Master Cylinder Replacement
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 62
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From: Fayetteville NC
Master Cylinder Replacement
I am replacing my brake master cylinder. I rounded off the nut that holds the line into the bottom of the master cylinder. It looks like those nuts don't just slide off for easy replacement. Do I need to replace that entire line now, or is there a way I can replace just that nut? Also, where can I find the parts? I've checked Ecklers and Madvet.com, but the only lines I've seen there are the lines at each wheel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
You hate life....In order to replace those fittings you have to cut the line, remove/replace the fittings, and flare the brake line again. After all that you will have to wrestle everything to line up. You need a flare tool, and now is a good time for some line wrenches 
.....Or go get the biggest pair of vice grips and make stuff work
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Fayetteville NC
What is a flare tool, and what are line wrenches? And where do I get all of this stuff? I still haven't been able to locate the fittings. Would I be better off to just replace that entire line?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Rockton IL
It sounds like you didn't use a metric flare nut wrench. If there is yet any definition to the shape of the nut, you might try that. Perhaps you can file the faces enough to get a flare nut wrench to work. Otherwise, it is the vise grips you'll need.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Fayetteville NC
Yeah, I wasn't using the flare nut wrenches. I've bought a small set since then. I used the vice grips to get it off. I ordered a new piece from justcorvettes.com. So I will deal with the rounded nut until I get the new piece of pipe out of another vette. Yet another lesson learned! Thanks everyone.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Fayetteville NC
Will air in the system cause me to have no brakes whatsoever? I put the new master cylinder on, and now the car won't even hold still with the brake pedal to the floor and tranny in gear. The only thing I can think of is if there is still air in the system.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 60
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From: Rockton IL
If you lost fluid out of the pipe and/or didn't bleed the master cylinder, you do have air and no pedal. Bleed the system out starting at the right rear, left reat, right front, left front. Get all the old fluid out anyway. It's easier to do this with the wheels off.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by my1st_vette84
Will air in the system cause me to have no brakes whatsoever? I put the new master cylinder on, and now the car won't even hold still with the brake pedal to the floor and tranny in gear. The only thing I can think of is if there is still air in the system.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5
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From: moreno valley CA
Check this web site for an easy to make pressure bleeder. It works.
http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/bleeder.htm
I just used it to bleed the brakes in my '94 coupe and everything is working great. Be sure to bleed the prime pipe/proportioning valve first followed by the right rear, left rear, right front and finally left front.
Mid America also has a pressure bleeder for about $60.
Use a good (high boiling point) DOT 3 or 4 fluid.
Good luck.
http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/bleeder.htm
I just used it to bleed the brakes in my '94 coupe and everything is working great. Be sure to bleed the prime pipe/proportioning valve first followed by the right rear, left rear, right front and finally left front.
Mid America also has a pressure bleeder for about $60.
Use a good (high boiling point) DOT 3 or 4 fluid.
Good luck.
