Time to replace rear wheel cylinders on 68 Cutlass Surpeme w/ drums all around. The wheel cylinders on there now are cheap Autozone parts that are leaking after 3 years of use. Going to buy some higher quality ones and I have three options. Between NAPA, Raybestos and ACDELCO which one would be the greatest quality? I can get the NAPA at wholesale for $22 each (Normally $49 each)

 

I have used Raybestos Professional line with good results.

 

Second on the Raybestos or Wagner if you can find those. NAPA should also be good, but I can about guarantee ACD are now made offshore in same factory that made the AZ pieces.

 

I have had very good luck with Wagners and Raybestos.
The factory ones in the Pinto were Wagner and lasted 14 years before a leak occured. I replaced them with Wagners and those lasted 23 years. I just replaced them with more Wagners for hopefully another 20 years.
My 86 Olds factory ones leaked after 7 years. I replaced them with Raybestos 22 years ago. I checked them last month and no leaks yet.
My 72 has leaky cyl's but I do not know the make. I have Wagners awaiting for nicer weather.
Go figure...

 

I've had good luck with Raybestos also. I buy those parts local.

 

Yes.

- Eric

 

I highly doubt there's any noticeable difference between those. Good chance they all come from the same factory.
Do disassemble and inspect whatever you get. I got a cylinder with a seal folded over. Gotten several master cylinders with scratched bores.

 

NAPA's brake parts are made by Brake Parts Inc. Raybestos is one of BPI's trademarked brands. I don't think you'd find much quality difference between a NAPA or a Raybestos wheel cylinder.

That said, you can find some subtle differences between the BPI Raybestos wheel cylinders and the NAPA wheel cylinders -- pay attention to the bleeders. Sizing of the bleed screws may be different.

When increasing the diameter of the rears on my Suburban I made the choice between NAPA and RB based upon the size of the bleeder that matched my OEM-spec bleeding wrench. Had I gone with the other I would have had to buy another bleeding wrench in the new size.

The catalogs are very helpful. Watch the details if this matters to you.