My left rear wheel cylinder is leaking fluid and needs to be replaced. Can the wheel cylinder be replaced without having to take off the brake shoe? In the manual that I have it talks about different special tools that are used to remove the brake shoe. Do you really need these special tools?

Kinda yes, kinda no. You definitely have to remove the uppoer springs and spring/pivot pin in the middle of each shoe. you can then leave them hanging there and will have anough room at the top to remove the cylinder.

What special tools? I've replaced brake shoes and cylinders using just a needle nose pliers, a regular pliers, and a socket wrench.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

No special tools required...granted, it may be easier with the proper tools but you can remove the shoes with simple hand tools from around the house.

-Don

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Forget the flowmasters...here come the good ol' GLASSPACKS!!!

You can purchase the proper brake pliers for around $10 and another 3 or 4 for the cup tool. For the number of times you will do brake jobs paying for a Snap-On set is just not warranted.

The pliers especailly make the job so much easier I would consider it a mandatory tool in your box.

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Dave Clement
68 Barracuda (Hot-Rod \6)
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4pgxf/