Leaking Master Cylinder - Please Help
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Leaking Master Cylinder - Please Help
Ok, so my original master cylinder (stock drum brakes) was leaking and caused my brakes to fail sometime back., Anyhow, I just bought a new master cylinder and installed it. It's now leaking from the rubber boot that the push rod goes into. Any ideas on how to fix this, or maybe there's a part I'm missing. Any help or suggestions will surely be appreciated. THANKS!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
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From: Vancouver Island
My guesses:
a) they left out or damaged or installed backwards a rubber piston seal thing
b) it's a rebuild, and the bore was badly pitted and no QA monkey noticed that the honing wasn't enough to fix that.
c) the pushrod isn't seated correctly and is pressing the piston off-center
a) they left out or damaged or installed backwards a rubber piston seal thing
b) it's a rebuild, and the bore was badly pitted and no QA monkey noticed that the honing wasn't enough to fix that.
c) the pushrod isn't seated correctly and is pressing the piston off-center
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Harpswell Maine
Is it possible that you are pulling the actuator rod too far forward on the master cylinder? That is adjustable. There should be some play at the top in the pedal when it is properly adjusted-like an inch or so.
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Thanks for all the responses guys! I was looking in the manual and the picture shows a retainer ring or like a locking ring that tightens the rubber boot to the push rod. I think that's what I'm missing because that's where the brake fluid is leaking from. Will any clamp suffice? And no I haven't bled my brakes yet, would that get rid of my soft brake pedal? Feels kinda spongy. What's bench bleeding? Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,674
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From: Rowland Heights
Don't think you want to take a chance and use that one.
Here is some good reads on the topic
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...h_article.html
Here is some good reads on the topic
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...h_article.html
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by Project 51
Thanks for all the responses guys! I was looking in the manual and the picture shows a retainer ring or like a locking ring that tightens the rubber boot to the push rod. I think that's what I'm missing because that's where the brake fluid is leaking from. Will any clamp suffice? And no I haven't bled my brakes yet, would that get rid of my soft brake pedal? Feels kinda spongy. What's bench bleeding? Thanks!
It's supposed to come with the kit. Depending on where you are, you might try one of the Ford obsolete parts sellers like Sacramento Vintage Ford, or in the city of Orange, C. W. Moss. The part fits ALL the Ford cars from 1939 to 1951, and half ton and F1 trucks 1939-1951. If you can't find it, you'll have to buy another kit.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Originally Posted by Project 51
Thanks for all the responses guys! I was looking in the manual and the picture shows a retainer ring or like a locking ring that tightens the rubber boot to the push rod. I think that's what I'm missing because that's where the brake fluid is leaking from. Will any clamp suffice? And no I haven't bled my brakes yet, would that get rid of my soft brake pedal? Feels kinda spongy. What's bench bleeding? Thanks!
If you're talking about part #2186 that's not going to help with a leaking master cylinder. All that clamp is there for is to prevent dirt from getting under the boot and keeping it in place. Even if you install a clamp there you're still leaking fluid out of your cylinder and you haven't fix anything, the fluid will only build up in the boot and eventually leaky again. Sounds to me you have a internal problem, one mention by angus above. I would either tear the cylinder apart and rebuild it, if possible, or get a new one.
Bleeding the entire system should get rid of the spongy feeling. Start with the farthest wheel cylinder, the passenger rear, and work yourself closer to the master cylinder.
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Ok Guys I found the problem, I took everything back out and looked inside the boot, turns out the snap ring (2174) is what I need. The new master cylinder I got had an O ring type snap ring and it appears to be too small so it popped out and leaked all the fluid. I took the snap ring from the old master cylinder and made sure everything was clean before installing it into the new M/C. No more leak! Thanks for all your help guys I REALLY appreciate it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,876
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Ross,
I think originally he was referring to the clamp that held the boot to the push rod, #2186. Eventually it turned out that is was an inadequate snap ring in place of the original type, #2174. I could see if the the proper retainer is used it would allow the guts of the master cylinder pop out.
My one small concern is if they used the wrong clip here did they skimp someplay else in the rebuild. I agree with you, keep an eye on it for any further leaks or problems.
I think originally he was referring to the clamp that held the boot to the push rod, #2186. Eventually it turned out that is was an inadequate snap ring in place of the original type, #2174. I could see if the the proper retainer is used it would allow the guts of the master cylinder pop out.
My one small concern is if they used the wrong clip here did they skimp someplay else in the rebuild. I agree with you, keep an eye on it for any further leaks or problems.
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I picked up the Master Cylinder at Napa. I think the company's name is Centric? But so far so good no leaks. Does anyone know how I can adjust the sensitivity of the brake lights? It seems like I have to push the brake pedal ALL the way down before the brake lights come on. I still haven't bled the brakes yet.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by Project 51
I picked up the Master Cylinder at Napa. I think the company's name is Centric? But so far so good no leaks. Does anyone know how I can adjust the sensitivity of the brake lights? It seems like I have to push the brake pedal ALL the way down before the brake lights come on. I still haven't bled the brakes yet.
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