C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Replace Master Cylinder

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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 10:01 PM
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Default Replace Master Cylinder

I have to replace my master cylinder on my 1986 corvette tomorrow. Any way to do this without bleeding each cylinder. Caliper
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 10:06 PM
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May help:
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 10:09 PM
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Even if you bleed the M/C, you still need to bleed the system. You'll still get some air in it and unless it's been done lately, it may be time anyway.
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Old Oct 27, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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How timely as I just replaced my master on Saturday. However I also replaced my brake hoses and wanted (needed) to flush out my lines so I used my vacumn bleeder. I did brake the brake pressure warning switch on the master so I just screwed a bolt into the hole.
Anyway, I would think that if you are replacing the master cylinder, flushing the entire system would be a good idea.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 01:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetterin
I did brake the brake pressure warning switch on the master so I just screwed a bolt into the hole.
You don't need to do that except to keep the hole from getting dirt in it. The hole is dry and there should not be any brake fluid in there. If you do have brake fluid in that hole then your master cylinder has an internal leak.
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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 03:20 AM
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i consider a pita any brake job since, always, you need to bleed the system,each caliper,several times,in a specific pattern.It's a 2 guys job if you don't use brake vaccum bleeder tools.When you install a new master ,as video shows,you need to bench bleeding the master,then install the master and bleed again the entire system.i replaced my master a couple years ago,but i had a friend make the dirty job for me...i hate bleeding.Even worst when you need to bleed a master and slave clutch cylinder in a stick trasmission...

Alberto -Italy

Last edited by tunedport85inject; Oct 28, 2014 at 03:22 AM.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 11:17 AM
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I would recommend changing out all the fluid with a new high quality synthetic like Valvoline and bleeding all 4 corners while you have it out. Its just good maintenance. If your hoses are the stock rubber and haven't been changed, do them too.
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Old Oct 29, 2014 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
You don't need to do that except to keep the hole from getting dirt in it. The hole is dry and there should not be any brake fluid in there. If you do have brake fluid in that hole then your master cylinder has an internal leak.
That's exactly why I had to change mine. Brake fluid was leaking out of that port. I know I could leave that port open but it just looks more "finished" to have that port closed.
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