CLARK FORKLIFT WHEEL CYLINDER

Like any other component of a Clark forklift brake system, wheel cylinders also play a major role in making the brakes work efficiently. The wheel cylinder will be attached to the backing plate. It will push the brake shoes so they make contact with the brake drums, resulting in friction that slows down and stops the lift truck. We will discuss more about wheel cylinders in the following sections.

 Clark forklift braking systems are made of a rotating disc or drum. The wheel cylinder is used to transfer pressure from the master cylinder to the brake shoe, pushing it against the brake drum. Its construction is quite simple; it comprises of two aluminum pistons, cast iron housing, two push rods, two rubber dust boots, two piston cups, adjuster spring, return spring, ball seat, bleeder screw, and two rubber cup expanders.

Wheel cylinders for your Clark lift trucks can be obtained with or without integral pressure regulator. Most cylinders are made of aluminum, which make them highly resistant to brake fluid and corrosion, light in weight, and extend their service life.

Why do wheel cylinders wear?

Similar to all other systems of a lift truck, its braking system also gets affected over time. Brake fluid will absorb water, which is obviously harmful because it will make all the metal surfaces in the brake system to pit and rust, along with making the brake fluid sludge. This will roughen the bores in brake cylinders, which will further wear down the rubber cups. The rubber cups will start to lose tension eventually, as a result of which they will also lose their sealing capability against the bores’ interior. Over time, the cylinders will begin to leak, and you will have to replace them completely. This happens not just with Clark forklift’s wheel cylinders, but also with master cylinders.

Inspection

Follow these steps when inspecting your Clark forklift wheel cylinders:

• Check if the wheel cylinders are leaking.
• Check the brake shoes for damage.
• Lube the backing plate.
• Adjust the brakes.
• Check if axle seals are leaking.
• Bleed the braking system.
• Replace the wheel cylinders, if necessary.
• Test drive the lift truck before using it again.

It is recommended that you inspect your forklift wheel cylinders periodically, especially if the brake warning light on your lift truck is on.

In some cases, if the wheel cylinders are not completely damaged or worn, you can choose to rebuild them on your own. To do this, you will require appropriate brake fluid, brake cylinder hone, a drill, and a solvent. Remember to only use fitting wrenches when handling brake connections because regular ones can easily damage the fittings. Once you disconnect a brake line, plug or cap it to avoid leakage of brake fluid. If you are not confident about doing this on your own, you can always seek help from professionals.

And when there is a need to replace your Clark forklift wheel cylinders, contact Solid Lift Parts to get the best, high quality and genuine spare parts for your entire fleet of forklift trucks.