How do you depress rear brake cylinder on a 91 Honda DX It's out and won't go back in. i bleed it but its still in the braking position and i can't get my drum back on.?

Answer 1

Hydraulic brake cylinders work (or not) pretty much the same on every vehicle. If the piston refuses to go back into the cylinder, it can only be for a couple of reasons: the cylinder is dirty....or the piston is dirty.....or the piston is going in cock-eyed.

Fully remove the piston, being careful not to damage any of the delicate seals or surfaces.

Look for nicks or scores on both the piston and the cylinder walls. Buff any imperfections VERY gently with the finest emery cloth you can find (like, 600 grit) and wet it with brake fluid first.

Wipe clean, wet down the piston with fresh fluid and try once more to insert it as "dead straight" as you can. It should go in.

If that fails, put the tiniest amount of chamfer/camber on the leading edge of the piston (using the fine paper), rinse off again and try to insert once more.

If that doesn't work, head for the wreckers and pick up a 'recycled' cylinder complete with piston and use that. Good luck!