Topic: Brake master sylinder re-build. Can it be done?
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Greer, SC - USA
Joined: 3/13/2012
Posts: 264
Vette(s): 1978 Black with Viking mural painted under hood AM/FM/CB radio, T-top and a 2013 Cyber Gray Grand Sport Coupe, 2LT for my daily driver
A couple of years ago, when I used a different mechanic, I replaced the brake booster with a chrome one. I already had a chrome master cylinder. Ever since I had that done, I had little brake pressue and way to much peddle travel. My old mechanic said it was the booster. Well the new mechanic (whom I think is quite a bit better) told me that when he checked them, that the master cylinder was "bypassing". Sometimes I do live on the edge, but NOT when it comes to brakes! I have to return to this mechanic in a couple of weeks for something else. I looked on E-bay and saw that there is a re-build kit for these master cylinders. I called my mechanic (who is at the Corrvette Expo in Sevierville) and asked him. He said that he has re-built them and he would pick up a re-build kit (which a LOT less expensive then replacinga chrome maaster cylinder). Has anyone re-built a brake master cylinder? Will it be REALLY secure?
Thank you for any advice.....walk in peace,
David
Warning: The surgeon general has declared that it is NOT unhealthy to smoke your competition AND I just discovered that my corvette is a hybred. It burns gas and rubber!
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Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2470
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
SURE! Re-built several of them with no problems. Take it apart and see if there is any pitting. You can use a wheel cylinder hone to clean it up. IF the pitting is substancial, go with a new unit. You will NOT get it out, the pitting, as it takes to much out of the bore and the cups will not seal/take the pressure and blow out.
Then you are in a panic to get er in the controled state.
Former Member
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Greer, SC - USA
Joined: 3/13/2012
Posts: 264
Vette(s): 1978 Black with Viking mural painted under hood AM/FM/CB radio, T-top and a 2013 Cyber Gray Grand Sport Coupe, 2LT for my daily driver
Master cylinder is fairly new, so I dooubt that there would me too much pitting (but then I am not the sharpest tool in the shed)....so maybe I will get lucky? Thank you for the input manchester.
Warning: The surgeon general has declared that it is NOT unhealthy to smoke your competition AND I just discovered that my corvette is a hybred. It burns gas and rubber!
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
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VikingVette said: A couple of years ago, when I used a different mechanic, I replaced the brake booster with a chrome one. I already had a chrome master cylinder. Ever since I had that done, I had little brake pressue and way to much peddle travel. My old mechanic said it was the booster. Well the new mechanic (whom I think is quite a bit better) told me that when he checked them, that the master cylinder was "bypassing". Sometimes I do live on the edge, but NOT when it comes to brakes! I have to return to this mechanic in a couple of weeks for something else. I looked on E-bay and saw that there is a re-build kit for these master cylinders. I called my mechanic (who is at the Corrvette Expo in Sevierville) and asked him. He said that he has re-built them and he would pick up a re-build kit (which a LOT less expensive then replacinga chrome maaster cylinder). Has anyone re-built a brake master cylinder? Will it be REALLY secure?
Thank you for any advice.....walk in peace,
David
I just rebuilt mine a few days ago.
you can see the guts here
btw.. make sure to adjust the booster to cylinder pushrod out as far as it will and still fit to get rid of a lot of pedal travel.
|UPDATED|3/22/2012 2:39:37 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
The symptom of the master cylinder bypassing internally is when pressure is applied the pedal will fall slowly while keeping steady pressure on it and the car will start to move as it does. If this is not happening and the pedal has been low since the install of the booster it may be the rod in the booster that actuates the master cylinder is to short. When this occurs it does not move the piston in the master cylinder far enough to apply the brakes properly. That is a simple adjustment that can be checked/performed without taking any of the brake lines loose.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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