder to the back plate. Top up and bleed any air out of the system after you fitted the new wheel cylinder.

Have the shoes been contaminated with brake fluid?

Turns out its only one bolt holding it in place so it was done in 20mins.