Aarrgh - what am I missing

[JPSmit]

I'm taking apart the Brake Master Cylinder - I've taken out the first circlip - drilled and removed the nylon washwe - removed the washer underneath - took out the second circlip and still it won't come apart - what am I missing?

thanks

 

[Morris]

Man... it's been a while since I have had one a part. I will have to look at the tear down in the Haynes manual to refresh my memory. If someone else hasn't gotten to you first, I will take a look tonight and see if I can't help you figure it out.

 

[JPSmit]

anyone?

 

[zimmy]

looks like u will b the forum pro on
the subject if u figure it out!
good luck JP ..........zimmmmy

 

[ecurie_ecosse]

When I reached that point,the piston was jammed and I ended up replacing the cylinder. Not helpful at all,I know,but----

Stuart.

 

[RonMacPherson]

Can you push the piston further into the cylinder? If not then it is probably seized in the cylinder. If so and you get some movement out of the piston(it should return under spring pressure) spritz around the piston with silicone lubricant spray repeatedly and give the silicone a chance to soak into the rubber.

Might try spritzing it while you are depressing the piston.

Then after it has soaked in, find a block of soft wood, a rag to cover the wood and then slam it down on the wood with the open end of the cylinder hitting the wood. That usually knocks the piston loose.

Before you do that though, with the piston depressed and with a bright light, make sure that any "gunk" is removed from the c-clip grooves...

 

[JPSmit]

I'll try that tomorrow - and yes, I can move the piston so it isn't seized

 

[Morris]

JP, my memory is too foggy to be of much help. I vaguely remember having this problem, and I vaguely remember solving it, but that's about it.

The problem may be the stop washer behind the second circlip. It seems like a I have a distant flicker of a memory of bouncing things around a bit to knock that thing loose.

 

[JPSmit]

so let me recap - you think you had this problem but you can't remember what you did to fix it - thanks a heap :lol: and quit inhaling fumes would you

 

[JPSmit]

Ok here's how it goes.

1. remove the first circlip
2. drill out and remove the nylon washer
3. remove the rubber washer
4. remove the second circlip
5. Cover a piece of 2X4 with a rag and bang the Master Cylinder till the metal washer comes out
6. pull out the rest of the guts
7. clean clean clean - separate the two pistons as per instruction in Bentley et al, replace the rubbers and reassemble.
8. take the time to remove the two side fittings that lead to the actual brake lines - there is a spring and nylon fitting underneath that also needs to be cleaned.

I cannot begin to describe how filthy everything was. I was not prepared for the amount of c**p inside evrything - I would suggest that this is a must do job on a 30+ year old car. I also found that in addition to my parts washer, baby bottle brushes, pipe cleaners and dental metal picks are very helpful.

Thanks all for your help

Oh, and

9. If you just got your radiator back from the shop yesterday, put it in another roon, then when your socket flies off the breaker bar while undoing the side fittings, it won't fly through the air and leave a divot. :frown:

but it's almost back together - just polished the casing and clear coated so it's drying

JP