Master Cylinder Repair Kit

[swedishandgerman]

With reference to a single circuit Amazon master cylinder, I was wondering if the repair kit that is available is any good. It seems remarkably pricey for what you get at £43, so I don't want to get it and then realise that my master cylinder is past it! Then again, a new master cylinder is £120.

Has anyone had a failed master cylinder because the bore is badly deteriorated?

Is it difficult to get the piston with seal to go back into the bore?

[old fart]

Hi Adam,the new seals won't seal properly if the bore is corroded,even with a good clean up with emery cloth,if there is deep pitting the fluid will leak past the new seals after not very long,at least that was my experience with my Triumph-new seals got me out of trouble,but only lasted a couple of months.
Thanks for your efforts here on Wednesday,I'll see if I can make any headway over the weekend.
Cheers,Andy.

[Amazonjulian]

I successfully used a repair kit on mine. Easy job and given that the bore was nice and clean worth the saving. 2 years later still going strong

[CLIVERALLY]

I have just completed this job.in fact yesterday if you look at Voodoo Volvo. I got a kit from Brookhouse, it is comprehensive. As for bore wear well look at it this way, it is rubber scraping across metal so there is very little to wear. Now as for condition... well my only advice is remove yours, check for pitting as said before and as important scoring.

As for kits, yes the 49 quid is jaw dropping but you could get a kit from Ebay for £16 BUT you have to put the seal over the plunger, if you have any doubt you can do this without damaging the seal then don't do it...Ever. And in the communist tradition, not all seals are equal.

The draw back is getting the plunger back in without.. yep.. damaging the seal. Dip it in B/fluid and ensure you get it central and then go for the push, a firm steady push down.

If you are in any and I mean any doubt, buy the "up together" unit BUT bleed it up on the bench before you fit it would be my advice as there is no bleed valve on the master cylinder... hope it helps

[swedishandgerman]

Well that sounds easy enough then. I think I'll take the thing out to check it out prior to ordering up the kit

Thanks for your help and advice

[hans2]

I'm facing this same repair / parts decision right now. After bench bleeding, did you perform system bleeding via vacuum or pedal pumping?

[CLIVERALLY]

Hi

Once you get the majority of air out of the master cylinder and have refitted it I would strongly suggest a full bleed but I guess it is up to you. I used the conventional assistant method ensuring the assistant uses long steady slow strokes. You can get a vac pump and suck it through each of the bleed nipples in turn and whilst this is OK if you have changed lines, I have never managed to banish all the air out.
The Gunson method is better but caution needs to be observed if you are using a home made cap to ensure a pressurised seal. BUT someone must have made one
The Sealey tool I am familiar with, it is brilliant but pricey but again well worth the money if you are bleeding brakes regularly but if it stands in the garage having been used once a year it is cheaper to let a garage do the work (I am not touting for business ) . My advice such as it is ....try the conventional method first but be prepared to be there for about 1 hour.
Remember a good pedal when the engine is off and the servo is not operating does not necessarily mean that all the air is out... take it very steady when you move it-- so there it is it is up to you really but good quality fluid , patience and a willingness to persevere you will suceed

[Derek UK]

Adam, I've just seen that CVI have the MC at £75.68 inc vat so I'm rather surprised that Brookhouse has them priced so much higher. Simon is usually pretty competitive.

http://www.cvi-automotive.se/en/arti...aster-cylinder

[swedishandgerman]

Shame! I just received my new repair kit, so for a few quid more old William would have had a brand new master cylinder

Oh well, this way I learn how to do the job!

[volvogv]

I replaced the whole unit.....