Master Cylinder

[Anthony Drago]

Hello again,
I'm trying to rebuild a master cylinder for my 71. It's the correct one, dual bleader, part number, etc. Took the piston out from the back, removed clip and it came out easily. My question is: Is there another piston in the front part that has to be removed? The rebuild kit that I got from the local parts store came with only one piston that matches the one I removed. In the CSM it describes removing another piston by using compressed air. If this is true, either I picked up the wrong rebuild kit or the "other" piston does not have to be replaced. Or maybe it is just removed to hone the cylinder. Help!
Thanks, Anthony

[Joe L.]

Re: Master Cylinder

Anthony------

There are TWO pistons in your 1971 master cylinder. The primary piston is supplied as part of the master cylinder repair kit. The secondary piston is NOT supplied as part of the kit and is NOT otherwise available. There MAY be seals supplied with your master cylinder repair kit which need to be installed on the secondary piston, though. To remove the secondary piston you first have to remove the piston stop screw which is located in the bottom of the forward resevoir. Then, if necessary, you can use compressed air to force the piston out of the bore.

Be advised that you should inspect the master cylinder bore carefully (as best you can with a small penlight) to check for ANY damage or corrosion to the bore. If there is ANY, I recommend that the master cylinder be brass or stainless steel sleeved. In my experience, master cylinders which are honed to clean up even minor imperfections of the bore just don't seem to be able to hold the pressures they must.

[Anthony Drago]

Re: Master Cylinder

Thanks Joe, that makes sense on the secondary piston. On rebuilding myself I thought it would be "fun" a learning experience. I guess I learned enough to this point. Your thoughts on having it resleeved sounds good.
I have been trying to locate a local service here in the Atlanta area to do the job with no luck. I'll make a few calls tomorrow. Someone on the board reccomended White Post in Va. Have any thoughts on them or any other shops that would restore the MC?
Anthony

[Joe L.]

Re: Master Cylinder

Anthony------

I'd recommend White Post (www.whitepost.com) or Apple Hydraulics (www.applehydraulics.com). I've never had work done by either, but I've heard many good recommendations for them from folks I trust.

Other sources include most of the major brake parts rebuilders like Dr. Vette of New Philadelphia, OH, Vette brakes of Tampa/Clerawater, FL, and Stainless Steel Brakes of Clarence, NY. All of these only do stainless steel sleeving. I feel that brass is better for master cylinders, which White Post and Apple do.

[Anthony Drago]

Thanks Joe

Thanks Joe

[Scott Marzahl]

Apple Hydraulics

Anthony,
I just used Apple Hydraulics and they did a superb job of installing a brass sleeve in my '67 M/C. The casting came back spotless and timely. Very reasonable too.