Wheel brake cylinders are an important part of drum brakes. They transfer the force from the brake pedal to the brake shoes. When you press the brake pedal, you pressurise the brake fluid. The fluid in the brake line transmits this pressure to the wheel brake cylinder. The wheel cylinder extends, pushing the brake shoes outwards, against the brake drum. The friction between the brake drum and brake shoes slows your car down.
The wheel cylinder is made of sturdy cast iron, which doesn't wear down easily. However, cast iron is susceptible to rust. If this becomes severe enough, the piston can get stuck. In this case, the entire wheel cylinder needs to be replaced. Usually, only the rubber seals wear out. This can be repaired with a simple repair kit.
You can keep your car's wheel cylinder in good condition by changing the brake fluid or hydraulic oil when you service your car. It's also a good idea to clean the brakes regularly with a wire brush. Don't forget to bleed the hydraulic brake system during maintenance.
You'll find everything you need for the maintenance of your drum brake system at Winparts. You can easily order wheel cylinder parts. With fast delivery, you can be back on the road quickly.