Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2016 Subaru Exiga: Purpose and Maintenance Tips

The 2016 Subaru Exiga, a comfortable and versatile vehicle, is well-regarded for its reliable performance and family-friendly features. When it comes to braking systems, understanding the role of brake wheel cylinders is essential, especially if you want to keep your Exiga running safely and smoothly. So, do brake wheel cylinders play a part in this vehicle's braking system, and what should owners know about them?

First off, it's important to clarify that the 2016 Subaru Exiga does not use brake wheel cylinders. The reason lies in the type of braking system it employs. The Exiga features front disc brakes and rear disc brakes, both utilising hydraulic calipers rather than the drum and wheel cylinder setup found on some other cars. Brake wheel cylinders are typically associated with drum brakes, where they act as hydraulic pistons inside the brake drum assembly to push the brake shoes against the drum and create friction to slow the vehicle down.

Since the 2016 Subaru Exiga features disc brakes all around, it relies on brake calipers to perform this function rather than wheel cylinders. Brake calipers hold the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to squeeze them onto the discs (rotors) to stop the car. This system is generally regarded as more efficient, easier to maintain, and offers better stopping performance compared to drum brakes with wheel cylinders.

Understanding this can help Subaru Exiga owners avoid confusion when servicing their brakes. Unlike older or more basic models that might have rear drum brakes with wheel cylinders, the Exiga's all-disc setup does not include brake wheel cylinders at all.

For those curious about brake wheel cylinders more generally, here's a bit of insight. Brake wheel cylinders are small but important components located within drum brake assemblies. They consist of a pair of pistons that press outward when hydraulic brake fluid is forced into them during braking. This outward pressure pushes the brake shoes against the drum, creating the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle. They are made to withstand significant pressure and have rubber seals to prevent brake fluid leaks.

If a vehicle has brake wheel cylinders, maintaining them is essential to safe braking. Over time, the seals can degrade or the cylinder bodies can corrode, leading to leaks or loss of hydraulic pressure. This results in decreased braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, or even brake failure. Regular brake inspections often include checking for signs of wheel cylinder leakage, sticky pistons, or uneven brake shoe wear.

Should maintenance or replacement be needed, the process involves draining some brake fluid, removing the drum, inspecting the wheel cylinder, and replacing it if necessary. It's a good idea to replace brake wheel cylinders in pairs on the same axle to ensure even braking. After installation, the brake system must be properly bled to remove any trapped air and restore firm brake pedal feel.

While this information is useful for many vehicles with drum brakes, Subaru Exiga owners can breathe easy knowing their 2016 model uses a more modern disc brake system. Their focus for brake maintenance should be on inspecting pads, discs, calipers, and fluid condition. Regular servicing of these components will help the Exiga stay safe on the road and keep its brakes working reliably.

In short, the 2016 Subaru Exiga does not have brake wheel cylinders because it employs a full disc brake system. This setup not only offers strong stopping power but also avoids some of the maintenance challenges posed by drum brakes and their wheel cylinders. Owners keen on keeping their vehicle's brakes in top shape should instead keep an eye on disc brake pads and calipers, ensuring the hydraulic system remains free of leaks and well-serviced throughout the vehicle's life.