I am looking to replace the wheel cylinders for the drum brakes on my Camaro. I know that the front ones are different from each other, and also different from the rear ones. When I called around to check on prices, I was surprised to find quite a difference.

Pepboys told me that the cylinders are $8 each, and the guy said that there was no difference between either front side or between the front and the back, which I know is wrong. Autozone had the rear cylinders for $9 each and the two front ones (different) for $11 each. OK, so that seems in line with the other price... But then Napa said that the rear ones are $22.50 each and the front ones are $31.50 each. And Kragen is charging even more.

So, why are the prices so different? I'm assuming it's because of different manufacturers. Is one brand twice as good as another, and should I stay away from a particular brand?

TIA

Are some rebuilt, and the more expensive new?
That might explain it.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

They all claimed that the wheel cylinders are new. I asked the guy at Napa why their prices were twice what others were charging and he just said that he didn't know.

I know that remanufactured master cylinders are available, but I didn't know that anybody remanufactured wheel cylinders. Seems like most people replace the wheel cylinders because of rust. I've yet to see a core charge for wheel cylinders, so if some company is rebuilding them, where do they get the old ones to rebuild?

joev

I replaced my wheel cylinders a while back and the front ones cost about 3 times what the rears did. I took the front ones apart and found out they were just full of sludge. I ended up getting kits and rebuilding the front ones and replacing the rears. You sure they weren't quoting you a kit price for the front? $8-11 sounds about right for the rear ones, but the fronts go for $25-30 around here.

Autozone is usually cheaper... but like they say, you get what you pay for.

Mark

[This message has been edited by mbrekke (edited 03-16-2001).]

The price difference from NAPA and AutoZone is 1 the brand that they are selling. NAPA is selling you NEW Raybestos cylinders and AutoZone is selling you a Made in China offshore junk. And 2 they are not always NEW parts at AutoZone or Pepboys as they say they are.
I just changed all of my brakes in Oct with a kit from PST and NEW wheel cylinders from Raybestos along with a NEW master cylinder from the same. With all parts bought I came in at $295.00 includeing the turning of all 4 drums, brake clean, brake fluid, etc.

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TONY
67 CAMARO R/S CLONE, 355/turbo 350, 200hp NOS,12 bolt,etc...

If you have a Advance Autoparts near you check them out. I bought new wheel cyliders front and back made in U.S. by Coni-Seal for about $40.

If you have a Advance Autoparts near you check them out. I bought new wheel cyliders front and back made in U.S. by Coni-Seal for about $40.

Summit sells good cylinders by BBS I think that is the name but i heard they are of good qualitie and about mid priced from your quotes


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wIll trade my girl friend for a Big Block