Master Cylinder Replacement Suggestions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
Master Cylinder Replacement Suggestions
About three years ago the original master cylinder piston for the front brakes failed. The pedal went to the floor, wouldn't pump up and the red brake warning light illuminated. I was in a hurry for a fix and had it replaced at the local Goodyear dealer. Everything worked great until today and I lost the piston for the front brakes again. I am getting used to the drama of the back wheels locking up and making lots of noise but my wife is getting less interested in going for rides. Goodyear probably used the cheapest remanufactured MC availble. I was wondering if there are better quality master cylinders to match the improved stainless-steel sleeved calipers, etc. I read the threads on master cylinders for clues and didn't see a particular recommendation. I don't think I am a candiate for hydroboost as I have the stock engine with plenty of vacuum. If there is a favorite master cylinder, new or remanufactured please pass along the recommendation. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
It's been my experience, that you should always buy NEW not remanfacutred when it comes to power steering pumps, pistons and valves, starter motors and Master cylinders --- otherwise you will be doing the job again in a year or two.. Just search the web and specify NEW and you will be OK
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
I would recommend an AC Delco brand new replacement part. You have a reasonable expectation of long life. Many overhauled/remanned master cylinders have corrosion in the housing that may not cause an issue today, but will shorten the life of the product.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
It's been my experience, that you should always buy NEW not remanfacutred when it comes to power steering pumps, pistons and valves, starter motors and Master cylinders --- otherwise you will be doing the job again in a year or two.. Just search the web and specify NEW and you will be OK
DITTO!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I just bought a brand new (not remanufactured) repro unit for my '78 - correct casting number, etc. haven't installed it yet but it looks like a nice unit and 100% identicle to the factory stock unit. I'm at work so don't have the vendor info with me but i can post back when I get home later on.
price was about $130.
price was about $130.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I think you can send the original master cylinder to Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) and they will rework it. They drill out the center cylinder and replace it with a stainless steel liner, etc. Also, Paragon restores master cylinders ( I had them do mine).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
ok, I just dug out my invoice from the MC I got last month, it's from Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes. Cost was $129.50 for a brand new unit.
http://www.cssbinc.com/
http://www.cssbinc.com/
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
Thanks everyone. I just placed the order with Stainless Steel Brakes. I've done lots of wrenching on this and another C3 but never a master cylinder. Are there any pit falls in this swap? I have the Haynes manual and it appears to be just three simple steps. According to the threads on CF, one should bleed the MC first, attach the lines and then bleed the lines following the prescribed order and inner first then outer. I'll definitely follow that advice.
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It's been my experience, that you should always buy NEW not remanfacutred when it comes to power steering pumps, pistons and valves, starter motors and Master cylinders --- otherwise you will be doing the job again in a year or two.. Just search the web and specify NEW and you will be OK
I'm a firm believer of that ever since I had a reman unit go out on me after about 50 miles of driving...as I was exiting the freeway. That was a bit too exciting for my taste.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
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St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I went with a new Raybestos master cylinder on my '68 Race car several years ago and never had any issues with it.. Drove about 15k miles and raced for 4 racing seasons and no issues with the master cylinder yet..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
I have found as with anythng rebuilt, I just pop the assy apart, see that the bore is fine, reassemble, and use....never had an issue yet...
but I have seen pitted bores once or twice, caught it the hard way super early on the first time, proved the point on warrenty exchange, and from then on do my own QC.....I flat don't have an extra 100 bux to chase after such a green grass common item as a m/cyl.....
but I have seen pitted bores once or twice, caught it the hard way super early on the first time, proved the point on warrenty exchange, and from then on do my own QC.....I flat don't have an extra 100 bux to chase after such a green grass common item as a m/cyl.....