Rear Brakes

[Ian Evans]

Put kits in the rear brakes of the Sprint tonight. Don't know why, but it seems I always have to re-learn this, maybe it's because I do it so infrequently. I'll share so others don't have to go through the learning experience...

The rear wheel cylinders on Giuliettas and Giulias are held in with 3 interlocking clips on the back of the backing plate. The purpose is to allow the wheel cylinder to "float" and self center the shoes. Removal is fairly obvious, the outermost clip has a couple small holes in it, you hook a screwdriver corner in it and slide it off. The clips are "U" shaped, and fit under a flange on the wheel cylinder. If it was installed correctly, it slides off in the direction of the emergency brake operating lever. The inside most clip has a couple of tangs that hook the middle clip, so it is necessary to separate them with a screwdriver slightly in order to slide off the second clip, which slides off away from the emergency brake operating lever. The inner clip then slides off easily, in the direction of the emergency brake operating lever.

If you have the brake line disconnected, the wheel cylinder will then pull out.

Installation is NOT the reverse of removal. Here's where it is counter intuitive... Install the inner clip, sliding it from the emergency brake lever direction, be sure the tangs are up. Then install the outermost clip from the same direction. Them slide the middle clip between the inner and the outer clips from the opposite direction until you feel it bottom and you hear the tangs engage.

Trying to install the outer clip last will result in some frustration and bending of the clip, this way is far easier. Be sure to grease the wheel cylinder lightly where it slides against the backing plate and in the sockets where the emergency brake lever seats.

Ian