Parts for your 2017 Ford Mondeo-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2017 Ford Mondeo - Are They Used and What You Need to Know

The 2017 Ford Mondeo does not use brake wheel cylinders as part of its braking system. This is because brake wheel cylinders are a key component found specifically in drum brake setups, and the 2017 Mondeo is equipped with disc brakes all around or drum brakes only on the rear axle, depending on the model and market. However, most modern versions lean towards disc brakes on the front and sometimes on the rear as well. Where disc brakes are used, brake calipers replace wheel cylinders, making traditional drum brake wheel cylinders unnecessary for this vehicle.

To put it simply, brake wheel cylinders are essential in drum brake systems. They serve the role of pushing the brake shoes outwards against the inside of the brake drum so that the car slows down or stops. But since the 2017 Ford Mondeo mainly utilises disc brakes, which use calipers and brake pads instead, brake wheel cylinders do not form part of the braking mechanism.

Why are brake wheel cylinders absent in many modern cars like the Ford Mondeo? Well, disc brakes offer several advantages over drum brakes. They dissipate heat better, provide superior stopping power, and are easier to inspect and maintain. For these reasons, manufacturers have largely shifted to disc brakes in both front and rear applications, phasing out drum brakes and the need for brake wheel cylinders in many vehicle models including the Mondeo.

If you do encounter rear drum brakes on a base or older trim level of the Mondeo or in other brake drum applications, then brake wheel cylinders will be fitted. In those cases, the wheel cylinder plays a vital role and should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure safe braking performance.

For those circumstances where brake wheel cylinders are present, it's useful to understand their purpose and how to maintain them, especially if servicing or replacing parts on your 2017 Ford Mondeo or a similar vehicle with drum brakes.

Brake wheel cylinders are small but important hydraulic components located within the brake drum assembly. When the brake pedal is pushed, brake fluid travels under pressure to the wheel cylinder. Inside the cylinder, there are two pistons with rubber seals that push the brake shoes outward onto the drum to create friction and slow the vehicle down. The wheel cylinder converts the fluid pressure into mechanical force that activates the drum brakes.

The wear and tear that brake wheel cylinders experience means they occasionally need servicing or replacement. Common issues include leaking brake fluid due to faulty seals, corrosion from moisture, or pistons sticking because of dirt or rust buildup. Any of these faults reduce braking efficiency and can lead to brake failure if left unattended.

Servicing brake wheel cylinders typically involves:

• Inspecting for any signs of fluid leaks around the cylinder or brake shoe contact area
• Checking the rubber seals and pistons for damage or wear
• Cleaning the cylinder bore and pistons to remove dirt, corrosion or debris
• Replacing the wheel cylinder entirely when leaks are present or the pistons are stuck
• Ensuring brake fluid is topped up and free of contamination after any maintenance

Replacing a brake wheel cylinder is often straightforward, but it requires careful steps. The brake drum must be removed first, then the brake shoes moved aside to access the cylinder. After disconnecting the hydraulic line and unbolting the wheel cylinder, the new component can be installed, bore cleaned, and all connections sealed properly before reassembling the drum and shoes.

For a vehicle like the 2017 Ford Mondeo, if equipped with drum brakes, it's vital to maintain brake wheel cylinders to keep the drums working effectively. Regular brake inspections as part of scheduled servicing will help catch issues early. If any brake fluid leaks or uneven braking feel is noticed, inspection of the wheel cylinders is a smart move.

Overall, while the 2017 Ford Mondeo mostly relies on disc brakes and their accompanying calipers, understanding the role of brake wheel cylinders remains relevant if the car has drum brakes or if similar components are needed on other vehicles. Keeping these wheel cylinders in good shape ensures reliable braking and safer driving experiences down under or wherever the road takes you.