[C1] Master cylinder
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 2,643
From: Really Central IL Illinois
I have bled many master cylinders on the car. I prefer to bench bleed them, but if you do, do not push too hard on the spool as you can damage the rubber cups. If you bleed it on the car or on the bench, you still need to put a bleeding fitting on the outlet(s) to monitor the air movement.
I could be wrong, check your GM manual for directions.
I could be wrong, check your GM manual for directions.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 10
let me add some context.
I bled the master in the car, a bled all the wheels twice it just seems like the pedal is too low. It goes to the same spot every time and is a hard pedal. I’ve adjusted the brakes. They’re all dragging just to touch. Is there anything I can do to raise the pedal?
I bled the master in the car, a bled all the wheels twice it just seems like the pedal is too low. It goes to the same spot every time and is a hard pedal. I’ve adjusted the brakes. They’re all dragging just to touch. Is there anything I can do to raise the pedal?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 2,643
From: Really Central IL Illinois
Is this a new master cylinder? Is it single cylinder or dual? How much play do have before the pedal starts to move the shoes? Is it possible the rod from the pedal to the master cylinder has not been adjusted with minimal play / clearance before moving the spool in the cylinder?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
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If you can pull the pedal up with your hand, then an adjustable pushrod will allow you to raise the pedal.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 10
Is this a new master cylinder? Is it single cylinder or dual? How much play do have before the pedal starts to move the shoes? Is it possible the rod from the pedal to the master cylinder has not been adjusted with minimal play / clearance before moving the spool in the cylinder?
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1,005
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Is it a single (original type) master cylinder? or a (modified) dual type master cylinder?
Singles bleed just fine in the car. Duals sometimes need to be removed and bench bled, especially since they never get enough cylinder travel, when replacing singles.
Singles bleed just fine in the car. Duals sometimes need to be removed and bench bled, especially since they never get enough cylinder travel, when replacing singles.
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Intermediate
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Thanks Jim
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,735
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From: Limerick Pa, Saint James City Fl
If pedal is hard and goes to same level every time it’s not air in the system. Brake shoes are moving too far, broken or weak return springs, or needs full proper adjustment. What caused you to start this process, is master cylinder new/rebuilt?
Chip
Chip
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Intermediate
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The car has been sitting for over 40 years I replaced all brake parts with original type equipment except the drums I’m thinking it’s possible they may be oversized as in turned 1 too many times
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2024
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From: Florida
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
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if my drums are too big, I will just replace them
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,735
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From: Limerick Pa, Saint James City Fl
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 10