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

Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ???

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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 04:32 PM
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Default Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ???

I just put on new brakes in front and now for some reason I have a fluid leak and I am pretty sure it is between the front brake reservior and probably is leaking at the seal between the two. Is there an easy fix for this or does it require special tools to replace the seal and the reservior ?? This is on a 1988 with the twin reservior.
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 07:38 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

:cheers: Lee

Can you see the fluid leaking, say around the outside of the MC?

If so, it is probably the press fit of the plastic reservoirs into the meatl bore of the cylinder itself

Or it could be leakage around the safety switch that screws into the bore of the cylinder, or possibly leaks around the two brake lines if you removed or jiggled them too much

Are you loosing fluid from the reservoirs?


If it is an internal leak, you will have a low brake pedal as the pressure forces the fluid from one side to the other and not all to the brakes. If this is the case, you can rebuild the MC, but I would suggest buying a new or a good rebuilt. Brake fluid can accumulate water and dirt in the resevoirs, this eventually works it's way into the cylinder bore and creates wear and leakage.

If the bore is worn, there isn't much you can do

Jack :seeya :steering:
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 08:19 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (jackdaroofer)

I can see it is leaking from the seal that is located in between the reservior and the base where it goes into the cyc. I have been told you need a special tool to replace the seal and the reserviors. Is this true and if so where is the best place to buy a rebuilt one, is NAPA good as they can order one.
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 08:30 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

I think I paid 63 dollars at Checker for rebuilt, lifetime warranty. You use your old tanks and it comes with new grommets
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 08:30 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

I can see it is leaking from the seal that is located in between the reservior and the base where it goes into the cyc. I have been told you need a special tool to replace the seal and the reserviors. Is this true and if so where is the best place to buy a rebuilt one, is NAPA good as they can order one.
I think you need a special tool! plus if the bore is worn you are better off with a new/rebuilt one. Sorry to say this but there was a guy on here selling about a dozen brand new ones dirt cheap a few months ago...that's where I got mine... you might want to post a WTB in c4 parts.

Otherwise, I think highly of NAPA, buy almost everything there. I think there price on rebuild was around $ 119.00. Got to be carefull though, there are always two levels of rebuild for everything...level 1 all new parts, level 2 replace worn parts...go for level 1. If you have the budget to buy new, I would do that...brakes are mighty important

Jack
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 08:35 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (Southern Comfort)

I think I paid 63 dollars at Checker for rebuilt, lifetime warranty. You use your old tanks and it comes with new grommets

:D :D :D I think he would be better off getting one with the reservoirs already installed! :D

Just my HO :D

:seeya

:steering:
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 08:58 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

I guess the question I have is how do you install the reservior ?? If I knew
that I could fix it myself with a new seal.
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

:cheers: The factory manual as well as Chilton's has the info. If you don't have the manuals, don't buy them to solve this problem, buy the complete Master Cylinder...rember, you are dealing with the brakes, which I personally consider the most important part of the car...I can survive a lot of high speed failures, but not brakes!

:seeya

:steering:
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Old Sep 16, 2003 | 09:56 PM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

I agree with the critical nature and am just going to buy a new one tomorrow and solve the problem. Thanks for all the help and I do have the 88 brake manual and it advises you need a special tool.
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Old Sep 17, 2003 | 04:46 AM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (lee.anderson)

new MC for my 85 was $120 at Ecklers. Their NEW part beat all the local REMAN units by at least $80 bucks!!!
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Old Sep 17, 2003 | 08:42 AM
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Default Re: Master Cyclinder leak problem, is there an easy fix ??? (CentralCoaster)

New MC for the '88's are a little more expensive. I got mine from TLD about 2 months ago for about 160. Worth every penny for a new AC Delco unit ready to bolt in. Couldn't be happier. Mine was leaking from the same spot. I think it's worth the money to get all new. It has the resevoirs and everything on there ready to go.

Chris
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