Ola!

After getting advice from another member, it looks as though I have to replace my master cylinder.

The last time I had it done, I took it to a dealer because, well, that's my brakes and I didn't want to mess it up or take three days to do a 3 hour job.

This time around the budget does not allow the luxury of having a professional do it so I am looking for some tips on the "ins and outs" of doing this task.

First thing: I did find the part at the website "Ford Parts Direct Online" for about $120, not including shipping. Can anyone recommend a better place to purchase? Is this a reasonable price?

Second thing: What are some of the important things I should do when tackling this job. I want it to go as smoothly as possible so any tips from you all would help alot. Y'know, problems you ran into..easier ways, special tools.. etc..etc..

Third: My chilton has grown legs and departed... is there a free site that has "directions"? I know the minute I buy another, my wayward one will return home...

Fourth: The Ford parts site offers two types of master cylinders for my year and make: One for Power Brakes and one for Manual Brakes.. ummm how do I know which one I need?

Once again, I thank you all for your help. If it weren't for this site, my career as a shade tree mechanic would go belly-up!

Two-Tone

 

Try RockAuto for the master cylinder, good website and good prices.
Power brakes or not? Look at the master if it is bolted to a large circular metal "drum" attached to the firewall and with a rubber pipe going to it, then you have power brakes. If the master cylinder is bolted direct to the firewall then no power brakes.
You need no special tools just a wrench to fit the brake pipe nuts and one to fit the two nuts holding the master cylinder. Once you have these off the master cylinder lifts off.
Before fitting the new one it is important to bleed brake fluid through it but the new one should come with instructions.
You can register free with the repair section of autozone.com for repair info. But do not buy the part from them.
Hope this helps.

 

Cool, thanks for the help.

I always get a bit aprehensive when doing a repair for the first time but it sounds fairly straightforward and not too time consuming.