Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the braking system of the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer, many owners might wonder about the role of brake wheel cylinders. Are they part of the setup, or does this particular model skip right past them? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and clarify their presence and purpose.

Brake wheel cylinders are components typically found in drum brake systems. Their job is to convert hydraulic pressure from the brake fluid into mechanical force, which pushes the brake shoes outwards against the drum to slow the vehicle down. These are crucial in vehicles that use drum brakes at the rear wheels, as they help maintain proper braking function and safety.

For the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer, the rear braking setup does not use drum brakes but instead is equipped with disc brakes. Disc brakes employ a different mechanism where calipers squeeze brake pads against a rotor or disc to create stopping power. Because disc brakes use calipers, the brake wheel cylinder is not part of the rear braking system in this vehicle.

This means the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer does not utilise brake wheel cylinders at all. It relies on disc brakes front and rear, with hydraulic calipers doing the job of pressurising brake pads rather than brake shoes. This approach offers several advantages including better heat dissipation, increased braking performance, and easier maintenance in many cases.

Why exactly is a brake wheel cylinder not used on this model? It mainly comes down to the design transition in braking systems across cars. Drum brakes with wheel cylinders have been a common choice for rear brakes on many older or budget vehicles. However, advancements in braking technology and safety have pushed car manufacturers, including Mitsubishi, to fit more cars with rear disc brakes. The Lancer benefits from these advances, providing its drivers with smoother, more reliable braking without the need for wheel cylinders.

Understanding that the Lancer skips wheel cylinders entirely helps clarify maintenance expectations too. Instead of worrying about brake wheel cylinders leaking or sticking, Lancer owners focus their attention on the calipers, brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. These components work together to ensure the car brakes efficiently and safely.

For those servicing a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer, knowing the absence of wheel cylinders makes the task straightforward. Regular maintenance involves checking the disc brake calipers for smooth operation, inspecting brake pads for wear, and ensuring rotors are free from excessive scoring or warping. Replacing brake pads at the right time and flushing brake fluid according to the service schedule keeps the braking system in top shape.

What about brake fluid? Since the system is fully hydraulic, brake fluid condition is essential. Over time, moisture can contaminate the brake fluid, reducing its boiling point and increasing the chance of brake fade under heavy use. Flushing the brake fluid every two years or so is a good practice to maintain reliable and responsive brakes.

Here's what Lancer owners should keep an eye on during regular brake servicing:

• Brake pad thickness - replace before they get too thin to avoid damaging rotors
• Rotor condition - check for grooves, rust, and warping, and resurface or replace if needed
• Caliper functionality - ensure pistons move freely and there are no leaks
• Brake fluid quality - perform a fluid flush if it looks dark or if it's been over two years
• Check brake lines for signs of wear, cracks or leaks

It's worth noting that problems with braking components will often show up as unusual noises, a spongy brake pedal, or decreased braking performance. If any of these symptoms appear, prompt inspection and servicing are advised to maintain safety on the road.

While brake wheel cylinders aren't part of the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer's braking system, the vehicle's disc brakes require just as much care and attention. Drivers should not overlook regular brake checks as part of their routine vehicle maintenance. Doing so helps avoid bigger, more expensive repairs and keeps everyone on the road safer.