5 replies to this topic

[80' Estate]

My brake master cylinder is leaking and dripping onto the floor under the pedal. Im unsure if I Should bite the bullet and buy a new one or get the rebuild kit?

 

Ive never rebuilt one before so im a little hesitant, anyone have much luck rebuilding a master cylinder?

 

My estate is a 1980 if that makes any diffence.

 

Cheers

Justin

Edited by 80' Estate, 11 October 2013 - 04:06 PM.

[Big_Adam]

1980, okay, let me think.

 

I have an 82' and that had a black band tandem master cylinder. It is an utter POS and should be fired into the sun (its easy to spot, as its got a pressure switch in the side and squared body). 

 

If you got one, you want to switch it for a yellow band master which means you need conversion pipes (available from Mini Spares) to fit it, as the yellow ones have a metric fitting.

 

If you just got a bean can master, they are VERY easy to rebuild. I've done one, and I'm an oaf.

[80' Estate]

1980, okay, let me think.

 

I have an 82' and that had a black band tandem master cylinder. It is an utter POS and should be fired into the sun (its easy to spot, as its got a pressure switch in the side and squared body). 

 

If you got one, you want to switch it for a yellow band master which means you need conversion pipes (available from Mini Spares) to fit it, as the yellow ones have a metric fitting.

 

If you just got a bean can master, they are VERY easy to rebuild. I've done one, and I'm an oaf.

 

Im pretty sure ive got the lovely square plastic one you speak of  I know its not the metal can one. Cant check for certian which one is on there as he's at the paint shop right now  
 

Suppose i'll be ordering the yellow tag master.

[Big_Adam]

Just to be sure, this is a black tag one ;

 

 

 

And here the pipes to fit a yellow one straight in ;

 

http://www.minispare...27.aspx|Back to

 

Can find yellow ones new on eBay pretty cheap-ish, but only 1 or 2 quid less than Mini Spares.

 

EDIT

 

Oh wait, check the levels are changing. Might be just fluide / water dripping down. Never know

Edited by Big_Adam, 11 October 2013 - 05:00 PM.

[80' Estate]

Just to be sure, this is a black tag one ;

 

 

 

And here the pipes to fit a yellow one straight in ;

 

http://www.minispare...27.aspx|Back to

 

Can find yellow ones new on eBay pretty cheap-ish, but only 1 or 2 quid less than Mini Spares.

 

EDIT

 

Oh wait, check the levels are changing. Might be just fluide / water dripping down. Never know

 

 

That looks like the one! Im sure its not water or anything, this has been going on for awhile now.

ill get those ordered up, thanks for great info!!

[tiger99]

I recommend changing the entire master cylinder, because it is now very old and likely to have some wear or corrosion in the bore. The bore must be absolutely perfect, with no pitting or scoring. But there is a small chance that it will be.

 

Also, be aware that a typically mucky garage is NOT the place to rebuild any hydraulic cylinders, as an extreme degree of cleanliness is essential. That is one reason why rebuild kits for most cars are no longer available. The best place is on the kitchen worktop or similar, but the cylinder needs to be thoroughly cleaned on the outside before bringing traces of dirt into the working area.

 

I actually use hot water and washing up liquid for thoroughly cleaning the stripped cylinder, then a good wash with meths and blow dry with compressed air (one of these little aerosol cans for blowing muck out of computers will do), immediately, so rust has no chance to form. Then, lots of fresh brake fluid as lubricant when assembling.