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HELP changing master cylinder


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tomhart86
New User

Oct 3, 2008, 6:09 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1616 views)
post icon HELP changing master cylinder Sign In

I have a 1999 chevy venture and am not getting any brake fluid to the rear brakes. When the brake pedal is depressed at first it seems to take and then goes to the floor rather quickly. I have been told that this is probably because of a bad master cylinder. Anyone have any suggestions. If it is the master cylinder is it easy to change. How long, HOW do you do it, etc..

thanks


(This post was edited by tomhart86 on Oct 3, 2008, 6:16 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 4, 2008, 4:00 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1610 views)
Re: HELP changing master cylinder Sign In

http://www.autozone.com/...eId=0900c152800ab52c << Check that after comments below.

If fluid is full and has been in normal range and pedal can go to the floor and perhaps recover with pumping it does suggest air in the system or a faulty master cylinder. Rule out leaks up front and first.

"Is it easy to change" Yes and No!

Depending on whether you have ABS or not will change the procedures. Just poked around and found they suggest 'on vehicle' bleeding of a replacement master cyl and that this system uses a diagonal split system. Order will be important. At now 10 years old, bleeders at wheels, flare nut lines and perhaps other areas may not cooperate easily and take this right off the average DIY list.

Check with the procedures at link above for the exact application and decide whether you think this is in your area of DIY skills,

T



tomhart86
New User

Oct 4, 2008, 9:45 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1605 views)
Re: HELP changing master cylinder Sign In

Thanks for the info a new master has been ordered. I'll let ya know how i make out and if this fixes the problem.
tom


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 4, 2008, 3:44 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1599 views)
Re: HELP changing master cylinder Sign In

Hey Tom,

With your description so far it's likely bad. Nobody want to do unnecessary work but when these give warnings like a VERY low pedal with no other air or leak then that's enough for my taste money or not.

If - and it's still in with what I'm reading it is totally the fault of the master know they can be intermittent and work fine for a day - month - year -- who knows.......... OR THAT BE IT AND YOU GET THE UNWELCOME SURPRISE OF NEAR NO BRAKING ACTION of course when you need them most.

Note: If you have rear drum brakes then pumping a pedal will raise the spot where they feel firmer higher up on the brake pedal - especially noted when self adjuseters have not kept up with normal wear. That is somewhat common but doesn't happen by surprise and returns to the low pedal after a relatively short time after use of the brakes.

Also note that a failed master cylinder might usually fade away from you slowly but not always so it leave questions that pretty much only replacing it are going to solve.

If not too rusty with lines and bleeders this is doable - pay attention to how you bleed out the system for the specific vehicle and you should be good to go,

T







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