preventing wheel cyl from rust

[Bski]

I replaced both my trailer wheel cylinders cause one got stuck and locked up the brake. <br /><br />Is there any solution that can be put on them around the piston area to prevent from rust. <br /><br />I only use them in fresh water but they get very rusted and I can see the piston getting stuck again in the next few years.

 

[tommays]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

i use mercury 2-4-C grease on the piston and pull and clean it once a year havent had one stick after doing that<br /><br />it only takes a small amount like a tablespoon<br /><br />the linkage on the front shoe of free backing drums is very prone to sticking and i usally need to remove the shoes and do some work to get it moveing freely<br /><br />but i boat in saltwater so i have more problems i find it best to just throw away the whole thing after 3 years the parts are so expensive compared to getting a compleat new one for 75 dollars or less <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Lou C]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

I have heard that the aluminum wheel cylinders are less prone to rusting than the cast iron ones.

 

[Bski]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

I did see some aluminum cylinders available online and figured they may be a better way to go. Since I wanted to fix it right away I went with the readily available cast iron units but will try aluminum next time.<br /><br />I'm going to try the grease method and see how that works out.<br /><br />Kind of thought that the piston and cylinder would stay lubed with the brake fluid but maybe it sits so long that it drys up.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

I have heard that the aluminum wheel cylinders are less prone to rusting

Its more than hear-say. <br /><br />Aluminum doesnt rust.<br /><br />

 

[Triton II]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

It just corrodes!

<br />This is a view of the antenna mounting area on the aluminium roof of my 2003 cuddy cabin boat - the dealer hadn't used Duralac between the mount holes and the stainless steel mounting screws. Salt water plus unprotected aluminium plus stainless steel = corrosion city. I only noticed when the paint started blistering. He fixed the problem under warranty.

 

[jlshields]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

I smeared silicone grease around the inside of mine also in the groove where the dust boot fits, then took a long thin ty-wrap, long enough to go around twice, and put it around the boot right where it sits in the groove. Been that way for 3 years and about 3000 miles and no trouble.

 

[KaGee]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

I just bought backer plates (not free-backing), shoes, hardware and cylinders already assembled for $52.00 ea. Cylinders were almost $30 on-line and the local parts house did not stock them.

 

[Airpacker]

Re: preventing wheel cyl from rust

Brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning that it absorbs water. Flush the fluid yearly to help prevent rust inside the wheel cylinders.