Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Brake wheel cylinders

2013 Nissan Navara brake wheel cylinders: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Nissan’s D40 factory service manual (BR section), the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue, and major aftermarket catalogues commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, the 2013 Nissan Navara (D40) is typically fitted with rear drum brakes on most variants, which use brake wheel cylinders. Certain high-spec models with rear disc brakes do not use wheel cylinders. For most 2013 Navara utes on Aussie and Kiwi roads, rear drum brakes with wheel cylinders are the norm.

On a Navara with rear drums, the brake wheel cylinder converts hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder into mechanical force to push the brake shoes against the drum. Each wheel cylinder sits at the top of the backing plate, with two pistons that move outward when the brake pedal is applied. Rubber seals keep the brake fluid in and road grime out, while the bleeder screw lets air be purged during servicing.

Good wheel cylinders are vital for consistent pedal feel, balanced rear braking, and keeping brake fluid where it belongs. When seals age or pistons corrode, tell-tales can include a soft or sinking pedal, dampness or streaks on the lower edge of the backing plate, uneven rear braking on a WOF/roadworthy test, or shoes contaminated with fluid.

Service advice for a 2013 Navara with drum rears:

• Inspection: Check every service or 10,000–15,000 km. Look for leaks at the dust boots, perished rubber, sticky pistons, and seized bleeders.
• Brake fluid: Flush and replace DOT 3 or DOT 4 (as specified in the owner’s manual) every 2 years to limit internal corrosion.
• Replacement: If one rear wheel cylinder leaks or binds, replace both sides as a pair to maintain even braking. Always renew the copper washers and consider new bleeder screws.
• Associated parts: Inspect drums for scoring, measure drum ID, renew shoes if soaked or worn, and replace hold-down and return springs if tired. Check the rear axle seal area for gear oil leaks that can mimic fluid seepage.
• Bleeding: After fitting, bleed starting from the wheel farthest from the master cylinder (typically RR, LR, RF, LF), following ABS-safe procedures in the service manual. Confirm a firm pedal and no external leaks.
• Adjustment and bed-in: Adjust the shoe clearance per spec, then bed in the brakes with gentle stops to restore proper lining contact.

If a particular 2013 Navara variant has rear disc brakes, it won’t have wheel cylinders at the rear, instead it uses calipers with pistons. A quick visual check through the rear wheel—drum versus a disc and caliper—confirms what’s fitted.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Navara brake wheel cylinders

Do all 2013 Navara models use rear wheel cylinders?
Most D40 Navaras in Australia and New Zealand use rear drum brakes with wheel cylinders. Some higher-spec variants run rear disc brakes, which do not use wheel cylinders. A look behind the rear wheel will show either a drum assembly or a disc and caliper.

How often should wheel cylinders be replaced on a 2013 Navara?
There’s no fixed interval. They should be inspected at each service and replaced when leaking, seized, or if the dust boots are perished. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years to prolong wheel cylinder life.

What are the symptoms of failing wheel cylinders on a D40 Navara?
Common signs include a soft or sinking pedal, fluid weeping down the backing plate, rear brake imbalance during inspection, and brake shoes contaminated with fluid causing poor or grabby braking.