Master cylinder replacement tips...

Chas · 07-12-04, 12:26 PM

I need to change it, and i already have it from Carquest....

how difficult is this to do?
seems pretty easy to me but im not that good with this stuff...

is it just swap the part and bleed the system? i have a Haynes manual...

or should i pay the cash and have it done?
Thanks for advise ...
Chas

Bob Chadwick · 07-12-04, 12:30 PM

The master clylinder is easy. Follow the included instructions for bench bleeding. 4 brake lines if I recall correctly, bolts, reverse the procedure and you have it back together.

Bleeding the brake system was where I ran into trouble. I just couldn't get all the air out. I eventually took it to a shop and for $75 had the system pressure bled.

SG4206 · 07-12-04, 05:23 PM

The most discouraging thing ;is when the tubing wrench rounds off the nut on the brake line; then you fight a new problem.
SOAK all the nuts and fittings with oil and let it set a day or so . I think it will be easier.

Bob Chadwick · 07-12-04, 07:01 PM

Buy the special flared fitting wrenches as well.

07-12-04, 08:29 PM

also make sure you 'bench-bleed' the master cylinder before you install it.
many m/c's come with a pair of short hoses that help redirect the fluid from the ports back to the resevior.
plus you may want to invest in "speed bleeders" that will help in the process too

Robin

BTW, did i mention i am moving to a new house in 3days? so i will be off line from 7/15 till appx 7/20
....but i'll be bac!!

The73vetteman · 07-12-04, 09:29 PM

Just want to concur with the other guys. This is not a difficult job, although I don't know if having power brakes makes the job harder. I'm "blessed" with non power assisted brakes. Including bench bleeding it shouldn't take more than a hour.

Bleeding the braking system is another problem, although I only found this became difficult when a caliper developed a leak!

'73

RMS73 · 07-13-04, 04:48 PM

I have replaced several master cylinders and have never had to bleed the lines to the wheel cylinders/calipers. Just bleed to the master cylinder on the work bench. then after it is installed on the firewall and full of brake fluid with the brake lines connected by a half of thread slooooowly push on the brake no more than a inch or so. Brake fluid should leak from the line connections. As you/helper push on the brake pedal have a second set of hands tighten the tubing line nuts.

Roger