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Master Cylinder Question

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Basil

Basil

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My Master Cyl and Slave Cyl has been apart now for several years but has been kept cool and dry. The inner bore on both is not pitted but does have some very very light surface rust in some spots (not pitting). I don't think a re-sleeve is warrented, but what would be recommended to clean ot the bores before reassemble (with new rebuild kits of course)? Any suggestions on the best way to clean up the bores before reassembly? (If they were bad I'd just have them re-sleeved).

Basil
 
Hey Basil, if it's just a real light sheen of rust I wouldn't worry about it - a couple of pumps of the pedal will take it off just fine. If you're uneasy with that you could use a cylinder hone and lightly dress the bore - might even be a good idea to allow the seals to 'work in' If the bore is super smooth they sometimes won't work properly (BTDT)
 
A regular brake wheel cylinder hone should do the task I think, worked on my TR's .70 cylinders.
 
Fine grade steel wool is also an effecive and easy way to get rid of surface rust. Use a little Marvel Mystery Oil with the pad.
 
I've rebuilt many using brake cylinder hones with fine grit stones. Add some oil and use about the same technique as you would on a cylinder bore in an engine: cross-hatch by moving the hone in and out as it spins. Takes some practice getting it NOT to hit the "bottom" and break a stone, so take your time and if it hasn't been pitted you'll have it good as new.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll see if I can find a brake cyl hone at my local A-Zone, else I will probably try the fine steel wool as John suggests.

Basil
 
Hello Basil,

When I recently refurbished my cylinders, I used a dremel with a buffing tip and polishing rouge to restore the surface. It knocked the surface rust off quite well, and I felt very comfortable that it would not eat to much of the wall along the way. Not suitable for pitted walls, but they polished up real nice!
 
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