Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Brake wheel cylinders

2013 Ford Falcon brake wheel cylinders — are they used?

Based on factory service information for the FG MkII generation (model year 2013) and mainstream spec references used in the trade (e.g., Ford FG MkII workshop/owner literature and local specification databases such as RedBook/Glass’s Guide), the answer depends on the body style. All 2013 Falcon sedans run disc brakes front and rear, so they don’t use hydraulic brake wheel cylinders. However, selected 2013 Falcon Ute variants were built with rear drum brakes, and those rear drums do use hydraulic wheel cylinders. Higher-spec utes with rear discs won’t have them.

Why wheel cylinders aren’t used on the sedan: wheel cylinders belong to hydraulic drum brakes, while the 2013 Falcon sedans use disc brake calipers at all four corners. The handbrake on disc-brake cars is mechanical and doesn’t require wheel cylinders either. So if it’s a sedan, wheel cylinders aren’t a relevant service item.

For 2013 Falcon Ute models fitted with rear drum brakes, the brake wheel cylinders are simple, hardworking components that convert brake fluid pressure into force on the rear brake shoes. When the driver presses the pedal, the cylinder’s pistons push the shoes outwards against the drum, helping slow the ute while sharing the load with the front discs.

Servicing advice for Falcon Utes with rear drums:

• Typical wear signs: dampness or weeping under the rubber boots, fluid trails on the backing plate, a soft/long pedal, rear-end pull under braking, or shoes contaminated with brake fluid.
• Replace or rebuild? Most workshops fit new cylinders rather than rebuild old ones. If one side is leaking or seized, replace both rear wheel cylinders as a pair to keep brake balance even.
• Do the related jobs: inspect/replace shoes, clean and lubricate the shoe contact points, check/skim or replace drums if out of spec, and adjust the shoes correctly. Always bleed the system afterwards and top up with quality DOT 4 fluid that meets the vehicle spec.
• Good habits: flush brake fluid about every 2 years, especially in Aussie and Kiwi conditions where moisture can be an issue. Check the handbrake operation and cable free play while you’re there.
• Cautions: avoid getting brake fluid on paintwork, keep everything clean, follow the bleed order recommended in Ford service data, and use proper torque on brake line fittings and wheel nuts.

Get those basics right and a rear-drum Falcon Ute’s wheel cylinders will be sorted for many kilometres without drama.

Do 2013 Ford Falcon sedans use brake wheel cylinders?

No. The FG MkII sedans (2013) have disc brakes front and rear, so there are no hydraulic wheel cylinders on those cars.

Which 2013 Falcon Utes have wheel cylinders?

Only the ute variants fitted with rear drum brakes use wheel cylinders. Utes with rear disc brakes don’t. If you’re unsure, a quick visual check behind the rear wheel (drum vs disc) or a look-up against the build spec will confirm it.

How often should wheel cylinders be replaced on a 2013 Falcon Ute?

There’s no fixed interval. They’re replaced when leaking, binding, or corroded, or if the pedal feel and braking performance suggest a hydraulic issue. Many last well past 150,000 km, but coastal use, dirt roads, or long service intervals can shorten their life. Inspect at each service and replace both sides together if one fails.