Wheel Cylinder...right versus left

npca-joel · Post by **npca-joel** » Sun Jun 11, 2000 12:41 am

I recently completed a brake job on my 69. When ordering and installing the front cylinders, the manual noted that I should pay particular attention to not interchange the "right cylinder" versus the "left" front cylinder. I made the assumption that they were referring to each front backing plate and that one of the cylinders is the right and the other the left. After completing the job I began wondering if the "right" cylinders were meant for the right front backing plate only. Anyone have insight into this? Thanks.

npca-alex · Post by **npca-alex** » Sun Jun 11, 2000 11:28 am

I thought that when I was looking into ordering rebuild kits for the wheel cylindars from the dealer that there was a different part number for the left and right, I will check my parts book, if there is, then there must be some sort of an important difference. Which manual were you using?

npca-joel · Post by **npca-joel** » Sun Jun 11, 2000 6:42 pm

Alex, I was referring to the Service Manual with instructions for doing the job. I did go to a Nissan Dealer to obtain the part numbers and you are correct, there is a different part number for right versus left cylinders for the front brakes. My question may not have been clear. Are both "right cylinders" for the right side wheel or does each front wheel have a "left" and "right" cylinder? Hope this helps.

npca-alex · Post by **npca-alex** » Sun Jun 11, 2000 7:10 pm

I guess I was reading too fast and only read it once. Yes, both right hand ones are for the front right wheel and both left hand ones are for the left front wheel. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

npca-joel · Post by **npca-joel** » Mon Jun 12, 2000 11:20 am

Alex, Thanks for the feedback. Not the answer I wanted to hear. Now I have to dismantle the front brakes again. The springs for the shoes were a bear to get on with the hubs in place. The manual sure wasn't clear on that issue. I guess the cylinder mixup I have must be the reason for the left shoes not having any adjustment. Oh well, guess I better get started on it. You have any idea what the reason for that design to have different cylinders between the two wheels? I would think they should be interchangable.

npca-alex · Post by **npca-alex** » Mon Jun 12, 2000 5:08 pm

I think that is the set up for any drum brake that uses 2 cyl. each wheel, like with Land Cruisers, having to replace (buy) or rebiuld 8 cyls. is sure a expensive/nit-picking pain, that's why it still hasn't been done to our '70 FJ40. I have been very disappointed with both the official repair manual from the dealer and the Chiltons Datsun one covering Patrols. Not enough info, not even covering everything I would want, and not very thourough. Oh well, nothing like learning by experience.

npca-joel · Post by **npca-joel** » Wed Jun 14, 2000 11:31 am

Alex, I swapped out the cylinders but didn't notice any difference in the braking. One problem I still have is that there is no adjustment on the right front. I turn the adjusters 360 degrees and get no drag. Pulled it apart and can't find the cause. The adjuster doesn't look excessively worn. Are all four shoes on the front interchangeable? They looked the same when I had them apart. Any thoughts? This brake job has been a real pain.

npca-alex · Post by **npca-alex** » Wed Jun 14, 2000 2:12 pm

I wish I could help, but my Patrol so far (knock on wood) has not needed any brake work, and that's how I learn, by experience, so... I've just never had a problem like that on any of my other trucks. Hopefully someone else will read your pleas for help and leave a posting here for ya, sorry, you could always take it to a shop....

npca-steevo · Post by **npca-steevo** » Wed Jun 14, 2000 11:34 pm

I happen to have my '67 Patrol up on the stand for a front brake job at this moment. If you don't mind waiting until tomorrow, I will dissassemble it and carefully compare parts. By the way, where did you get the replacement brake shoes?steevo67@tamu.edu

npca-joel · Post by **npca-joel** » Thu Jun 15, 2000 5:48 pm

Thanks........I'll be very curious on the shoes. I had my existing shoes redone here in San Jose, CA. $100.